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CLEARWATER, FL — Hulk Hogan, the face of professional wrestling’s golden era and one of the most recognizable pop culture figures of the 1980s and ’90s, has died at the age of 71. The legendary performer, born Terry Gene Bollea, passed away Thursday morning following a cardiac arrest, his family confirmed.
“It is with a heavy heart and deep sadness that we confirm we have lost a legend,” read a statement from Hogan’s family, shared on social media. “May we all take solace in the wonderful memories he left behind for the millions of fans worldwide whose lives he touched.”
Hogan was pronounced dead at Morton Plant Hospital in Clearwater, Florida, after emergency services responded to a cardiac arrest call just before 10 a.m., according to local police. No foul play is suspected, though the case remains under investigation.
The Birth of Hulkamania
Hogan’s rise from regional wrestling circuits to global superstardom helped catapult the World Wrestling Federation—now WWE—into the mainstream. Debuting in 1977, he exploded into fame during the 1980s with his muscle-bound physique, signature leg drop, and all-American charisma.
With catchphrases like “Whatcha gonna do when Hulkamania runs wild on you?” and his message of saying prayers and eating vitamins, Hogan became a symbol of strength and morality for a generation of young fans.
He headlined the inaugural WrestleMania in 1985 alongside Mr. T, defeating Rowdy Roddy Piper and Paul Orndorff in a match that helped turn the annual event into a cultural juggernaut. In total, Hogan appeared in 10 WrestleManias and was the main event in eight of them.
Beyond the Ring: From Hero to Villain to Icon
Hogan’s mainstream appeal extended beyond wrestling. He appeared on Saturday Night Live, The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, and in movies like Rocky III and Mr. Nanny. But by the mid-1990s, the public’s perception began to shift.
After leaving WWE, Hogan joined rival promotion WCW. In a groundbreaking career twist, he reinvented himself as “Hollywood Hogan,” turning heel for the first time and leading the infamous nWo (New World Order) faction—reshaping the wrestling world once again.
In 2002, he returned to WWE and faced Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson at WrestleMania X8 in a match that saw fans once again rally behind him. He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame twice—first in 2005 as an individual, then in 2020 as part of the nWo.
Controversies and Comebacks
Hogan’s personal and public life wasn’t without turmoil. In 1994, he testified during Vince McMahon’s steroid trial, admitting he used steroids but denying they were supplied by WWE. In 2012, a leaked sex tape led to a high-profile lawsuit against Gawker Media. Hogan was awarded $140 million in damages, though the case was later settled for $31 million.
He also faced backlash for racist remarks that surfaced in 2015. Hogan apologized publicly, telling Good Morning America he was “embarrassed” and sought forgiveness.
Despite these setbacks, Hogan remained a towering presence in the wrestling world. Reinstated by WWE in 2018, he co-hosted WrestleMania 37 in 2021 and continued to make appearances at major wrestling and political events.
Final Years and Legacy
In 2023, Hogan announced his engagement to yoga instructor Sky Daily. The couple married in September of that year. He made headlines again in 2024 with a surprise appearance at the Republican National Convention, endorsing Donald Trump and tearing his shirt off to reveal a “Trump-Vance 2024” T-shirt, to roaring applause.
Trump, a longtime friend, called Hogan “MAGA all the way,” adding that he was “strong, tough, smart, but with the biggest heart.”
WWE Chairman Vince McMahon remembered him as the “greatest WWE Superstar of ALL TIME,” saying: “He gave everything he had to the audience. He was a trailblazer—the first wrestling star to become a global phenomenon.”
Remembering the Man Behind the Muscles
Hogan was married three times. He is survived by his third wife, Sky Daily, and two children, Brooke and Nick, from his first marriage to Linda Bollea.
From the bright lights of WrestleMania to late-night TV and Hollywood sets, Hulk Hogan embodied the larger-than-life spirit of an era. Whether loved or loathed in the ring, his impact on wrestling and entertainment endures.
He may have left the ring for good—but for millions, Hulkamania lives on.
