Don Haggerty (real name Don Stansauk), known worldwide as Hard Boiled Haggerty died peacefully in his home in Malibu California on 27th January.

HB suffered a broken neck in June 2003 and that, coupled with a series of small strokes caused a rapid decline in his health. He was 78 years of age.

HB had his first pro match around 1952 and also wrestled as Don Sparrow. He was a former A.W.A. World tag team champion, holding the title with several partners including Gene Kiniski.

An instantly recognisable figure to sports and entertainment fans alike, with his thick neck, bald head and handlebar moustache, Haggerty spent a larger portion of his adult life in the public eye, first as a professional football player for the Green bay Packers and Detroit Lions, then as a professional wrestler, then as an actor in movies, television and commercials.

Among his countless film appearances: The Muppet Movie, Dirty Harry, Foxy Brown, Earthquake, Micky and Maude, The Wrestler and Paint your Wagon. On TV he was seen on Get Smart, The Bob Newhart Show, The Love Boat, Starsky and Hutch, Happy Days and the Incredible Hulk, just to name a few.

I did have some correspondence with HB many years back and my old friend Ken Kenneth used to tell me stories about him.

The wrestling and movie worlds have lost a giant and are saddened by his passing.