Former WWE star James ‘Kamala’ Harris has died. The wrestler, known as “Kamala the Ugandan Giant,” was 70.
The WWE confirmed Harris’ death in a statement. “Under the frightening face paint of Kamala, the 6-foot-7, 380-pound Harris battled the greatest Superstars in sports-entertainment history, including Hulk Hogan, The Undertaker, and Andre the Giant,” the statement reads. “He terrorized opponents and thrilled audiences in Mid-South, World Class Championship Wrestling, WCW, and WWE until 2006.”
The WWE did not reveal Harris’ cause of death. However, Kenny Casanova, the pro wrestler’s co-author, took to Facebook to write that James ‘Kamala’ Harris died from the coronavirus.
“To make matters worse, it was Corona that took him; he was one of the good ones,” Casanova writes. “Kamala was one of the most believable monsters in wrestling. He played the role perfectly, but was also one of the nicest guys you could meet. In helping him get his book out there, we became pretty close over the years and I am happy to have been his friend.”
Over the years, Harris battled a number of health issues. In recent years, his diabetes resulted in the amputation of both his legs, according to Fox News. In Casanova’s post, he writes that Harris’ extensive medical issues caused financial troubles. The author shared information for fans that may want to donate to Harris’ family.
At the beginning of Harris’ wrestling career, he went by the name “Sugar Bear Harris.” He then tried out several other stage names, but none of them stuck. However, a promoter later suggested that he base his wrestling persona on Idi Amin, the Ugandan dictator.
Many WWE fans likely remember Harris for entering the ring with body and face paint in addition to carrying a spear.
[H/T Fox News]
