Captain Lou Albano, Pro Wrestling Manager, Dies at 76

Once a part of the legendary WWF/WWE wrestling circuit, wrestling manager Captain Lou Albano has passed away at the age of 76.

Captain Lou Albano, a longtime manager in the professional wrestling circuit, has passed away at the age of 76. Cause of death has not been disclosed as of press time. Lou Albano (born Louis Vincent Albano) became a part of professional wrestling during the 1950s. In the 1960s he was a tag team partner Tony Altimore. They were dubbed "The Sicilians" and portrayed themselves as mafioso stereotypes. Eventually Albano morphed into a wrestling manager, promoting matches for his various tag teams and individual wrestlers to include Hulk Hogan. His loud, outgoing personality (often decorated with a rubberbanded beard and Hawaiian shirt) put him in the forefront of the wrestling world spotlight, particularly with the Vince McMahon-run WWF/WWE. Albano also transcended the wrestling world and made notable appearances in other media. He portrayed Cindi Lauper's father in three of her videos, including "Girls Just Want To Have Fun". He also appeared in television shows "Miami Vice" and "227". Albano was also the voice of Mario in the "Mario Bros." animated series, appearing as Mario during live segments. Albano retired from the wrestling world in 1995.