Another wrestling legend passed away yesterday. It seems like they are leaving us in ever increasing numbers now, and it is sad. I speak now on the passing of legendary manager, Captain Lou Albano.The first time I ever saw Captain Lou was on a snowy, not too stable 19 inch TV hooked to a bent antenna on the roof of the cabin I occupied in the North of New England, sometime around 1980 or so. I am a little fuzzy about the details because that cabin was so far back in the boondocks that the TV itself was pretty fuzzy.
What I do remember though was that Captain Lou managed The Wild Samoans, that outrageous Island Tag Team that won the World Championship way back in the (former) WWF's archival past.
According to Wickipedia, "Louis Vincent Albano was an American professional wrestler, manager and actor. With an over-the-top personality and a penchant for boisterous declarations, "Captain" Lou Albano was the epitome of the antagonistic manager that raised the ire of wrestlers and incited the anger of spectators. Throughout his 42-year career, Albano guided 15 different tag teams and four singles competitors to championship gold."
"A unique showman, with an elongated beard, rubber band facial piercings, and loud outfits, he was the forefather of the 1980s Rock 'n' Wrestling Connection. Collaborating with Cyndi Lauper, Albano helped usher in wrestling's crossover success with a mainstream audience. Capitalizing on his success, he later ventured into Hollywood with various television, film, and music projects."
That's the skinny, true enough, but a simple citing of the facts does poor justice to the man himself or how he touched people's lives. Captain Lou made it OK for people to be themselves. His outrageous look and behavior threw a bright spotlight on freedom of expression and individuality. That he could hold his own, even stand out among the likes of Bobby Heenan and Freddie Blassie spoke volumes about his personality and chutzpah.
One WWE Hall Of Famer, who lives here in Pensacola, Sika, The Wild Samoan, released a statement of condolance and respect honoring the passing of his long-time friend. It appears on the front page of Pensacola's All Pro Wrestling:
"I remember Captain Lou Albano as a beloved life long friend, a great wrestling professional and a beautiful, unselfish person. When my brother and I first came to Professional wrestling from Samoa, it was Captain Lou who showed us the kindness and respect that made us feel at home in America."
"Captain Lou was and always has been our brother and we will miss him as he travels onward from this earth to his new job as Manager to the stars."
I wish I had known Captain Lou personally. His dedication to charity and his lifelong commitment to individuality influenced me greatly. I am sad that he is gone.
