Professional wrestler Richard Harris, better known by his ring name Black Bart, passed away on Thursday after a battle with cancer. Harris, who was 76, had announced his stage 4 cancer diagnosis in early 2023, revealing that the disease had spread to his liver. Despite his courageous fight, he decided to end chemotherapy treatment in recent weeks and was in hospice care.
Harris's wife, Linda, confirmed his passing on social media, saying, "You might know him as Black Bart, but to me, he was my husband Ricky. He left us this morning. He is Resting In Peace."
Black Bart had a remarkable career spanning over three decades, wrestling in various promotions including Mid-Atlantic Championship Wrestling, Championship Wrestling from Florida, World Class Championship Wrestling, WWE, and WCW. He was known for his journeyman's career, winning championships in the Florida and Mid-Atlantic territories, and mentoring many wrestlers, including WWE Hall of Famer John Bradshaw Layfield.
The Cauliflower Alley Club, which honored Black Bart with its Courage Award in 2024, extended its heartfelt sympathies to his loved ones and admirers worldwide. Layfield paid tribute to his mentor, saying,
"Black Bart took me under his wing and taught me how to be a professional wrestler. We were tag champs in Texas, but we were also just buddies. Bart meant the world to me."
Black Bart's legacy will live on through the memories he created in the wrestling world and the lives he touched. Our condolences go out to his family, friends, and fans.
