The professional wrestling legend known as “Rowdy” Roddy Piper has died at his Hollywood, California, home, officials and World Wrestling Entertainment said. He was 61.

“Rowdy” Roddy Piper during WWE WrestleMania 21, “WrestleMania Goes Hollywood” in 2005. Piper’s agent, Jay Schachter, said in a statement that “Rod passed peacefully in his sleep last night.”

“I am shocked and beyond devastated,” Schachter said. “He was an icon, a legend, an amazing man and a true friend.” In 2006, the WWE announced that Piper had been diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma and would receive treatment.

Piper, whose real name is Roderick George Toombs, joined World Wrestling Entertainment in 1984; before that he wrestled in the NWA.

Who Will Take Over The Company Once Vince McMahon Retires or Passes Away

Piper was known for his on-air feud with Hulk Hogan, and the wrestling entertainment company said Piper began his career as “one of the most-hated villains ever to step between the ropes.”

Piper and “Mr. Wonderful” Paul Orndorff took on Hogan and Mr. T in the first-ever WrestleMania. WWE calls the bout “one of the marquee main events in its history.”

Piper was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005. He was also named one of the WWE’s “Top 50 Villains.”

“Roddy Piper was one of the most entertaining, controversial and bombastic performers ever in WWE, beloved by millions of fans around the world,” WWE Chairman & CEO Vince McMahon said in a statement. “I extend my deepest condolences to his family.”

WWE Posts a New Photo Gallery of Queen Liv Morgan… — See Photos WWE Posted…

Piper starred in the 1988 John Carpenter cult classic sci-fi film “They Live.” Carpenter said he was “devastated” by the news. “He was a great wrestler, a masterful entertainer and a good friend,” Carpenter said in a post on Facebook.

Piper is survived by his wife, Kitty, and their four children. Other wrestlers shared the condolences and fond memories on Twitter.

RIP “Rowdy” Roddy Piper…I’ll never forgot you smashing a coconut over my head at WrestleMania XXVII pic.twitter.com/1g2EqaAN2O

— Matt Cardona (@ZackRyder) July 31, 2015

RODDY PIPER. I LOVE YOU FOREVER. GOD BLESS YOU BUBBA

RODDY PIPER. I LOVE YOU FOREVER. GOD BLESS YOU BUBBA

— The Iron Sheik (@the_ironsheik) July 31, 2015

Just heard my friend and a huge influence on me Hot Rod-Roddy Piper has passed away. Rest well friend, you will be missed. #lifeWellLived

Just heard my friend and a huge influence on me Hot Rod-Roddy Piper has passed away. Rest well friend, you will be missed. #lifeWellLived

— John Layfield (@JCLayfield) July 31, 2015

Complete shock to hear about Rowdy Roddy Piper. Thank you for so many great memories. you will be missed. R.I.P.

Complete shock to hear about Rowdy Roddy Piper. Thank you for so many great memories. you will be missed. R.I.P. pic.twitter.com/Ug3lTQg5BH

— D-von Dudley (@TestifyDVon) July 31, 2015

Heartbroken & numb @ news of Roddy Piper. One of my best friends. Many memories. Prayers & love to his family @ this time. RIP Hot Rod.

Heartbroken & numb @ news of Roddy Piper. One of my best friends. Many memories. Prayers & love to his family @ this time. RIP Hot Rod.

— SGT SLAUGHTER (@_SgtSlaughter) July 31, 2015

The legendary superstar passed away last month after reportedly suffering a blood clot. ‘Rowdy’ Roddy Piper reportedly died from a heart attack, according to his death certificate.

The WWE Hall of Famer – real name Roderick Toombs – passed away aged 61 after suffering a blood clot which led to cardiopulmonary arrest.

According to the document obtained by TMZ, the legendary wrestler had pulmonary embolism – a blood clot – which triggered his fatal heart attack.

he death certificate from the County of Los Angeles Department of Public Health also hints at the passion Piper had for his career. His work is listed as ‘professional wrestling’, which he is said to have done for 45 years – although he first match was actually aged 15 against Larry Hennig.

Roddy Piper was one of the most entertaining, controversial and bombastic performers ever in WWE… (1/2)

— Vince McMahon (@VinceMcMahon) July 31, 2015

…beloved by millions of fans around the world. I extend my deepest condolences to his family. (2/2)

— Vince McMahon (@VinceMcMahon) July 31, 2015

The wrestling world has paid tribute to Piper following his death, with WWE Chairman and CEO Vince McMahon leading the tributes.

He wrote: “Roddy Piper was one of the most entertaining, controversial and bombastic performers ever in WWE… beloved by millions of fans around the world. I extend my deepest condolences to his family.”

Ronda Rousey Just Confirmed She’s Pregnant For Travis Browne — See Ronda Rousey’s Pregnancy Scan…

Meanwhile, UFC champion ‘Rowdy’ Ronda Rousey – who was given the late star’s blessing to use his nickname – dedicated her recent win at UFC 190 to Piper.

She wrote: Thank you for the name…. And so much more…. Will do it justice and do you proud tomorrow…. This one’s for you Roddy….”