Credited as the most recognizable interviewer in sports-entertainment history by WWE, the famed announcer passed away at the age of 76 on January 2.
- Jan 3, 2019
AceShowbiz - Famed wrestling announcer 'Mean' Gene Okerlund has died at the age of 76.
Details regarding his date and cause of death have yet to be released, but World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) bosses announced his loss on Wednesday, January 02.
"WWE is saddened to learn that WWE Hall of Famer Gene Okerlund, the most recognisable interviewer in sports-entertainment history, has passed away at age 76," they stated.
Okerlund's longtime friend, Hulk Hogan, was among the first to pay tribute online, writing on Twitter, "Mean Gene I love you my brother."
Mean Gene I love you my brother HH
— Hulk Hogan (@HulkHogan) January 2, 2019
The announcer began his media career as a radio DJ in Nebraska before landing a job with the American Wrestling Association in 1970. He moved on to the WWE, then known as the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), in the 1980s, when he became known for his lighthearted interviews with sporting greats, including Hogan, Jesse Ventura, and the late 'Macho Man' Randy Savage and The Ultimate Warrior, real name James Brian Hellwig.
Hogan helped to induct his pal into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2006.
Okerlund had previously endured a number of health issues, and underwent two kidney transplants within a decade, with the second taking place in 2004.
