Hulk Hogan, one of the most recognizable figures in professional wrestling and a pop culture icon of the 1980s and 1990s, has died at the age of 71.
Officials in Clearwater, Florida, confirmed that Hogan died Thursday morning following a cardiac arrest at his home.
According to a statement from the city of Clearwater, first responders arrived at Hogan’s residence at 9:51 a.m. after receiving a call regarding cardiac arrest. He was transported to Morton Plant Hospital, where he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
Hogan, born Terry Gene Bollea, was reportedly surrounded by loved ones at the time of his death, according to his longtime manager Chris Volo.
World Wrestling Entertainment issued a statement on Thursday:
“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. WWE extends its condolences to Hogan’s family, friends, and fans.”
A Wrestling Career That Shaped an Era
Hogan’s wrestling career began in 1977, and he rose to international fame in the 1980s through his association with the World Wrestling Federation (WWF). His energetic persona, signature look, and showmanship gave rise to the “Hulkamania” phenomenon.
One of his most iconic moments came at WrestleMania III in 1987, when he body-slammed André the Giant in front of more than 90,000 fans — a feat that remains one of the most replayed moments in wrestling history.
Hogan himself recalled the magnitude of the event, noting that performing at Madison Square Garden and headlining WrestleMania had once seemed like an impossible dream.
In the 1990s, Hogan made a high-profile move from WWF to World Championship Wrestling (WCW), where he reinvented himself as the leader of the New World Order (NWO) — a villainous wrestling faction that helped rejuvenate his career and the league’s ratings.
From the Ring to the Screen
Hogan’s appeal reached far beyond the wrestling ring. He appeared in several movies and television shows, helping to bring wrestling into mainstream American entertainment.
His film credits include a memorable role in Rocky III, where he played “Thunderlips,” an exaggerated version of himself in a match against Sylvester Stallone’s title character.
In the 2000s, VH1 aired Hogan Knows Best, a reality show documenting his family life with then-wife Linda Hogan and their two children, Brooke and Nick. The show ran for several seasons before being canceled in 2007 following a serious car accident involving his son, which led to criminal charges and public scrutiny.
Later that year, Linda Hogan filed for divorce, ending a 24-year marriage that had often been portrayed as part of Hogan’s public persona.
In the Spotlight and the Courts
Outside the ring, Hogan was also known for his role in a landmark legal battle against Gawker Media. In 2016, he was awarded $140 million in a privacy lawsuit after the site published a sex tape involving him and the wife of a friend.
The lawsuit, financially backed by tech investor Peter Thiel, ultimately led to Gawker’s bankruptcy and shutdown.
Hogan had remained visible in recent years through appearances at Republican events and public rallies. In 2023, he appeared at the Republican National Convention, ripping his shirt open in classic fashion while endorsing former President Donald Trump.
Donald Trump Jr. reacted to Hogan’s death on social media, posting “R.I.P to a legend” alongside American flag emojis.
