Sylvester Stallone leads Hollywood tributes to Hulk Hogan after WWE icon's death at 71

Daily Mail​

24-07-2025

Hollywood is remembering the late WWE icon Hulk Hogan following his death at age 71.
Sylvester Stallone was among the big names paying tribute to Hogan, who appeared in his 1982 film Rocky III.
The star made an appearance in the boxing film as Thunderlips, a wrestler who faces off against Stallone's Rocky Balboa in a charity fight.
A heartbroken Sylvester, 79, shared a black-and-white photo of Hogan towering over him in the ring as he recalled working with him on the hit film.
'I had the pleasure of meeting this brilliant personality and showman when he was 26 years old. He was absolutely wonderful and his amazing skill made Rocky three incredibly special. My heart breaks. I think that he's gone…' Sylvester captioned the post.
Brooke Shields, 60, also sent her condolences to Hulk's loved ones as she remembered Hogan, who guest starred on her show Suddenly Susan.
'Rest easy, Hulk. This moment and his entire guest episode on 'Suddenly Susan' was a true highlight. Sending love to all of his loved ones today,' she wrote on Instagram.
She shared a photo of her arm wrestling with Hogan beside her Suddenly Susan co-star, Kathy Griffin.
Hogan's Thunder In Paradise star Carol Alt also paid tribute, sharing a photo of them on the show.
'I cannot I believe my costar and friend Hulk Hogan, a.k.a. Terry Bollea passed away… I heard the news and spontaneously burst into tears.
'I know we all think that we are immortal. He was so big and so strong that he felt immortal to me. I send my love to his family: his wife, Linda, his children. He was always kind and sweet with me… Rest in peace.'
But it wasn't only the acting world remembering Hogan, with fellow wrestlers and athletes paying tribute.
Retired wrestler Ric Flair, 75, paid tribute to Hogan, calling him an 'incredible athlete, talent, friend, and father'.
Posting on Instagram, Ric wrote: 'I am absolutely shocked to hear about the passing of my close friend @hulkhogan! Hulk has been by my side since we started in the wrestling business. An incredible athlete, talent, friend, and father! Our friendship has meant the world to me.
'He was one of the first to visit me when I was in the hospital with a 2 percent chance of living, and he prayed by my bedside. Hulk also lent me money when Reid was sick.
'Hulkster, no one will ever compare to you! Rest in peace my friend!'
Ric's daughter, former WWE women's world champion Charlotte Flair also posted a tribute: 'When I nearly lost my dad 8 years ago, one of the few people who was there for all of it was Hulk Hogan. My heart breaks for Nick and Brooke. Rest in peace, brother.'
Wrestlers Kane, Undertaker, an Kurt Angle also paid tribute.
The official X account from the WWE said, '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.'
Former MLB pitcher John Rocker posted, 'A patriot, and a true American. RIP Hulk Hogan.'
'Prayers up for the family, friends and loved ones of Hulk Hogan who has passed away at 71 years old,' wrote former NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III.
The news reached the world of politics, with President Donald Trump reacting to the news.
He wrote on Truth Social: 'We lost a great friend today, the 'Hulkster'. Hulk Hogan was MAGA all the way — Strong, tough, smart, but with the biggest heart.'
'He entertained fans from all over the World, and the cultural impact he had was massive,' Trump wrote, praising his 'absolutely electric speech' from the Republican 2024 National Convention.
'To his wife, Sky, and family, we give our warmest best wishes and love. Hulk Hogan will be greatly missed!' he concluded.
His son, Donald Trump Jr., also paid tribute to Hogan with a photo of the duo at the 2024 Republican National Convention.
Vice President JD Vance also remembered the 'great American icon.'
Hogan, real name Terry Gene Bollea, passed away early Thursday morning after medics were dispatched to his Clearwater, Florida home, DailyMail.com can confirm.
Vice President JD Vance hailed Hogan as a 'great American icon'
911 operators noted the matter pertained to a cardiac arrest in the disturbing audio of the call.
A Clearwater Police Department spokesman said in a statement: 'Clearwater Fire Department and Clearwater Police Department personnel responded to a medical call at 9:51 a.m. today in the 1000 block of Eldorado Avenue on Clearwater Beach.
'The nature of the call was for a cardiac arrest. A 71-year-old resident, Terry Bollea, also known as Hulk Hogan, was treated by Clearwater Fire & Rescue crews before being taken by Sunstar to Morton Plant Hospital, where he was pronounced deceased.'
The shock death comes just weeks after his wife Sky Daily denied rumors he was on his deathbed in a coma - and claimed his heart was 'strong' after he underwent a routine neck surgery.
Hogan is survived by his third wife Daily, who he wed in 2023, children Brooke, 37, and Nick, 34, who he shared with first wife Linda Claridge, and two grandchildren.
Hulk Hogan's representative, Linda Bose, confirmed his death to CBS NEWS, saying: 'Unfortunately we must confirm that Terry Bollea, aka Hulk Hogan passed away this morning.
'We are heartbroken. He was such a great human being and friend.'
A statement on Hogan's official Instagram account read: 'It is with a heavy heart and deep sadness that we confirm we have lost a legend.
'Our beloved Terry Bollea, known worldwide as Hulk Hogan, passed away today surrounded by his loved ones.
'At this time of grief, we ask that everyone please respect the privacy of his family and friends.
'May we all take solace in the wonderful memories he left behind for the millions of fans worldwide whose lives he touched for more than four decades.