Kamala: The Ugandan Giant Wrestler James Harris Dies at 70

Kamala, whose real name was James Arthur Harris, was an American professional wrestler best known for the Ugandan Giant character he played with face paint, a loincloth and a spear. Born on May 28, 1950, in Senatobia, Mississippi, he began wrestling in 1978 as "Sugar Bear" Harris.

Harris took on the Kamala persona in 1982 and wrestled for the WWF, the AWA, World Class and WCW. In the 1980s he faced Hulk Hogan for the WWF World Heavyweight Championship, and he won the USWA Unified World Heavyweight Championship four times between 1990 and 1992. He also wrestled in Japan and Mexico, and his last match came in 2010.

Harris had his left leg amputated in 2011 and his right leg in 2012 due to diabetes and high blood pressure. He published his autobiography, Kamala Speaks, in 2015. He married Emmer Jean Bradley in 2006 and had six children. He died of cardiac arrest in Oxford, Mississippi, on August 9, 2020, at age 70, with diabetes and COVID-19 as contributing conditions.

Achievements: Debuted as Kamala (1982), challenged Hulk Hogan for the WWF title, four-time USWA Unified World Heavyweight Champion, published Kamala Speaks (2015).

Birth: May 28, 1950 - Senatobia, Mississippi.

Profession: Professional wrestler.

Interesting Facts: He was a fan favorite for his intimidating look and for the "Kamala" chants. He also wrote and performed music.