Speaking on behalf of the Albano family, Wrestler's Rescue is sad to report that Captain Lou Albano has died at his home in New York. He was 76.

Wrestler's Rescue e-mailed that Albano carved his niche in pro wrestling history throughhis gift of gab, noted by former World Wide Wrestling Federation champion Bruno Sammartino.

Wearing his trademark rubber bands and Hawaiian shirts, Albano enjoyed a rich 42-year career as a wrestler, manager and personality, most notably in the WWWF/World Wrestling Federation. He is a former WWWF U.S. tag team champ. As a manager, he led 15 different tag teams to championship gold and also guided four singles champions.

Albano gained worldwide fame as pop music star Cyndi Lauper's father in the smash hit video Girls Just Wanna Have Fun. He also helped bridge the famous rock and wrestling connection through Lauper and the WWF.

Albano, a World Wrestling Entertainment Hall of Famer, managed many successful tag teams including the Wild Samoans, the Moondogs, the Blackjacks, the Valiant Brothers, Mr. Fuji and Mr. Saito, the U.S. Express (Barry Windham and Mike Rotundo). He also managed the Russian Bear Ivan Koloff when he ended Sammartino's seven-year title run in the WWWF.

Albano also had some other television and movie fame, nabbing a prominent role in the comedic movie Wise Guys which starred Danny DeVito and Joe Piscopo.

The family is planning funeral services. Please respect its privacy during this tough time. Wrestler's Rescue will provide updates.

Visit WrestlersRescue.Org or e-mail WrestlersRescue@aol.com.

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