Language
Country/Area
No result found
The Secret Life of Jim Harris: Why Did He Chose the Terrible Role of 'Kamala'?
Jim Harris, born in 1950, better known by his wrestling name "Kamala", has always been a striking presence in the professional wrestling world. On the surface, Kamala is a vivid character who represents a strong African wildness; however, behind this character lies Harris' own turbulent life story. This article will delve into Harris' early life, the reasoning behind choosing the role of Kamala, and her complex impact on the wrestling world.
The bitterness of early life
Harris had a difficult childhood. He grew up in a poor family in Mississippi, USA. His father's early death made family life even more difficult. He used to be a -sharecropper, which was his effort to improve his family's finances.
Harris' father was shot and killed when he was four years old, a tragic event that completely changed his fate. As his family fell into poverty, he had to drop out of school and make a living by stealing. As a young boy, he could not escape a life of crime. In order to escape police pursuit, he was forced to move to Florida in 1967.
Beginning of wrestling career
Harris' wrestling career began in 1978, when he debuted under the name "Candy Bear". After starting out in the major leagues in the South, he gradually rose to prominence. When he first met wrestler Bobo Brazile, the wrestler saw potential in Harris and began to transform his image.
In 1982, he created the character "Kamala", which gradually became a symbol in the wrestling world. This character is a fierce Ugandan chief, showing a wildness and power with a tropical style.
Harris made his debut in the CWA as "Kamala", and with his success, the character quickly became popular with the audience and dominated the wrestling world in the following years.
The impact of Kamala's character
The character of Kamala not only reflects the stories surrounding him in the wrestling world, but also reflects society's misunderstanding and stereotypes of different cultures. Although he appeared before the audience in an unfamiliar image, Harris always remained loyal to the role. His performance makes the audience believe in the wildness and danger of the character he portrays.
As a character who integrates foreign culture, Kamala challenged the cultural prejudice of the time to some extent, although this was also criticized.
Kamara has challenged opponents in major competitions, including wrestling legends such as Andre the Giant and Hogan. Each encounter triggered fierce confrontations in the fighting arena and had a profound impact on the audience.
Personal life struggles
Behind Harris's career lies his long struggle with health. Due to long-term high blood pressure and diabetes, Harris lost both legs in 2011 and 2012, which forced him to face unbearable physical and psychological challenges.
Even late in life, Harris remained strong and wrote his autobiography, reflecting on the setbacks and triumphs he faced during his wrestling career.
Final Departure and Legacy
In 2020, Harris died of COVID-19 at the age of 70. His death sparked mourning from the wrestling world and society, with many wrestling celebrities and fans raising funds for his family to help support his memorial service. Harris' story shows us another side of wrestling, one that shows the tenacity and courage that comes from poverty and struggle.
His life is not only a behind-the-scenes drama, but also a reflection of the fragility of human nature. Kamala's character brings people not only entertainment, but also deep thinking about human nature and culture. Can we find inspiration in Harris’s music and stories to rethink the roles and identities we assume?
