Hulk Hogan, Pro Wrestler and Hollywood actor, Dies at 71: The Man Who Defined ‘Hulkamania’

Hulk Hogan, the towering, charismatic figure who revolutionized professional wrestling in the 1980s and became the first true household name in the sport, passed away on Thursday at the age of 71. His death, confirmed by longtime partner Eric Bischoff and other sources close to the wrestling legend, was reportedly due to a cardiac arrest. Hogan’s passing marks the end of an era for both wrestling and popular culture, where his influence transcended the ring.

Hogan — born Terry Gene Bollea on August 11, 1953, in Augusta, Georgia — changed the landscape of professional wrestling, helping it become a mainstream entertainment spectacle. In a career that spanned over four decades, Hogan became one of the most recognizable celebrities in the world, known for his larger-than-life persona, trademark yellow trunks, bandana, and his signature move, the leg drop.

A Wrestling Legacy Like No Other

Hogan’s journey to wrestling superstardom began in Florida, where he was first discovered by wrestling scouts while playing in local rock bands and pitching for Little League baseball teams. Trained by Hiro Matsuda and inspired by legends like Dusty Rhodes, Hogan’s early career was marked by several lesser-known ring names, including Super Destroyer and Sterling Golden, before settling on the iconic Hulk Hogan.

Hogan’s WWE debut in the 1980s heralded the beginning of Hulkamania, a cultural phenomenon that spanned beyond the squared circle. He became the face of the WWE, winning the WWE Championship six times and headlining WrestleMania an unprecedented eight times. His most memorable moment came in 1987 when he faced his mentor, Andre the Giant, in a historic match at WrestleMania III, where Hogan body-slammed the 520-pound Giant before a then-record crowd of 93,173 fans in the Pontiac Silverdome.

Hogan’s connection with the audience was unparalleled. He embodied the spirit of the American hero, often invoking his “Real American” entrance theme, flexing his 24-inch pythons, and posing with an American flag to the thunderous cheers of his fans. Hogan’s catchphrases, like “Whatcha gonna do when Hulkamania runs wild on you?” became as famous as his wrestling bouts.

Hollywood and Beyond: The Wrestler Who Became a Pop Culture Icon

Beyond the ring, Hogan’s acting career took off when he starred as Thunderlips in Rocky III (1982), marking his big-screen debut opposite Sylvester Stallone. His larger-than-life personality translated to Hollywood, where he appeared in films like No Holds Barred (1989), Suburban Commando (1991), Mr. Nanny (1993), and Santa With Muscles (1996). He also starred in the syndicated TV series Thunder in Paradise (1994).

Hogan became a fixture in popular culture, appearing in iconic TV shows such as The A-Team, Baywatch, Gremlins 2: The New Batch (1990), and even voicing characters in Robot Chicken and American Dad! He co-hosted Saturday Night Live with Mr. T in 1985, solidifying his place in the mainstream entertainment world.

But it wasn’t just acting that defined Hogan’s legacy. He became a beloved figure, especially for charity work — notably for the Make-a-Wish Foundation, where he was one of the most requested celebrities for children facing life-threatening illnesses.

Hogan’s personal life was as tumultuous as his wrestling career. In 1994, he admitted to using steroids for 13 years, a moment that would mark one of the first of many controversies in his life. Twelve years later, he was embroiled in scandal after a sex tape was leaked, containing racial slurs that led to his removal from the WWE Hall of Fame. However, Hogan made a dramatic comeback in 2016, when he won a $140 million lawsuit against Gawker after the website released the tape. The legal victory sent shockwaves through the media world, leading to Gawker’s bankruptcy and eventual sale to Univision.

Hogan was reinstated into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2018, cementing his status as one of the most influential figures in wrestling history.

In recent years, Hogan stayed active in the wrestling world. In April 2025, he and longtime partner Eric Bischoff launched the Real America Freestyle Wrestling League, securing a TV rights deal with Fox Nation. Despite his age, Hogan remained passionate about promoting wrestling to new generations, never straying far from his roots.

Hogan’s Impact on the Wrestling and Entertainment Industry

The impact of Hulk Hogan’s death reverberates across both the wrestling industry and entertainment. His transformation from a regional wrestler to a global sensation helped propel WWE into the mainstream, and his legendary rivalries with wrestlers like Roddy Piper, Andre the Giant, Ric Flair, and Macho Man Randy Savagebecame the stuff of legend. His heel turn in 1996, as the leader of the New World Order (NWO) in WCW, remains one of the most shocking moments in wrestling history.

Hogan’s influence on professional wrestling is immeasurable — he helped shape the modern spectacle of wrestling, where entertainment and athleticism go hand in hand. His “Hulkamania” became a symbol not only of pro wrestling but of the broader entertainment culture that exploded in the 1980s and 1990s.

Hogan is survived by his wife, Sky, whom he married in 2023, and his two children, Nick and Brooke, from his first marriage to Linda Claridge. He was also married to Jennifer McDaniel from 2009 until their separation in 2021.

For the millions of fans who followed his career, Hulk Hogan was more than a wrestler — he was an icon, an inspiration, and a symbol of perseverance. In his own words, “Hulkamania will live forever.” Now, as the world mourns his passing, it is clear that Hogan’s legacy will continue to endure, immortalized in the hearts of fans and the annals of professional wrestling history.