Hulk Hogan, one of world’s best-known wrestling stars, has died at the age of 71, World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) has confirmed.
The star, born Terry Gene Bollea and known for his flowing blond hair and moustache, died at his home in Florida on Thursday.
Hogan began his professional wrestling career in 1977, but shot to fame after signing for the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), as it was then known, in 1983.
He was one of the most prominent characters as the popularity of wrestling exploded, and later became well-known for his reality show, Hogan Knows Best, which aired on VH1 from 2005 to 2007.
More recently, Hogan had been a vocal a supporter of US president Donald Trump.
His cause of death has not yet been confirmed. Hogan had neck surgery in May and heart surgery in June.
In its statement, WWE said it was “saddened to learn WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away”.
“One of pop culture’s most recognisable figures, Hogan helped WWE achieve global recognition in the 1980s.
“WWE extends its condolences to Hogan’s family, friends, and fans.”
Hogan’s larger-than-life personality and talent in the ring helped make professional wrestling more accessible to the mainstream public.
He won six WWE championships and was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005. Hogan’s opponents included Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, ‘Macho Man’ Randy Savage and Andre The Giant.
Wrestling legend Ric Flair said he was “absolutely shocked” to hear about Hogan’s death.
“An incredible athlete, talent, friend and father,” he said in a post on X. “Our friendship has meant the world to me. He was always there for me even when I didn’t ask for him to be.”
Donald Trump Jr, the son of the US president, posted a selfie with Hogan from 2024, writing: “RIP to a legend.”
Carlos Silva, the president of wrestling brand Total Nonstop Action Wrestling said: “Hogan’s name was synonymous with professional wrestling, transcending the industry to become an American pop culture fixture.”
Born in 1953, Hogan was one of the most famous names in professional wrestling history.
He first competed in the WWF in 1979, but became a mainstay and fan favourite in the mid-1980s alongside Andre the Giant and “Rowdy” Roddy Piper.
Hogan headlined the first WrestleMania in New York in 1985, where he and Mr T defeated Piper and Paul Orndorff.
In the ring, Hogan’s character was a heroic all-American, and his magnetic personality helped attract millions of viewers and turn wrestling into a revenue juggernaut.
Throughout the 90s, Hogan’s popularity transcended the wrestling ring, appearing in films including Mr Nanny and Suburban Commando.
His brand of “Hulkamania” transferred to the small and big screen, with roles in films such as Rocky III, No Holds Barred and a 1996 episode of Baywatch.
Actor Sylvester Stallone said on Instagram Hogan was “absolutely wonderful and his amazing skill made Rocky III incredibly special”.
Hogan was first inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005, but he was removed from the hall in 2015 when his WWE contract was terminated after a tape of him emerged using a racist slur.
In 2018, the company reinstated him, saying he deserved a second chance, but several WWE superstars, including the New Day and Titus O’Neil, said it would be “difficult to simply forget” what Hogan had said.
In recent years, Hogan had appeared at Trump rallies and on the US election campaign trail last year.
Hogan was booed by the crowd at his most recent WWE appearance, when he appeared on the company’s flagship Monday Night Raw programme to promote his beer brand.
He suffered several health problems in later years, many stemming from the years he spent in the ring.
Last year, in an interview with YouTuber and wrestler Logan Paul, Hogan said he had had at least 25 operations in the last decade.
“I’ve had like 25 surgeries in the last 10 years,” he said. “Ten back surgeries, both knees and both hips replaced, shoulders – everything.”
Hogan was married three times, and had two children with his first wife Linda.
