We robots are deeply saddened at the death of former wrestler Randy Savage, who gave an amazingly memorable performance as “Bonesaw”, the wrestler who fought Spiderman in the 2002 film. He was killed in a car accident in Tampa last night when, according to police, he suffered a heart attack, lost control of the Jeep Wrangler he was driving, veered across the median and across traffic and collided with a tree. His wife, Lynn, was in the vehicle with him, both were wearing seatbelts, and alcohol was not a factor.
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ke7PGpUKZa4
But there was so much more to “Macho Man” Randy Savage than just Spiderman, at least as he related to my childhood and adolescence. I’ve been on record here at BSR before about not being a fan of professional wrestling per se (although according to Wikipedia he is one of the most decorated wrestlers ever), but I certainly remember his iconic voice. As “Bonesaw” he talked just like The Macho Man, and he lent that voice to several other projects. One of these was as the spokesman for Slim Jims during the 90’s. I still love these commercials– where The Macho Man would bust in someplace boring and ask them if they want excitement then “Snap into a Slim Jim!”
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PXTagE7BtRU
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y6eUueYKL88
And then there’s Space Ghost. In Espisode 51 of Space Ghost: Coast to Coast, Savage shows up as the voice of Grampa Space Ghost, visiting from Florida. He repeatedly threatens others and shows off his amazing physique in one of my top ten favorite Space Ghost episodes ever. This is not to be confused with the also good episode “Sleeper” which features Hulk Hogan.
Savage also appeared in other roles in several other shows and films, including Family Guy, King of the Hill, Dexter’s Laboratory, The Weird Al Show, Mad About You, Arli$$, The Jeff Foxworthy Show, Walker: Texas Ranger, and Baywatch.
Randy Savage, we’ll miss you. It was great in the past decade to know you were enjoying retirement and then could occasionally come out and give us the goods, just like you did in Spiderman, just like you did in Space Ghost, or King of the Hill. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family and friends and we drink to your memory.