British wrestling legend Black Jack Mulligan has passed away at the age of 82.
The news was announced by his younger sister Linda Thompson on Facebook today. She posted on the British Wresting Remembered Facebook page, announcing the death of Black Jack Mulligan in Huddersfield Infirmary.
The former wrestler was said to have passed away peacefully, although his cause of death was not mentioned.
Linda Thompson wrote about Black Jack Mulligan’s death:
Just relaying the sad news I’ve just received.
“My lovely big brother Laurence Coulson aka Black Jack Mulligan, passed away peacefully last night in Huddersfield Infirmary, at the age of 82. RIP big bro.
x”
Real name Laurence Coulson, Blackjack Mulligan wrestled in the UK scene for a number of years. He was known as an unselfish wrestler, who came from a bodybuilding background.
Despite being known as “The Tyneside Terror”, Mulligan was rarely seen to be celebrating at the ends of his matches. While he ate more pins than most, he always did his best to make his opponents look good and send the fans home happy.
Wrestling Heritage describes Black Jack Mulligan as “Unselfish, hardworking and entertaining.”
They noted that while he was the “perennial loser”, he “could make the most hapless opponent look like champion. He could adapt to any style in the ring and have the fans howling for his blood all whilst he was making his often lesser opponent look good.“
They added that he was an asset to any promoter in the UK, which he proved working for Norman Morrell and Joint Promotions when he turned professional in the 1960s.
While he seemingly took his name and gimmick from his American counterpart, you should not confuse the British Black Jack Mulligan for the grandfather of WWE’s Bray Wyatt and Bo Dallas.
Black Jack Mulligan (Laurence Coulson) passed away on January 1st, 2025 at the age of 82.
