Hulk Hogan, the iconic 1980s professional wrestler who successfully transitioned to an acting career, has passed away at the age of 71.
US media reported his death on Thursday.
NBC News, citing his manager Chris Volo, stated that Hogan (real name Terry Bollea) died at his Florida home. TMZ also reported the news, referencing unnamed sources and an emergency dispatch call regarding a “cardiac arrest” at his residence.
Standing at a towering 6’7″ (two meters) with his distinctive bandana and blond handlebar mustache, Hogan’s magnetic “Hulkamania” persona — that of a heroic all-American — and wrestling prowess were instrumental in transforming professional wrestling into a mainstream family entertainment phenomenon.
This drew millions of viewers and significantly boosted the sport’s revenue.
Hogan began his career in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF, now WWE) in 1979, becoming a fan favorite in the mid-1980s alongside other legends like Andre the Giant and “Rowdy” Roddy Piper.
His fame extended to film and television, with appearances in movies such as “Rocky III,” “No Holds Barred,” and the TV series “Baywatch.”
He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005.
WWE expressed its condolences on social media, stating, “WWE is saddened to learn WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away. One of pop culture’s most recognizable figures, Hogan helped WWE achieve global recognition in the 1980s.”
Hogan’s later years were marked by controversy.
An intimate video of him was leaked over a decade ago, and a few years later, he faced criticism for using racist language, including a slur directed at Black Americans.
This latter incident led to his firing from WWE in 2015.
He later apologized for his actions and was reinstated into the WWE Hall of Fame.
In recent years, Hogan became a vocal supporter of US President Donald Trump, famously appearing at the 2024 Republican National Convention where he expressed his admiration for Trump, saying, “With our leader up there, my hero, that gladiator, we’re gonna bring America back together.”
Hogan’s extensive career in the ring led to numerous health issues in his later life.
He was married three times and had two children with his first wife, Linda.
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