Yesterday, I got online and found out that Captain Lou Albano passed away. He was 76. For those who read this and don't know, Lou Albano portrayed the live action Mario in the Super Mario Bros. Super Show (1989). He was also one of the first voices of Mario (maybe even the first). While I wasn't familiar with it, he did have a professional wrestling career as well.
I absolutely loved the Super Mario Bros. Super Show when I was growing up. I just didn't get to see it very often because they never seemed to have it on at a consistent time. Then again, I was just a kid and I never really payed attention to the time. But, I do remember watching the show on early Saturday mornings occasionally.
I remember watching it and being fascinated with the world of Super Mario. Every time the show was on, I immediately wanted it to hurry and end so I could go play some Super Mario World (because that's like one of the best games of all time). Also starring in the show was, Danny Wells, who portrayed Luigi. Wells and Albano worked well together to create some decent comedy for kids.
In recent years, they released every episode on two DVD volumes (I own both) Although, I swear there was an episode with a live action segment of the Mario Bros. getting trapped in a prison by Koopa (who was never seen but heard). I either skipped past that episode, it wasn't included or it just doesn't exist.
Regardless, the show holds up pretty well after all of these years. Many of the jokes are corny, but there are some that will surely make you laugh, if not then at least crack a smile. In many episodes, celebrities guest starred in the live action segments. Guests people such as Ernie Hudson and Sgt. Slaughter.
There are a few other Mario cartoons. One is sort of an odd anime that never saw release in the US. And, then there were two other shows that came out later, one based on Super Mario Bros. 3 and the other on Super Mario World. These shows were good, but not as awesome as the original. When Super Mario 64 released, we heard the new and official voice of Mario (Charles Martinet).
Charles Martinet has brought a lot to the character of Mario. And, I respect him for that. However, I always wanted Lou Albano and Danny Wells to come back to reprise their roles one last time as the Mario Bros. in a game or in a new cartoon. I think that would've been awesome to hear the corny references to pasta again.
Anyway, I just wanted to reflect upon this show and how awesome it was. I'll never forget how to "Do The Mario!"
