Joe Scarpa, who became one of the best-known professional wrestlers of the 1970s and ’80s after he took on the persona of Chief Jay Strongbow, an American Indian whose war dance foretold the downfall of many opponents, died on Tuesday.

A family member confirmed his death, but declined to say where he died or provide a cause. His age was variously listed as 79 or 83.

Scarpa, who lived in Griffin, Ga., was at least 6 feet tall and weighed about 250 pounds. At his peak, he performed before roaring crowds at Madison Square Garden and other arenas in contests televised throughout the Northeast.