WWE Hall of Famer 'Rowdy' Roddy Piper dies at 61

Roderick George Toombs, better known to the world as WWE Hall of Famer "Rowdy" Roddy Piper, died Friday. He was 61.

According to Variety.com, Piper went into cardiac arrest while he was asleep in his home in California about noon.

Piper's family confirmed his death in a statement obtained by TMZ.

"Our family is saddened by the sudden passing of our father and beloved husband, Roderick Toombs aka Rowdy Roddy Piper."

WWE Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Vince McMahon also released a statement regarding Piper's death.

"Roddy Piper was one of the most entertaining, controversial and bombastic performers ever in WWE, beloved by millions of fans around the world," he said. "I extend my deepest condolences to his family."

Piper made his professional wrestling debut in the late 1960s and quickly made a name for himself in the National Wrestling Alliance throughout the 1970s.

After more than a decade in the NWA, he made the jump to the WWE on a full-time basis in 1984.

While Hulk Hogan was enthralling fans as the promotion's top good guy, Piper opposed Hogan as its top villain.

Armed with a kilt, a white T-shirt, some wisecracks and a fiery Scottish temper, Piper became Hogan's top rival during the wrestling boom of the 1980s. He faced Hogan in a tag team match in the main event of the very first WrestleMania, teaming with "Mr. Wonderful" Paul Orndorff against Hogan and television star Mr. T.

Piper eventually used his success in wrestling as a vehicle for success in film, as he had a role in more than two dozen.

His most famous role came when he starred in John Carpenter's They Live alongside Keith David.

Piper's popularity in and out of the ring helped him gain induction into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005 alongside longtime rival Hogan.

Piper is survived by his wife Kitty and their four children.