Gene Okerlund Dies: WWE Interviewer Dubbed “Mean Gene” By Jesse Ventura Was 76; Hulk Hogan, Others Tweet Tributes
Gene Okerlund, the WWE interviewer dubbed “Mean Gene” by wrestler Jesse “The Body” Ventura, has died, according to the WWE. He was 76.
A cause of death was not immediately available.
“Mean Gene I love you my brother,” tweeted Hulk Hogan today. (See that tweet, and others, below).
A WWE Hall of Famer, Okerlund began his career in radio and local TV, and became an announcer with American Wrestling Associations in the early 1970s. He joined what would become the WWE in 1984, where, as the WWE notes, he became a national cable presence through interviews with such wrestling superstars as Hulk Hogan (who inducted Okerlund into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2006), “Macho Man” Randy Savage, The Ultimate Warrior, among many others.
Okerlund moved over to WWE rival World Championship Wrestling in 1993, where as the lead interviewer he posed questions to an expanding roster of familiar pros, including Diamond Dallas Page and Goldberg.
Though he was probably best known for his interviews, Okerlund provided ringside commentary and hosted wrestling programs such as All-American Wrestling, Tuesday Night Titans, Wrestling Challenge and Prime Time Wrestling. In 1985, he sang the National Anthem at the first WrestleMania, and later that year sing “Tutti Frutti” on WWE’s The Wrestling Album.
He returned to WWE in 2001 for the Gimmick Battle Royal at WrestleMania 17 and continued to appear on such WWE television programs as WWE Network’s Legends’ House. More recently, one year ago this month Okerlund appeared on the WWE’s 25th anniversary episode of Raw.
Mean Gene I love you my brother HH
— Hulk Hogan (@HulkHogan) January 2, 2019
Well, they say the good die young, Monsoon, so I don't know what that says about Okerlund, but I'm gonna miss that creepy little bald bastard. Hittin' the sportsbook at Caesar's won't be the same without him. #RIPMeanGene
— Jesse Ventura 2020 (@ModernDayBody) January 2, 2019
Just heard Mean Gene Okerlund has passed away. 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.
Condolences to his friends and family.— Steve Austin (@steveaustinBSR) January 2, 2019
Extremely sad news to hear of the unfortunate passing of Mean Gene Okerlund. One of the most iconic interviewers and personalities of my childhood, and one of the very best in the business.
Rest In Peace Gene.
— Ligero (@Ligero1) January 2, 2019
#RIPGeneOkerlund pic.twitter.com/GjS5wsjOIm
— Dustin Rhodes (@Goldust) January 2, 2019
Oh wow! I just met Gene this past year. What a fun guy to be around! RIP Gene Okerlund
— Dylan Bostic (@Dylan_Bostic) January 2, 2019
Very sad news. I was a huge fan of Gene’s during his WWF run and enjoyed working with him and getting to know him in WCW. #RIPMeanGene https://t.co/piuE87jfUR
— Lance Storm (@LanceStorm) January 2, 2019
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