Bobby Heenan

Bobby Heenan's Noteable Works & Biography

Is Bobby Heenan Dead or Alive? A Look Back at His Life and Legacy

The world of professional wrestling lost a legend in 2017 when Bobby Heenan, born Raymond Louis Heenan, passed away at the age of 72. Known for his charisma and wit, Heenan’s impact on the wrestling world is still felt today, years after his death. In this article, we’ll explore his early life, family, health battles, and eventual death.

Early Life

Born on November 1, 1944, in Chicago, Illinois, Bobby Heenan was raised by his father Robert, a railroad worker, and his mother Mildred, a hotel manager. Dropping out of school in the eighth grade to support his mother and grandmother, Heenan found solace in the world of wrestling. As a young fan growing up in Chicago and Indianapolis, he started working in the wrestling business by carrying bags, jackets, and selling refreshments at events.

Family Life

Bobby Heenan was married to Cynthia Jean Perrett, known as Cindy, from June 21, 1978, until his death in 2017. Together, they had a daughter named Jessica and two grandchildren. Heenan was not only well-loved by his family but also by his colleagues in the wrestling business. Despite their on-screen rivalry, Heenan was very close with his WWF broadcast partner Gorilla Monsoon. He also shared close friendships with announcers Gene Okerlund and Mike Tenay, as well as wrestlers Hulk Hogan and Ted DiBiase.

Health and Struggles

In January 2002, Bobby Heenan announced that he had been diagnosed with throat cancer. By 2004, the cancer went into remission, but the treatments took a significant toll on his health, causing drastic weight loss and altering his voice and appearance. Heenan underwent reconstructive surgery on his jaw in December 2007 but faced complications that required a medically induced coma.

Heenan eventually came out of the coma but was unable to speak for a time, communicating through eye movements. In December 2009, he was hospitalized for an infection in his rebuilt jaw. The last few years of his life were marred by a series of falls. Heenan broke his hip, shoulder, and pelvis in a fall in 2010, broke a shoulder in April April 2014, and broke a hip again in May 2016.

Death

Bobby Heenan passed away on September 17, 2017, at his home in Largo, Florida, surrounded by his family. The cause of death was organ failure due to complications from the throat cancer that had been in remission since 2004.

Heenan’s life and career had an immense impact on the wrestling world, and he is fondly remembered by fans and colleagues alike. His contributions to the industry will not be forgotten, and his legacy lives on.