Legendary WWE manager Bobby 'The Brain' Heenan dies at 73

The world of professional wrestling lost a beloved member of its community Sunday, as the WWE confirmed that legendary wrestling manager, broadcaster, and in-ring performer Bobby "The Brain" Heenan died at the age of 73.

"With a career spanning more than four decades, Bobby Heenan was the 'The Brain' behind some of the most prolific Superstars in sports-entertainment history. Heenan plied his trade as their mischievous manager by running his mouth on their behalf with a sarcastic wit considered among the best in the business," the WWE stated in its official announcement of his death.

No official cause of death was immediately known, but Heenan had battled cancer for much of the last 15 years following his announcement that he had throat cancer in 2002. He underwent surgery in 2010 to remove his jaw that he'd previously had reconstructive surgery on in 2007.

While many will first think of him for his tenure with the WWE as both a manager and broadcaster, Heenan also made a considerable impact on both the American Wrestling Association and World Championship Wrestling.

He managed numerous legendary superstars during his career, including WWE Hall of Famers Andre the Giant, Big John Studd, "Mr. Wonderful" Paul Orndorff, "Ravishing" Rick Rude, Harley Race, and "Mr. Perfect" Curt Hennig, among others.

Heenan himself was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2004.

Many of Heenan's friends and former coworkers took to Twitter on Sunday to express their sadness and offer condolences.