Richard “Black Bart” Harris, a professional wrestler, has died at the age of 76 after a long battle with Stage IV colon cancer, which had metastasized to his liver. His wife, Linda, publicized his death on social media on January 9, 2025, saying, “You might know him as Black Bart, but to me, he was my husband, Ricky. He left us this morning. He was pronounced dead at 5:26 a.m. on January 9, 2025. He is Resting in Peace.”
Harris, before stepping into the wrestling arena, worked as a bouncer in Texas. His professional wrestling career started in 1975. Initially, he fought under various aliases such as “Man Mountain Harris,” “Hangman Harris,” and “Hangman Ricky Harris,” before embracing the “Black Bart” character in the early 1980s which became synonymous with his career.
Leilani Kai, a former WWE star, expressed her condolences, stating, “Black Bart passed away today. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends. He was a good guy.”
Throughout his three-decade-long career, Harris gained a reputation for his vigorous, engaging in-ring style. He participated in various major wrestling promotions, including Mid-Atlantic Championship Wrestling, Georgia Championship Wrestling, Mid-South Wrestling, Championship Wrestling from Florida, World Class Championship Wrestling, Universal Wrestling Federation, and World Wrestling Federation (now WWE). He also achieved considerable success in All Japan Pro Wrestling, where his robust style was well-received by fans.
Harris’ most notable championship achievement was in June 1985 when he won the NWA National Heavyweight Championship against Ron Garvin. He also held the NWA Mid-Atlantic Heavyweight Championship and the WCWA World Heavyweight Championship during his career. As part of the Texas Long Riders tag team with “Outlaw” Ron Bass, he became a force in the tag team division before joining the Desperados in WCW alongside Dutch Mantell.
In 2022, Harris was diagnosed with Stage IV cancer. He also battled other health issues, including diabetes and having undergone heart bypass surgery in 2015. He discontinued chemotherapy treatment after his insurance company ended coverage at a rehabilitation facility and chose to return home instead.
After his cancer announcement in March 2023, the wrestling fraternity rallied around Harris. A tribute show was held in his honor, and in 2024, the Cauliflower Alley Club commended his bravery by awarding him with their esteemed Courage Award. The organization lauded his larger-than-life persona, resonating voice, and commanding presence, describing him as a “true old-school cowboy who entertained fans around the world.”
John “Bradshaw” Layfield, a WWE Hall of Famer, formed a strong bond with Harris early in his career when Harris became his main trainer in the late 1980s. They subsequently formed a successful in-ring partnership, winning the Texas tag team championship. Their professional relationship evolved into a close friendship, with Harris often using a spittoon while sharing tales and jokes backstage.
Following his retirement from active competition in 2006, Harris founded a wrestling school, which produced several notable wrestlers. His teaching approach emphasized old-school wrestling basics and ring psychology. Despite leaving the ring, he stayed active in the wrestling community, mentoring young talent and imparting his decades of experience.
During his career, Harris worked with numerous wrestling legends, including Ric Flair, Dusty Rhodes, and the Von Erichs. AEW wrestler Dustin Rhodes recognized Harris’ influence, stating, “Black Bart taught me a ton in my younger years. Loved him to death.”
Even during his illness, Harris continued to interact with fans via social media, providing updates about his condition until shortly before his death. His commitment as a generous mentor and dedication to wrestling left a lasting impression on the professional wrestling industry.
