MIAMI: Hulk Hogan, the iconic face of professional wrestling in the 1980s who parlayed his prowess in the ring into an acting career, died on Thursday at the age of 71.
Hogan — a Hall of Fame talent known for his towering 6’7″ (two-meter) physique, bandana, and distinctive blond handlebar moustache — died at his home in Florida, his manager Chris Volo said.
TMZ also reported the news, citing unnamed sources and an emergency personnel dispatch call about a “cardiac arrest” at his home.
Hogan’s magnetic personality — his ring character was a heroic all-American — and wrestling skills transformed the sport into mainstream family entertainment, attracting millions of viewers and turning the league into a revenue juggernaut.
Hogan — real name Terry Bollea — first competed in 1979 in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF, now known as WWE) but became a mainstay and fan favourite in the mid-1980s alongside others like Andre the Giant and “Rowdy” Roddy Piper.
The legendary Hulk Hogan ❤️💛 pic.twitter.com/3daG7IDznf
— WWE (@WWE) July 24, 2025
His brand of “Hulkamania” transferred to the small and big screen, with roles in films such as “Rocky III,” “No Holds Barred” and TV’s “Baywatch.”
He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005.
“WWE is 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,” World Wrestling Entertainment said on social media.
“WWE extends its condolences to Hogan’s family, friends, and fans.”
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.
— WWE (@WWE) July 24, 2025
In recent years, Hogan became an avid supporter of US President Donald Trump.
Hogan suffered numerous health problems in later years, stemming from the years of abuse his body took in the ring. He was married three times and had two children with his first wife, Linda.
