Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.
Captain Lou Albano, pro wrestling manager, dies
Captain Lou Albano, the charismatic professional wrestler who appeared in several Cyndi Lauper music videos, including "Girls Just Want To Have Fun," has died. He was 76.
World Wrestling Entertainment confirmed the death Wednesday on its Web site. He was under hospice care at his home before his death.
Albano began performing with WWE in the 1970s and was inducted into its hall of fame in 1996. He began his wrestling career in Canada in 1953.
Albano expanded his fan base greatly when he played Lauper's father in the video for her hit single "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun" in the early days of MTV in 1983. He later claimed to be the catalyst for her success, according to WWE.
Support for LAist comes from
He was most notable in professional wrestling for playing a wrestling manager character later in his career. His trademark Hawaiian shirts, rubberbanded beard, and memorable speaking style helped make him a larger-than-life character.
His fame went on to include staring in television programs such as kids' television show The Super Mario Bros. Super Show, as well as movies.
Albano released an autobiography in 2008 titled Often Imitated, Never Duplicated: Captain Lou Albano with a foreword by Cyndi Lauper.
Charity organization Wrestlers Rescue is raising money to help the family pay for Albano's medical expenses.
This story incorporates content from KPCC's wire services.
As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.
Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.
No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.
Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.
Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
The union representing the restaurant's workers announced Tuesday that The Pantry will welcome back patrons Thursday after suddenly shutting down six months ago. -
If approved, the more than 62-acre project would include 50 housing lots and a marina less than a mile from Jackie and Shadow's famous nest overlooking the lake.
-
The U.S. Supreme Court lifted limits on immigration sweeps in Southern California, overturning a lower court ruling that prohibited agents from stopping people based on their appearance.
-
Censorship has long been controversial. But lately, the issue of who does and doesn’t have the right to restrict kids’ access to books has been heating up across the country in the so-called culture wars.
-
With less to prove than LA, the city is becoming a center of impressive culinary creativity.
-
Nearly 470 sections of guardrailing were stolen in the last fiscal year in L.A. and Ventura counties.
Best of LAist