Doink The Clown Dead: Wrestler Passes Away At 55

Doink the clown is dead.

Matt Osbourne, the wrestler who portrayed the classic WWF character, passed away this weekend at the age of 55. There are only a few details about Osbourne’s death known at this time. According to PW Insider, Osbourne was found dead by his girlfriend in Texas where he had been living.

TMZ reports that no weapons were found at the scene. Police are planning an autopsy to determine the cause of death.

The WWE released a statement, writing:

“WWE is saddened by the news that Matt Osborne, aka the original Doink the Clown, has passed away. A rugged brawler in promotions like Mid-South Wrestling and World Championship Wrestling, Osborne made a major impact in WWE under the greasepaint of a prankster named Doink — one of the most enduring personas of the early ’90s. Our deepest condolences go out to Osborne’s family, friends and fans.”

Osbourne made his debut as the wrestling prankster in 1993. He only competed as Doink the Clown for one year. The WWF eventually let him go following a number of personal issues and the character was picked up by wrestler Ray Apollo.

Osbourne’s run as Doink the Clown was short-lived but the character he created lasted for decades. Osbourne even reprised the role of Doink the Clown during the Raw 15th Anniversary show.

Here are some clips of Doink the Clown.

Doink The Clown in Jerry Lawler’s King’s Court

Doink The Clown’s Debut

Doink fights the Kamikaze Kid.