“Kamala” Harris, the wrestling star of the 1980s, called the “Ugandan Giant”, has died at the age of 70.
James Harris, who chose the stage name ‘Kamala’ for his debut in 1984 with World Wrestling Entertainment (formerly World Wrestling Federation), enjoyed a two-decade long career in the ring, and went up against the biggest superstars of the sport, including Hulk Hogan, the Undertaker and his French counterpart, André de Giant.
At 6-foot-7 and 350 pounds, “he terrorized opponents and coveted audiences in Mid-South, World Class Championship Wrestling, WCW and WWE until 2006,” WWE said on its website. The cause of death has not been immediately clarified.
Not much was known about Kamala’s life before he started sports entertainment, other than that he was a savage from the wild, who apparently worked as a bodyguard for former Ugandan leader Idi Amin. “He was never seen without Kim Chee, because he did not speak English – only spoke in loud yells and grunts – and looked like a real jungle beast,” wrote the WWE.
Wrestlers and fans took to social media to pay their respects.
‘Rest in peace Kamala. One of my favorites to watch as a kid. I’m so glad I was able to share the ring with you throughout my career. Your bigger than life figure will live in our company forever, ‘wrote WWE referee Tom Castor.
Iranian wrestler said the Iron Sheik, “GOD BLESSES THE KAMALA WHICH HE ALWAYS SHOWS FOR THE FANS GOOD BIG MEN THAT THE GIMMICK WORKS BETTER THEN DO IT WITH THE HEART #ripkamala.”
“Another legend who deserved to be in @WWE Hall of Fame and ALIVE when that time came,” retired wrestler Da Pope, whose real name is Elijah Burke, said on Instagram. ‘A round of great talent and a good man who came over and stood out wherever he went. RIP to the great ‘Ugandan Giant’ Kamala. His memory will live on forever. ”
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