Who Is Kamala (wrestler)? Age, Biography and Wiki
Kamala, born James Harris on May 28, 1950, was an iconic American professional wrestler known for his imposing presence and unique ring persona. He gained fame in the wrestling world during the 1970s and 1980s, captivating fans with his large stature and distinctive character. Tragically, Kamala passed away on August 9, 2020, due to health complications, leaving behind a legacy that continues to influence the wrestling community.
| Occupation | Wrestlers |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | May 28, 1950 |
| Age | 70 Years |
| Birth Place | Senatobia, Mississippi, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Gemini |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 9 August, 2020 |
| Died Place | Oxford, Mississippi, U.S. |
Popularity
Kamala (wrestler)'s Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Kamala was known for his remarkable size, standing at approximately 6 feet 7 inches (201 cm) tall and weighing around 385 pounds (175 kg) during his wrestling career. His physical dimensions made him a formidable opponent in the ring, which contributed to his character's fearsome reputation.
James Arthur Harris (May 28, 1950 –August 9, 2020), better known by his ring name Kamala, was an American professional wrestler. Nicknamed "The Ugandan Giant", Kamala portrayed a fearsome and simpleminded Ugandan.
He wrestled barefoot, clad only in a loincloth, his face painted with war paint and two stars painted on his chest and a moon painted on his stomach. During his ring entrance, he sported an African mask and wielded a spear and shield.
He is best known for his appearances with the World Wrestling Federation (now WWE) over the course of numerous runs in the company between 1984 and 2006. In April 2025, Harris was inducted into the Legacy wing of the WWE Hall of Fame.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Throughout his life, Kamala maintained a relatively private family life. He was married; however, specific details concerning his spouse and children remain largely undisclosed. Kamala's focus was primarily on his wrestling career, which often took precedence over personal relationships.
He grew up in Coldwater, Mississippi, where his family owned a furniture store. He had four sisters. When he was around four, his father was shot dead during a dice game, leaving the family impoverished. As a youth, Harris worked as a sharecropper to help support his family.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his passing, Kamala's estimated net worth was around $1 million. His earnings primarily came from his extensive wrestling career, including appearances in various wrestling promotions such as WWE and WCW. In addition to his wrestling income, Kamala also participated in merchandise sales and conventions, which contributed to his overall earnings.
In February 1987, Kamala formed a tag team with the "Wild Samoan" Sika. In the same month, he began a feud with Jake Roberts, during which Roberts repeatedly exploited Kamala's purported fear of snakes. Kamala won this feud when he defeated Roberts at the 11th edition of Saturday Night's Main Event, with the help of "The Honky Tonk Man".
In April 1987, The Wizard sold Kamala's managerial contract to Mr. Fuji. Harris was scheduled to once again face off against World Heavyweight Champion Hulk Hogan at Saturday Night's Main Event XII, but he abruptly left the WWF once more in September 1987 over frustrations about his pay.
Career, Business and Investments
Kamala's wrestling career spanned several decades, with notable matches against famous wrestlers such as Hulk Hogan and The Undertaker. He was known for his elaborate entrance and memorable persona, which captured the imaginations of fans around the world. Besides wrestling, Kamala ventured into business, having developed an interest in various personal enterprises.
Post-retirement, he often participated in wrestling conventions and fan events, sharing his experiences and connecting with fans. His journey in wrestling not only secured his spot in history but also inspired a new generation of wrestlers.
Harris debuted in 1978 under the ring name "Sugar Bear" Harris. He spent most of his early career in the Southern United States, also using the ring names "Ugly Bear" Harris and "Big" Jim Harris. His first manager was Percy Pringle.
He won his first championship in NWA Tri-State in 1979, teaming with Oki Shikina to win the NWA Tri-State Tag Team Championship. In 1980, Harris joined Southeastern Championship Wrestling as "Bad News" Harris, winning the NWA Southeastern Heavyweight Championship in 1980. In 1981, Harris traveled to Europe for seasoning.
Following a stint in Germany, he traveled to the United Kingdom, where he wrestled for Joint Promotions as "The Mississippi Mauler", a character with some similarities to his future Kamala character.
In June 1981, he competed in a tournament for the vacant WWA World Heavyweight Championship, losing to Wayne Bridges in the final in Wembley Arena in London.
Social Network
Kamala was active on social media platforms, where he engaged with fans and shared insights into his life and career. Although he passed away in 2020, his legacy continues to be honored through various fan pages and tribute accounts dedicated to celebrating his contributions to the world of professional wrestling.
Harris left high school in the ninth grade and became a habitual burglar. In 1967, local police suggested he leave town. As Harris put it, "Back then if you didn't leave like they said, you would be found dead somewhere." He relocated to Florida, where he drove trucks and picked fruit.
At age 25, he moved to Benton Harbor, Michigan, where he met wrestler Bobo Brazil. Harris then began training as a wrestler, under Brazil's friend, "Tiny" Tim Hampton. He moved to Arkansas to continue training and escape the snow in Michigan.
Education
Details regarding Kamala's formal education are limited. However, like many wrestlers of his era, his training and experience primarily stemmed from hands-on work in the wrestling industry rather than traditional academic paths.
