Thursday, October 15, 2009
Legendary wrestling manager Captain Lou Albano has died at the age of 76. Albano reached fame in the 1970s and 80’s during his time with the WWWF, later the WWF and WWE. Albano died while under hospice care at his New York home.
During his career as a manager he managed several wrestlers and tag teams including Don Muraco, Andre the Giant, The Iron Sheik and the Wild Samoans as well as several others. Throughout his career as a manager he managed over 50 wrestlers and guided them to two dozen championships. Before becoming a full time manager Albano was a wrestler himself even winning the WWF United States Tag Team Championship with Tony Altimore in 1967. Albano retired in 1996.
Outside of wrestling Albano appeared in several films and music videos. He played Cyndi Lauper’s father in her video “Girls Just Want To Have Fun” as well as three more of Lauper’s videos. His appearance in her videos caused WWF owner Vince McMahon to create the Rock ‘n’ Wrestling Connection.
He also played Mario in The Super Mario Bros. Super Show! along side Danny Wells.
Albano was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 1996, the same year as wrestlers he managed Pat Paterson and Jimmy “Superfly” Snuka.