Hulk Hogan, Hall of Fame wrestler and actor, dies at 71
Hulk Hogan, one of the most celebrated figures in professional wrestling and a fixture in 1980s and ’90s American pop culture, has died at the age of 71. The Clearwater Police Department in Florida confirmed that the WWE Hall of Famer passed away Thursday morning following cardiac arrest. Emergency responders treated him on site before he was transported to a nearby hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
Hulk Hogan, the wrestling legend and cultural icon, has died at 71. His legacy spans decades of WWE milestones, Hollywood films, and controversy.
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Born Terry Gene Bollea, Hogan rose from his Florida roots to become the face of the World Wrestling Federation during its golden age. Known for his signature entrance to “Real American” and his bombastic charisma, he embodied national pride and showmanship in a sport that was just beginning to command global attention. His 1984 victory over the Iron Sheik marked a turning point for both his career and the wrestling industry, launching the "Hulkamania" phenomenon and securing him the heavyweight championship title.
After years at the top of the WWF (now WWE), Hogan dropped the title in 1988 in a historic showdown with Andre the Giant. His career faced turbulence in the early 1990s when he exited the WWF following a steroid scandal that shook the sport. Transitioning into entertainment, Hogan had already made his film debut in 1982’s Rocky III and expanded his Hollywood résumé with appearances in Gremlins 2: The New Batch (1990), Suburban Commando (1991), Mr. Nanny (1993), and Santa With Muscles (1996).
WWE publicly expressed its condolences, calling Hogan "one of pop culture’s most recognizable figures" and crediting him with helping WWE attain global stature.
The wrestling star's career took a turn in 1994 when he joined World Championship Wrestling (WCW), the WWE's primary competitor at the time. His reinvention as the villainous Hollywood Hogan in 1996 signaled the start of the New World Order (nWo) storyline, one of the most influential angles in wrestling history. By the early 2000s, he had returned to WWE, once again stepping into the ring to connect with a new generation of fans.
Beyond the squared circle, Hogan remained in the headlines. In 2012, he became embroiled in a high-profile legal battle after Gawker published a sex tape featuring him and Heather Clem. The subsequent $140 million judgment in his favor ultimately led to the news outlet's bankruptcy and sparked national debate over digital privacy and press freedom.
Hogan’s relationship with the WWE experienced additional controversy in 2015, when the organization removed him from its Hall of Fame roster after the release of a second sex tape revealed racist language. He was reinstated in 2018, signaling a partial rehabilitation of his public image.
He maintained a public presence in later years and supported Donald Trump during the 2024 Republican National Convention, reiterating his alignment with conservative values.
Hogan is survived by his wife, Sky Hogan; his ex-wife, Linda Hogan; and their two children, Brooke and Nick Hogan. His marriage to Linda lasted from 1983 until their divorce in 2009, and he later married Jennifer McDaniel, whom he divorced in 2021.
