Hulk Hogan, the legendary professional wrestler and Hollywood personality, has passed away at the age of 71, leaving behind a monumental legacy that spanned decades. Hogan, born Terry Gene Bollea, died at his Clearwater, Florida home following a cardiac arrest. His manager, Chris Volo, confirmed the news, stating that Hogan was surrounded by his loved ones during his final moments.
Rumors about Hogan’s health had circulated for weeks, especially after reports surfaced about his recent hospitalization. Just days before his death, his wife, Sky, assured fans that he was not in a coma and insisted that despite undergoing several surgeries, his heart was still “strong.” Sadly, the reassurance was short-lived.
Standing at 6 feet 7 inches and weighing over 300 pounds during his prime, Hogan was instantly recognizable with his trademark blonde mustache, colorful bandannas, and booming charisma. He became a cultural icon during the 1980s, spearheading the wrestling entertainment boom with his electrifying “Hulkamania” persona and key role in propelling WWE—then WWF—into mainstream success.
The WWE honored Hogan in a heartfelt statement, acknowledging his massive contribution to the sport. “Hulk Hogan transformed professional wrestling into a global phenomenon,” the statement read, offering condolences to his family, friends, and fans worldwide. Hogan headlined WrestleMania eight times, with his legendary 1987 showdown against Andre the Giant drawing a record-breaking crowd of over 93,000 fans at the Pontiac Silverdome. Throughout his illustrious career, he captured the WWE Championship six times and helped redefine what it meant to be a wrestling superstar.
Hogan’s career evolved in 1996 when he took on a darker persona as “Hollywood Hogan” and co-founded the New World Order (NWO), revitalizing his career and becoming one of the most influential figures in the WCW era. Though his reputation took a hit in 2015 following the leak of a controversial tape that led to his temporary removal from the WWE Hall of Fame, Hogan returned in 2020 and remained a figure of fascination, especially among supporters of Donald Trump. He made a headline-grabbing appearance at the 2024 Republican National Convention, tearing open his shirt to reveal a Trump 2024 shirt underneath, rallying the crowd with typical bravado.
Beyond the ring, Hogan had a successful acting career, beginning with his role as Thunderlips in Rocky III. He went on to star in numerous family-friendly films, including Mr. Nanny, Suburban Commando, Santa With Muscles, and the cult classic No Holds Barred. His television work included starring in the action series Thunder in Paradise and headlining the reality show Hogan Knows Best, which gave fans an inside look at his personal life.
