Legendary former WWE backstage interviewer “Mean” Gene Okerlund has died at the age of 76.
The iconic interviewer was frequently seen on-screen in the 1980s and was famous for his announcing, ringside commentary and conversations with stars including Hulk Hogan.
The news was announced on Wednesday by a spokesman for WWE, who dubbed Mr Okerlund “the most recognisable interviewer in sports-entertainment history”.
The spokesman said: “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.”
A cause of death was not immediately available.
Hundreds of tributes poured in on social media for Mr Okerlund, who wrestler and business executive Triple H called “a voice and soundtrack to an entire era of our industry”.
“Mean Gene I love you my brother,” retired professional wrestler Hulk Hogan wrote.
WWE’s Stephanie McMahon added: “Gene Okerlund was an incredibly rare talent. He made everything and everyone better. Thank you Mean Gene for all the incredible memories.
“Our condolences to his family and loved ones.”
“Just heard Mean Gene Okerlund has passed away,” retired wrestler Steve Austin wrote.
“As an interviewer, pitch man, announcer, or host, he was untouchable. Simply the best. Total professional with quick wit, sarcasm, humor, and that golden voice.”
Born in December 1942 as Eugene Okerlund, the wrestling interviewer was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2006 by Hulk Hogan and was signed to a lifetime contract with WWE.
Mr Okerlund, who underwent kidney transplants in 1995 and 2004, made his final appearance on WWE TV in January 2018 but continued to make personal appearances.
