WWE wrestler "Rowdy" Roddy Piper has died at age 61.

Early reports of the cause of death suggests that he died in his sleep from a heart attack.

"Rod passed peacefully in his sleep last night," Piper's agent Jay Schacter said. “I am shocked and beyond devastated. He was an icon, a legend and a true friend.”

Born in Saskatchewan, Canada, Piper -- whose real name was Roderick Toombs -- was one of the core members of the 80s-era WWF, which subsequently changed its name to WWE.

He joined WWE Inc. in 1984 after a successful career with a rival group, the National Wrestling Alliance.

He headlined the first WrestleMania in 1985, working a faux-Scottish angle in a tag-team match (along with Mr. Wonderful Paul Orndorff) against Hulk Hogan and Mr. T, and then against Hulk Hogan in a television special that year, "The War To Settle The Score" on MTV.

Piper became Intercontinental Champion in 1992, briefly served as the interim president of the WWE in 1996 and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2005.

He quickly became one of the sport's most hated villains and memorable characters.

Tributes and condolences have poured in following news of his sudden demise:

Roddy Piper was one of the most entertaining, controversial and bombastic performers ever in WWE... (1/2)

— Vince McMahon (@VinceMcMahon) July 31, 2015

...beloved by millions of fans around the world. I extend my deepest condolences to his family. (2/2)

— Vince McMahon (@VinceMcMahon) July 31, 2015

I am shocked and saddened to hear of Roddy Piper's passing. He was one of a kind and one of the all time greats. #prowrestling

— Steve Austin (@steveaustinBSR) July 31, 2015

Heartbroken & numb @ news of Roddy Piper. One of my best friends. Many memories. Prayers & love to his family @ this time. RIP Hot Rod.

— SGT SLAUGHTER (@_SgtSlaughter) July 31, 2015

RIP "Rowdy" Roddy Piper...I'll never forgot you smashing a coconut over my head at WrestleMania XXVII pic.twitter.com/1g2EqaAN2O

— Zack Ryder (@ZackRyder) July 31, 2015

Here's an interview with Sgt. Slaughter from 1984, a mock talk show called "Piper's Pit", in which Piper would be at his characteristic trash talking best:

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