Captain Lou Albano, known to many gamers of a certain age as the Mario of the The Super Mario Bros. Super Show! has passed away.

Albano, born Louis Vincent Albano, died yesterday at his home in Mount Vernon, NY. It had previously been confirmed to the Miami Herald that Albano was under hospice care, although his condition was not disclosed.

Albano made his name as a wrestler and wrestling manager, but became a fixture in the gaming community's collective memory when he played Mario in The Super Mario Bros. Super Show!, both providing the character's voice and playing him in live action segments.

^{Source: PopEater via Joystiq}