Hulk Hogan, the towering face of 1980s wrestling and creator of the worldwide phenomenon “Hulkamania,” has died at age 71. Known for his charisma, strength, and unmatched showmanship, Hogan helped transform professional wrestling into a global entertainment spectacle. Promoter Eric Bischoff confirmed his passing on Thursday. Medical teams were reportedly dispatched to Hogan’s Florida home for what was described as a cardiac arrest.
The Rise of Hulkamania
Born Terry Bollea, Hogan rose to fame as a larger-than-life figure who brought pro wrestling into American pop culture. Standing 6-foot-7 and weighing over 300 pounds in his prime, Hogan’s entrance music, yellow gear, and signature bandana became instantly recognizable symbols. With the crowd roaring, he would tear off his shirt, cup his ear, and flex his bulging arms—acts that thrilled audiences and defined his image.
Hogan captured the WWE Championship six times and headlined WrestleMania on eight occasions. His most iconic match came in 1987 when he body-slammed Andre the Giant in front of over 93,000 fans at the Pontiac Silverdome—a moment etched into wrestling history.
From Hero to Villain
Hogan’s character evolved over the decades. Initially portrayed as a “baby face,” or fan-favorite hero, he later stunned fans by becoming a “heel,” or villain, in the mid-1990s. This reinvention breathed new life into his career and helped launch the success of the New World Order (nWo) storyline in World Championship Wrestling (WCW), one of WWE’s fiercest rivals at the time.
Despite the shift in persona, his fan base remained massive, driven by loyalty to the man behind the character.
Wrestling Meets Hollywood
Hogan’s dramatic style easily crossed over into Hollywood. He made his film debut in Rocky III (1982) as Thunderlips, a wrestler who fought Sylvester Stallone’s Rocky Balboa in a charity match. The performance kicked off a film career that included titles like No Holds Barred (1989), Suburban Commando (1991), Mr. Nanny (1993), and Santa With Muscles (1996).
He also starred in the action-adventure TV series Thunder in Paradise (1994) and appeared in shows such as The A-Team, Baywatch, and Gremlins 2. His voice featured in animated series like Robot Chicken and American Dad!
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Saturday Morning Fame and Family Life
In the mid-1980s, Hogan became a true pop culture icon. He co-hosted Saturday Night Live with Mr. T in 1985 and starred in Hulk Hogan’s Rock ‘n’ Wrestling, a CBS Saturday morning cartoon based on his in-ring persona. In the 2000s, he opened his family life to viewers with the VH1 reality show Hogan Knows Best, featuring his then-wife and two children.
At his peak, he was the most requested celebrity by children at the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Scandals and Setbacks
Hogan’s career, however, wasn’t free of controversy. In 1994, he admitted to using steroids for over a decade. Years later, in 2015, the WWE removed him from its Hall of Fame after a leaked sex tape revealed him making racist remarks. The backlash was swift and damaging.
In response to the video’s release, Hogan sued Gawker Media. With financial support from billionaire Peter Thiel, he won a landmark case in 2016 and was awarded $140 million. After the trial, Gawker filed for bankruptcy, and Hogan eventually settled for $31 million.
A Legacy Larger Than Life
Despite his controversies, Hulk Hogan’s impact on professional wrestling remains unmatched. He inspired generations of fans and wrestlers with his larger-than-life persona, unmatched charisma, and dedication to showmanship. For millions, the phrase “Hulkamania will live forever” still rings true.
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