Wildman Jack Armstrong Former Wrestling Champion and Actor Dies at 79

I’m sorry to announce that I (lost) my best friend Wild Man Jack Armstrong, Laura Creavalle wrote on Facebook on Saturday, announcing the death of the former professional wrestling champion and actor at age 79. Leonard Ornstein, known professionally as “Wildman” Jack Armstrong, passed away over the weekend, rocking the pro wrestling world with news of his death.

Creavalle’s announcement came days after she posted about traveling to Los Angeles to assist Armstrong amid his failing health. They had to remove one of his legs (and) he is on dialysis, but his sense of humour still stays, she wrote previously, adding that she was glad to be by his side.

Wrestling Career and In-Ring Legacy

Armstrong’s real name was Leonard Ornstein, and he made his in-ring debut in 1963. He wrestled for 31 years before concluding his career in 1994, during which he became the UWF Junior Heavyweight Champion in 1994. Throughout his decades in the sport, he was known for his work in the AWA, Los Angeles, Georgia, and Japan.

Reflecting on their history together, Creavalle shared on Facebook that Armstrong had bought her first posing suit in Los Angeles and supported her for years when she was a beginner, struggling, broke, and homeless bodybuilder.

Film Appearances and Tributes

Beyond his time inside the squared circle, Armstrong appeared in a handful of films and television shows. His screen credits included Grunt! The Wrestling Movie, Bad Guys, and Body Slam.

Tributes followed from across the community. The Cauliflower Alley Club is saddened to learn of the passing of professional wrestler ‘Wild Man’ Jack Armstrong at 79, the organization wrote in a statement posted to X.

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