RIP Tab Thacker

The former North Carolina State wrestler, who went undefeated and won the 1984 NCAA championship, died at age 45 after years of declining health from diabetes. He had a foot amputated several years ago, and in the last few months lost both legs.

The big guy (6-4, 447) was fun to write about, and surprisingly agile for his size. He was an excellent hs basketball player. After his wrestling days, he had a brief career in the movies, appearing in "City Heat" with Clint Eastwood and Burt Reynolds in 1984, "Wildcats" with Goldie Hawn in 1986, "Police Academy 4" (1987), "Police Academy 5" (1988), and "Identity Crisis" (1989).

http://www.gopack.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=9200&ATCLID=1356588

 

Very strange. I recently watched "Wildcats" and his character cracked me up. I looked him up on IMDB to see if he was still alive and, considering his weight issues, was pleasantly surprised to see he was.

Sad news, indeed. RIP Tab.

 

I remember watching that 1984 NCAA final. I forget who his opponent was, but it was one of the dullest matches I've ever seen and was probably the reason a weight limit was established in the heavyweight division.
Loved him in Wildcats.

 

"Are you kidding? He probably ate his folks."

Great movie and he was outstanding in it.

RIP big guy.

 

Heaven must've needed someone to keep Sgt. Tackleberry company. [/Police Academy jack]

 

Tackleberry is dead?

 

Been dead since '01.

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0333701/

 

Damn... he was hilarious in Wildcats.

RIP

 

When I lived in Raleigh, I got to know him. Very nice guy and you'd never have known he was in the movies or a wrestling champion... He was just Tab.

My thoughts go out to his family (I wanna say Sharon and a couple of kids that can't be more than teens today)

RIP, Tab