Black Bart (Richard Harris) Passes Away at 76 After Battle with Cancer
Richard Harris, known to fans as Black Bart, has passed away at the age of 76 after a prolonged battle with cancer. His wife, Linda, shared the sad news on social media, paying tribute to her husband with a heartfelt message.
“You might know him as Black Bart, but to me, he was my husband Ricky,” Linda wrote. “He left us this morning. He was pronounced at 5:26 this morning. He is Resting In Peace.”
Cancer Diagnosis and Final Days
Harris had revealed in early 2023 that he had been diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer, which had spread to his liver. Despite the tough diagnosis, Harris expressed his determination to fight the disease and began chemotherapy. In recent updates from his social media, it was shared that Harris was in hospice care, after stopping chemotherapy a few months ago. His passing marks the end of a hard-fought battle against cancer.
A Storied Wrestling Career
Black Bart’s wrestling career spanned over three decades, with memorable stints in major territories such as Mid-Atlantic Championship Wrestling, Championship Wrestling from Florida, and World Class Championship Wrestling. Bart also had brief runs in both WWE and WCW.
He was best known for his time in Texas, where he teamed up with JBL (John Layfield), and the duo won the Texas Tag Team Championship. JBL, who considered Bart a mentor, shared a touching tribute on social media, remembering their time together.
JBL’s Tribute to His Mentor
JBL posted a heartfelt tribute to Black Bart, recounting how the veteran wrestler mentored him and helped shape his career.
“Black Bart took me under his wing and taught me how to be a professional wrestler. We were tag champs in Texas—but we were also just buddies. We sat together in the dressing room while Bart spit in his trashcan and constantly joked about everything. Bart meant the world to me. I love you, big brother. RIP.”
Legacy
Bart’s legacy in professional wrestling is defined by his skill, mentorship, and the camaraderie he shared with his peers. His influence on wrestlers like JBL continues to be a testament to his character and impact on the business.
Wrestling Inc. extends its condolences to Richard Harris’s family and friends during this difficult time. Black Bart’s contributions to the wrestling world will always be remembered.