Former WWE superstar 'Rowdy' Roddy Piper dies at 61

Former wrestler 'Rowdy' Roddy Piper, who was also known for his time in the WWE in the 1980s, has passed away. He was 61.

Piper died in his sleep from natural causes, according to the Hollywood Reporter. He is survived by his wife, Kitty, and their four children.

Know for wearing a kilt in the ring, the Canada was one of the main stars of the wrestling circuit from the mid-1980s. He was the perfect heel to Hulk Hogan's mega face persona.

During his career, he won more than 30 titles and was inducted into wrestling's WWE Hall of Fame in 2005.

His death comes a month after that of Dusty Rhodes, another Hall of Fame member, aged 69.

"Roddy Piper was one of the most entertaining, controversial and bombastic performers ever in WWE," said company chairman Vince McMahon.

Piper gained praise for acting roles later in his career, starring in lead role in the cult 1988 film "They Live". He acted in dozens of films and TV shows, including being a guest on "Saturday Night Live".

"They Live" director John Carpenter, said, "He was an under-rated actor and just a marvellous entertainer and I feel like I've just lost one of my close friends." Tributes on Twitter poured in from the wrestling community.

"One of the true greats of all time. My heart goes out to his family and the fans he entertained over the years. RIP Rowdy," posted John Cena. Retired Iranian-American wrestler Iron Sheik said, "RODDY PIPER. I LOVE YOU FOREVER. GOD BLESS YOU BUBBA."

(With inputs from dna webdesk)