Hulk Hogan, the iconic face of professional wrestling in the 1980s who later transitioned into acting and pop culture stardom, has died at the age of 71, according to multiple U.S. media outlets.
NBC News reported Hogan’s passing on Thursday, citing his manager, Chris Volo, who said the wrestling legend died at his home in Florida. TMZ also confirmed the news, referencing a reported emergency call related to cardiac arrest.
Standing 6’7″ (2 meters) tall, with a signature blond handlebar mustache and bandana, Hogan — born Terry Bollea — became a larger-than-life figure in professional wrestling and one of the most recognizable faces in global pop culture.
Hogan’s heroic, all-American persona helped catapult the then-World Wrestling Federation (WWF, now WWE) into mainstream popularity. He first joined the WWF in 1979 and became a household name in the 1980s, alongside legends like Andre the Giant and “Rowdy” Roddy Piper.
His popularity gave rise to the global phenomenon known as “Hulkamania,” which extended beyond the ring into television and film. Hogan appeared in Rocky III, No Holds Barred, and made cameos in shows like Baywatch. He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005.
“WWE is saddened to learn WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away,” the wrestling organization said in a statement. “One of pop culture’s most recognizable figures, Hogan helped WWE achieve global recognition in the 1980s. WWE extends its condolences to Hogan’s family, friends, and fans.”
Despite his fame, Hogan’s legacy was marred by controversy. In 2015, he was fired from WWE after a leaked video revealed him using racist language, including a slur targeting Black Americans. He later apologized and was reinstated into the Hall of Fame.
In recent years, Hogan became an avid supporter of US President Donald Trump. In a memorable appearance at the 2024 Republican National Convention, he tore off his shirt to reveal a Trump-Vance tank top and declared, “With our leader up there, my hero, that gladiator — we’re gonna bring America back together.”
Hogan battled numerous health issues later in life, largely due to the physical toll of his wrestling career. He was married three times and had two children with his first wife, Linda.
AFP
