WWE Legend Vader Dead at 63
Leon White, who entertained millions of wrestling fans under the stage name “Vader,” died on Monday from pneumonia and complications from heart failure. He was 63. A tribute video to his career and a recent interview is included below.
White played briefly in the NFL for the Los Angeles Rams before an injury forced his retirement. He then became a wrestler in the 1980s, performing in various leagues in America and Japan. He eventually wrestled in the WCW and WWF – which later became the WWE – and retired in the early 2000s. He was officially known as “Big Van Vader” but often went by just “Vader.”
His personality and massive physique made him a fan favorite, and he often made appearances on TV and films.
The wrestler’s son announced his passing this morning via Twitter.
WWE star Vader, who made a name for himself in the ring and later in films and TV shows such as “Boy Meets World,” has died at the age of 63, his son announced on Twitter.
“Around a month ago my father was diagnosed with a severe case of Pneumonia. He fought extremely hard and clinically was making progress. Unfortunately, on Monday night his heart had enough and it was his time,” Vader’s son, wrestler Jesse Wright tweeted Wednesday morning.
Here is the announcement, posted to Twitter this morning.
It is with a heavy heart to inform everyone that my father, Leon White, passed away on Monday night (6/18/18) at approximately 7:25pm. pic.twitter.com/DYttSj7mk2
— Jesse White (@mr_JesseWhite) June 20, 2018
Vader, whose real name was Leon White, was diagnosed with congestive heart failure in 2016. According to TMZ, he was given only two years to live.
Vader revealed in April he was recovering well from open-heart surgery he had in March. Although the strongman said at the time that he was in good health, his surgery scar was nothing short of gnarly.
“They had me but I KICKED out 2 The surgeon confessed he had A few to many that’s why the scar is off center I OWE THAT MAN M LIFE THANK U JESUS,” the wrestler joked on Twitter on April 15.
Many fans may be familiar with Vader thanks to his numerous guest appearances on the hit ABC series “Boy Meets World,” where he played himself, but as the father of one of Cory Matthews’ friends, and occasional bully, Frankie Stechino. He also played himself on “Baywatch” and appeared in the film “Fist of the North Star.” Others may remember him from the ring where he clashed with the likes of Mick Foley.
Earlier this year, White showed off the scar he received from his heart surgery.
They had me but I KICKED out 2 The surgeon confessed he had A few to many that's why the scar is off centerer I OWE THAT MAN MY LIFE THANK U JESUS pic.twitter.com/gH1zNcYWDr
— Big Van Vader (@itsvadertime) April 16, 2018
This tribute video shows the highlight’s of Vader’s career.
In this video, White discusses his career and his heart failure diagnosis, which gave him only two years to live.
Our thoughts are with White’s family.
Post your thoughts on the passing of Vader in the comments section below.
