Doink the Clown has passed away. The ex-WWE star, who was played by Matt Osborne, was found dead today in Texas at the age of 57.
Details about Doink’s death aren’t known at the time but the WWE has released a statement about Osborne’s passing.
The WWE writes:
“Reports indicate 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.
“WWE is saddened by the news of Osborne’s passing. Our deepest condolences go out to Osborne’s family, friends and fans.”
Deadspin reports that Osbourne started his career as “Maniac” in 1978. He played various characters over the years and eventually joined the WCW in 1991 as Big Josh.
The following year, Osbourne moved to the WWF where he debuted Doink the Clown. PW Insider reports that Osbourne left the WWF after one year due to a a series of personal problems. Doink the Clown remained a character in the WWF, however, with Ray Apollo behind the mask.
Osbourne continued to wrestle in various independent leagues and even reprised the role of Doink for the Raw 15th Anniversary show.
Here’s a video of Doink the Clown.
