Legendary wrestling interviewer/personality “Mean” Gene Okerlund has passed away at the age of 76. WWE confirmed the news in a tweet Wednesday morning.
WWE is saddened to learn that WWE Hall of Famer Gene Okerlund, the most recognizable interviewer in sports-entertainment history, has passed away at age 76. https://t.co/DyPiEiVLoV
— WWE (@WWE) January 2, 2019
One of the most recognizable voices in professional wrestling, Okerlund enjoyed an illustrious three-decade career. His backstage interviews with the likes of Jesse Ventura, Hulk Hogan and Andre the Giant helped define one of the greatest eras of professional wrestling.
Current and former WWE superstars took to social media to send their condolences to Okerlund.
Mean Gene I love you my brother HH
— Hulk Hogan (@HulkHogan) January 2, 2019
The voice of my youth. Condolences to his friends and family. https://t.co/NoRha36c9k
— Mustafa Ali (@MustafaAli_X) January 2, 2019
https://twitter.com/bullyray5150/status/1080491549702664192
Mean Gene was the voice of millions of childhoods. Mine certainly. An honor to meet him. Condolences to his family. pic.twitter.com/krsMtbeNIl
— Ettore “Big E” Ewen (@WWEBigE) January 2, 2019
Of the very few regrets I harbor in my career, one was never getting to scream "Mean Gene" when answering the queries of a man who presence was larger than life and ingrained in the better memories of my childhood.
RIP Mean Gene.
My condolences to the Okerlund family.— Samoa Joe (@SamoaJoe) January 2, 2019
The entire Sports Al Dente teams sends its condolences to the Okerlund family during this difficult time.