Obituary: Emanuel Yarbrough
Sumōtori and Pro Wrestler
June 22, 1963 – June 7, 2006
Emanuel Yarbrough, a Canadian sumōtori and professional wrestler best known for his time in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) as Kamala the Ugandan Giant, has passed away at the age of 42. Yarbrough was born in Mississippi and began his professional wrestling career in the early 1980s, wrestling under the name "Sugar Bear" Harris.
In 1984, Yarbrough adopted the Kamala the Ugandan Giant persona, which was inspired by the character of the same name from the 1984 film "The Gods Must Be Crazy." As Kamala, he became one of manager Kim Chee's "Foreign Legion" in the WWF. Kamala was a fearsome opponent, known for his size and strength. He was also a skilled grappler, and he held the WWF Tag Team Championship with Sika in 1985.
Yarbrough left the WWF in 1987, but he continued to wrestle under the Kamala name on the independent circuit. He returned to the WWF in 1992, and he remained with the company until 1993. After leaving the WWF, Yarbrough continued to wrestle on the independent circuit, and he also made appearances in several films and television shows.
Yarbrough died on June 7, 2006, at the age of 42, from a heart attack. He is survived by his wife, two children, and two grandchildren.
Kamala was one of the most popular and recognizable wrestlers of the 1980s and 1990s. He was a true giant in the world of professional wrestling, and he will be fondly remembered by fans around the world.
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