Mumbai: Legendary wrestler James Harris also known as Kamala passes away at 70 years old. His death was confirmed was Cauliflower Alley Club on Sunday evening. Harris is best known for his “Ugandan Giant” character during the golden era of WWF.
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
Harris actively worked in pro wrestling from 1978 until 2010, including a 1984 WWF debut in a program with Hulk Hogan. Harris had his leg amputated in 2011 due to medical complications from diabetes and high blood pressure, however the cause of death Sunday is unknown, according to multiple reports.
Wrestling in WWF as Kamala, Harris never held championship gold. He competed many times against Hogan for the world title, and also battled with the Freebirds and Von Erich family in World Class Championship Wrestling. Other notable opponents included the Ultimate Warrior and the Undertaker, who retired earlier this year after his final match at Wrestlemania.
WWE is saddened to learn that James Harris, known to WWE fans as Kamala, has passed away at age 70.https://t.co/d0kGY4GcTO
— WWE (@WWE) August 10, 2020
As Kamala, Harris’ final appearances were in comedic roles with WWE. He competed at Wrestlemania 17 in a legend’s “battle royal.” The winner of the WrestleMania battle royal, the Iron Sheik, reacted Sunday evening to the news, saying “God Bless the Kamala, he always put on a show for the fans. Good big man who worked the gimmick better than most. It breaks my heart. RIP Kamala.”
While Harris suffered from multiple health ailments, Paul Guzzo of the Tampa Bay Times reported in 2019 that former pro wrestler Brian Blair organized a GoFundMe that successfully raised thousands of dollars to go toward Harris’ mounting medical bills and taxes in less than a month. A number of current/former WWE stars contributed, according to Guzzo, including Chris Jericho.