Terry Bollea, known to millions around the world as Hulk Hogan, has died at the age of 71. The wrestling icon passed away at his home in Florida following cardiac arrest.
Hogan rose to fame in the 1980s as the larger-than-life face of professional wrestling. Standing 6’7″ (two meters) tall, with his trademark bandana and distinctive blond handlebar moustache, he became one of the most recognizable figures in sports entertainment.
His charisma and all-American persona helped transform wrestling into a global phenomenon, captivating audiences and turning the World Wrestling Federation (now WWE) into a cultural powerhouse.
He debuted in the WWF in 1979, but it was during the mid-1980s—alongside legends like Andre the Giant and “Rowdy” Roddy Piper—that Hogan truly became a household name.
His electrifying presence sparked the era of “Hulkamania,” which extended beyond the ring and into mainstream media, with appearances in films such as Rocky III, No Holds Barred, and TV shows like Baywatch.
Hogan was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005, cementing his legacy as one of the sport’s all-time greats.
“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,” the organization said in a statement. “WWE extends its condolences to Hogan’s family, friends, and fans.”
Despite his monumental career, Hogan faced personal controversies in later years.
He was embroiled in scandal after the leak of a private video, and in 2015, was dismissed from WWE following the emergence of recordings in which he used racist language. He later apologized and was reinstated to the WWE Hall of Fame.
Years of physical strain in the ring led to numerous health issues later in life. Hogan was married three times and had two children with his first wife, Linda.
