The Iron Sheik, Wrestling Legend, Dies at 81

The Iron Sheik, one of professional wrestling's most iconic figures and personalities, has died. He was 81.

Prolific on Twitter for years, his death was confirmed via the social media platform and a lengthy statement and tribute. The statement reads, in part, "Beyond the wrestling persona that that world knew so well, The Iron Sheik was a devoted family man. He cherished the love and support of his wife of 47 years, Caryl, who stood by his side through thick and thin, offering unwavering encouragement throughout his life."

Born Hossein Khosrow Ali Vaziri, The Iron Sheik wrestled in countless promotions, including the WWF/E, Jim Crockett Promotions, Mid-South Wrestling, Georgia Championship Wrestling and World Championship Wrestling. He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005.

The Iron Sheik is survived by his wife, Caryl, three children and five grandchildren.

RESPECT THE LEGEND FOREVER 😢 pic.twitter.com/Cr6CC9pXSO

We’ve already had to say goodbye to some big names this year in the worlds of entertainment and beyond.

Scroll through the gallery below to see the musicians, celebrities and other cultural figures we’ve lost so far in 2023.

Guitar icon and two-time Rock &Roll Hall of Fame inductee.

Gangsta Boo of Three 6 Mafia

Singer/songwriter and only child Elvis and Priscilla Presley.

Co-founding member/drummer and co-founding member/guitarist and vocalist for Bachman-Turner Overdrive

Singer-songwriter best known for his work with the Byrds and Crosby, Stills & Nash (& Young)

Drummer for Modest Mouse.

Founding member of the Pointer Sisters.

Celebrity/Beatles Photographer

"Father of Instant Replay" in the NFL

Child Star on ‘Eight Is Enough’

Actress, international sex symbol, photojournalist and politician.

"Diamond" of conservative media personalities "Diamond and Silk"

Former head of Volkswagen that helped popularize the VW Beetle.

Actress best known for playing Shirley Feeney in the 1970s sitcom 'Laverne & Shirley.'

Legendary songwriter who wrote hits for Dionne Warwick, Aretha Franklin, Jackie DeShannon, Tom Jones, Dusty Springfield and more.

Actress and iconic sex symbol of the 1960s.

One-third of the influential hip-hop group De La Soul

Songwriter and husband of Kellie Pickler.

Actor of stage, screen and television. Best known for playing Jim Dial on the hit CBS sitcom 'Murphy Brown.'

Confectioner best known for inventing Peeps.

Hockey Hall of Famer best known for his 15 seasons with the Chicago Blackhawks.

Co-creator of 'Sesame Street'

Iconic Philadelphia DJ, "The Geator with the Heater" and "The Big Boss with the Hot Sauce."

Songwriter and guitarist from influential punk band Television.

Actress best known for playing Wednesday Addams on ABC's 'The Addams Family' from 1964-1966.

Actor and singer/songwriter best known for his roles on 'Hollywood Heights' and 'Days of Our Lives.'

MLB All-Star and two-time World Series Champion that went on to be a Hall of Fame broadcaster.

Noted superfan of 'The Rocky Horror Picture Show.'

Renowned stand-up comedian and actor best known for playing Det. John Munch on 'Homicide: Life on the Street' and 'Law & Order: SVU.'

Guitarist and last surviving original member of Lynyrd Skynyrd.

Actor best known for his roles on HBO's 'The Wire' and the 'John Wick' movie franchise.

Founding member and guitarist for Saliva.

Procol Harum lyricist. Notably wrote the lyrics to "A Whiter Shade of Pale."

Iconic record executive who co-founded Sire Records and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

Music promoter, wife of John Lydon (Sex Pistols' Johnny Rotten) and mother to Arianna Forster (Ari Up from The Slits.)

Iconic character actor best known for his roles in the films 'Barton Fink,' 'Elf' and 'Newsies.'

Famed British designer known as "The Mother of the Miniskirt."

Author of the 2005 memoir 'Mozart in the Jungle: Sex, Drugs, and Classic Music,' which was later adapted into an award-winning series for Amazon.

Australian actor best known as the personality of Dame Edna Everage.

Renown British dance champion who was a longtime judge on ABC's 'Dancing With the Stars.'

Legendary singer/actor who was also an integral figure in the civil rights movement.

Former politician turned notorious talk show host of 'The Jerry Springer Show.'

Bassist of The Smiths.

Legendary Canadian singer-songwriter/folk icon.

Legendary NFL fullback, actor and civil rights activist whose reputation would be impacted following accusations of abuse towards women.

Lyricist for legendary rock band Cream.

Actor best known for roles in "Punisher: War Zone," "King Arthur" and the "Thor" films.