Where is rowdy roddy piper today

But it was outside the realm of entertainment that Piper, born Roderick George Toombs, endured and overcame the most -- from an unforgiving childhood in tiny, remote parts of Canada, to beating cancer in his 50s. For Toombs, one of four children born to Piper and his wife, Kitty, the opportunity to share her father's story with the world was one she couldn't pass up. It was a project Piper began himself in the years before his death, an opportunity to "shed the Roddy Piper image," his daughter said, and move on to a different chapter in his life.

For Piper, the journey included trips back to his Canadian roots to meet with family and friends to hear their stories. Ultimately, it was a journey that was cut short by his death.

Three months later, Craig Pyette, the book's editor, approached Toombs and her brother and asked about their interest in taking the finished research and recordings and completing the project.

Toombs was initially reluctant, with the emotional wound still so fresh, but the process forced her to deal with her father's death in a way that also helped the impact of his life resonate for so many others.

It was a decision Toombs deemed "the most emotionally rewarding" project she had ever taken on. One of Piper's greatest motives in writing the book was to get to know himself better, his daughter said. But the process ultimately helped Toombs and her brother do the same, with the subsequent interviews of Piper's pro wrestling contemporaries helping to bring him back to life.

Toombs hopes that fans of Piper will draw inspiration from the many hardships in her father's life that he was able to turn into positives. The book goes into great detail describing just how much the harsh realities of Piper's youth helped shape the wrestling character he would become, as he was forced to be clever just to get by.

Piper built a reputation as one of the biggest rebels in pro wrestling history -- both on screen and off. Not only was he a staunch protector of the business from outsiders a prevailing theme in his feud with actor Mr. IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. Politics Covid U. News World Opinion Business. Share this —. Follow NBC News. He picked up various odd jobs at local gyms and ran errands for several professional wrestlers.

He also became proficient in playing the bagpipes, although he wasn't sure how exactly he learned the skill.

He also served a tour of duty with the Canadian Army. Roddy Piper's glorious wrestling career. Piper's childhood was pretty rough, but all these hard circumstances molded him into becoming the youngest professional wrestler at the age of Piper's feud with Hulk Hogan made him extremely popular. Piper was disqualified from the match which led to Hogan claiming the WWF title.

Two of the Hall of Famer's children, Colt and Teal, have followed their father's footsteps into the pro wrestling ring. Piper is remembered as one of the great villains in WWE history, as well as one of the seminal figures of the golden age of the s.

We strive for accuracy and fairness. If you see something that doesn't look right, contact us! Subscribe to the Biography newsletter to receive stories about the people who shaped our world and the stories that shaped their lives.

WWE Hall of Famer 'Macho Man' Randy Savage was known for the trademark growl and flamboyant costumes that made him one of pro wrestling's biggest stars of the s and '90s. Booker T enthralled and inspired countless fans over the course of his wrestling career. Canadian pro wrestler Bret 'Hitman' Hart became a popular WWE champion thanks to his smooth style and technical proficiency. John Cena is a professional wrestler who took home the United States WWE Championship in March and has since expanded his career into movies and television.

Ultimate Warrior was a professional wrestling champion and WWE Hall of Famer who thrilled fans with his immense strength and high-energy performances.