Hulk Hogan, the wrestling superstar who became a global icon in the 1980s and later a vocal supporter of Donald Trump, has died at the age of 71.
His manager, Chris Volo, confirmed to NBC Los Angeles that Hogan, whose real name was Terry Gene Bollea, died of cardiac arrest at his home in Clearwater, Florida, surrounded by family.
Concerns about Hogan’s health had intensified in recent weeks amid reports he had been hospitalized. Last week, his wife, Sky, publicly denied rumors that he was in a coma, saying his heart was “strong” after undergoing multiple operations.
Recognized instantly by his signature blonde horseshoe mustache, muscular frame, and bandannas, Hogan was one of the most influential wrestlers of all time.
Standing 6 feet 7 inches tall and weighing 320 pounds (145 kilograms) in his prime, he helped transform professional wrestling into a global entertainment phenomenon through his partnership with WWE and his larger-than-life persona, Hulkamania.
World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) confirmed his passing in a statement on X, formerly known as Twitter: “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.”
Hogan headlined WWE’s flagship event, WrestleMania, eight times, most memorably in 1987, when he faced off against his mentor Andre the Giant at Michigan’s Pontiac Silverdome in front of a then-record crowd of 93,173. Over the course of his career, he captured the WWE Championship six times.
In 1996, Hogan reinvented himself as “Hollywood Hogan” and co-founded the New World Order (NWO), a storyline that became one of the most influential in wrestling history.
He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005, but that status was later revoked after a leaked video revealed him making racist remarks during a private conversation.
The video was first published by the website Gawker, which Hogan successfully sued. He won a landmark case that forced the site out of business.
He was reinstated into the Hall of Fame in 2020, around the time he began aligning more publicly with Donald Trump’s Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement. At the 2024 Republican National Convention, Hogan made headlines by ripping off his shirt to reveal a “Trump 2024” T-shirt during a live appearance.
Off the wrestling mat, Hogan also pursued a lengthy acting career. He appeared as Thunderlips in the 1982 film “Rocky III,” and later starred in a string of action comedies including “No Holds Barred,” “Suburban Commando,” “Mr. Nanny, Santa With Muscles,” and the television series “Thunder in Paradise.”
At the height of his fame, Hogan was one of the most recognizable celebrities in America. He was the most requested star for the Make-A-Wish Foundation during the 1980s and made numerous cameo appearances in pop culture, including “The A-Team,” “Baywatch, Gremlins 2: The New Batch,” Spy Hard,” and “Muppets From Space.”
He also voiced characters in shows such as “Robot Chicken” and “American Dad!”
In 1985, Hogan co-hosted Saturday Night Live with Mr. T and became the face of the animated CBS series “Hulk Hogan’s Rock ’n’ Wrestling.” From 2005 to 2007, he and his family starred in VH1’s reality series “Hogan Knows Best,” offering viewers a glimpse into his personal life with then-wife Linda and children Brooke and Nick.
Tributes from political leaders, fans, and fellow entertainers poured in within hours of his death.
“We lost a great friend today, the ‘Hulkster,’” former President Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social. “Hulk Hogan was MAGA all the way – Strong, tough, smart, but with the biggest heart. He gave an absolutely electric speech at the Republican National Convention, that was one of the highlights of the entire week.”
“He entertained fans from all over the World, and the cultural impact he had was massive. To his wife, Sky, and family, we give our warmest best wishes and love. Hulk Hogan will be greatly missed!”
Senator JD Vance also shared his condolences on X, writing: “Hulk Hogan was a great American icon. One of the first people I ever truly admired as a kid. The last time I saw him we promised we’d get beers together next time we saw each other. The next time will have to be on the other side, my friend! Rest in peace.”
House Speaker Mike Johnson posted a tribute alongside two photos, one showing him with Hogan and the other of Hogan arm-wrestling Trump: “We all have fond memories of Hulk Hogan. From my childhood in the ‘80s, to campaigning with him last year, I always saw him as a giant in stature and in life. May he rest in peace.”
Actor Sylvester Stallone, Hogan’s co-star in “Rocky III,” wrote on Instagram: “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.”
Ric Flair, Hogan’s longtime friend and fellow wrestling legend, posted: “I Am Absolutely Shocked To Hear About The Passing Of My Close Friend. 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.”
John Cena, another wrestling great who successfully transitioned to Hollywood, honored Hogan by posting a photo on Instagram of Hogan holding Andre the Giant’s head in one of their iconic WWE moments.
