Hulk Hogan, wrestling star and actor, dies aged 71
Chris Volo told NBC Los Angeles that Hogan, given name Terry Gene Bollea, suffered a cardiac arrest at his home in Clearwater, Florida, and died surrounded by his family.
Rumors about Hogan's health have swirled for weeks, after he reportedly was hospitalized. Just last week, his wife, Sky, denied rumors that he was in a coma, stating that his heart was 'strong' after multiple surgeries.
Instantly recognizable from his blonde horseshoe mustache and bandanas, Hogan was one of the most popular wrestling stars of the 1980s and considered one of the sport's greatest of all time. Known for his ring theatrics and sizable physique, he helped transform professional wrestling into home entertainment, primarily through his partnership with Worldwide Wrestling Entertainment (WWE).
The entertainment company also confirmed Hogan's death and mourned its former star in a statement on X: '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.'
In 1996, Hogan founded the New World Order (NWO) and became Hollywood Hulk Hogan. He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005, only to have his status revoked after scandal following the release of a secret recording during a sexual encounter, during which Hogan made numerous racist comments. The 2010s blog Gawker first published the recording; Hogan subsequently sued the website, winning and forcing it out of business.
Hogan was once again inducted in 2020, as he became a more prominent figure in Donald Trump's 'Make America Great Again' (Maga) political movement. He starred at the 2024 Republican national convention, ripping off his shirt, WWE-style, to reveal a Trump 2024 T-shirt.
Ever the performer, Hogan maintained an acting career, appearing in the 1982 film Rocky III as the character Thunderlips, as well as No Holds Barred, Suburban Commando and Mr Nanny. From 2005 and 2007, he starred on the VH1 reality show Hogan Knows Best along with his then wife Linda and his children Brooke and Nick.
The Guardian has reached out to Hogan's reps for comment.
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