A sad day for wrestling fans as James Harris, better known as “The Ugandan Giant” Kamala has passed away at the age of 70.
The Kamala Character was born in the Memphis territory. Over the years, Jerry Lawler has told the story of shooting vignettes for the debut and character in the backyard of Jerry Jarrett and has admitted in the past that he was the one who initially painted the stars and moon on the body of Kamala.
Kamala would also have many stents in the WWE, in the late 80s he was a regular arrival of Andre the Giant and Hulk Hogan. In the 90s, he would feed with the Undertaker and participate in the first-ever “Coffin Match” at the 1992 WWE Survivor Series.
Unfortunately, Kamala would face health issues in later years losing both of his legs in a battle with diabetes. According to Jason King, who spoke with Kamala's wife, Kamala tested positive for COVID 19 on Wednesday and was hospitalized that night. He went into cardiac arrest and passed away on Sunday.
Kamala will forever be one of wrestling is great giants and the only thing that matched his stature was his legacy.
The CAC family wishes to extend our sincerest condolences to the family friends and fans the world over upon the news that the legendary James "Kamala" Harris has passed away at the age of 70. Rest in Peace James. pic.twitter.com/7p0LUkkU4P
— CauliflowerAlleyClub (@CACReunion) August 9, 2020
WWE released a statement in acknowledgment of Harris' passing.
Kamala passes away
WWE is saddened to learn that James Harris, known to WWE fans as Kamala, has passed away at age 70.
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.
He terrorized opponents and thrilled audiences in Mid-South, World Class Championship Wrestling, WCW and WWE until 2006.
WWE extends its condolences to Harris' family, friends and fans.
AEW also released a statement. While Harris never got to be affiliated with the promotion, his work entertained many, and AEW are known to embrace the past.
AEW and the wrestling world mourn the passing of wrestling legend James “Kamala” Harris, our thoughts are with his family, his friends and his fans.#RIPKamala pic.twitter.com/kYMMusLJXJ
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEWrestling) August 10, 2020
Fightful send its condolences to Kamala’s family, friends, and fans.
