\n<\/p>\n
Hulk Hogan, the wrestling star turned vocal supporter of Donald Trump, has died at the age of 71.<\/p>\n
Hogan\u2019s manager 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.<\/p>\n
Rumors about Hogan\u2019s health have swirled for weeks, after he reportedly was hospitalized. Last week, his wife, Sky, denied rumors that he was in a coma, stating that his heart was \u201cstrong\u201d after multiple operations.<\/p>\n
Instantly recognizable from his blonde horseshoe mustache and bandannas, Hogan was one of the most popular wrestling stars of the 1980s and considered one of the greatest of all time. Known for his ring theatrics and sizable physique \u2013 <\/strong>in his prime, Hogan clocked in at 6ft 7in and weighed 320lb (145kg) \u2013 he helped transform professional wrestling into home entertainment, primarily through his partnership with Worldwide Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) and the performance routine known as Hulkamania.<\/p>\n The entertainment company confirmed Hogan\u2019s death and mourned its former star in a statement on X: \u201cWWE is saddened to learn WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away. One of pop culture\u2019s most recognizable figures, Hogan helped WWE achieve global recognition in the 1980s. WWE extends its condolences to Hogan\u2019s family, friends, and fans.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe Hulkster\u201d headlined WrestleMania, WWE\u2019s signature event, eight times, including a seminal showdown in 1987 with his 520lb mentor Andre the Giant at Michigan\u2019s Pontiac Silverdome, before a then record crowd of 93,173. Hogan won the WWE championship six times during his career.<\/p>\n <\/span>Hulk Hogan in 2024.<\/span> Photograph: Sarah Yenesel\/EPA<\/p>\n 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 of 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.<\/p>\n Hogan was once again inducted in 2020, as he became a more prominent figure in Donald Trump\u2019s \u201cMake America Great Again\u201d (Maga) movement. He starred at the 2024 Republican national convention, ripping off his shirt, WWE-style, to reveal a Trump 2024 T-shirt.<\/p>\n Ever the performer, Hogan <\/strong>maintained a decades-long acting career, appearing in the 1982 film Rocky III as the character Thunderlips, as well as films such as No Holds Barred, Suburban Commando, Mr Nanny, Santa With Muscles and the 1994 syndicated series Thunder in Paradise. As one of the most recognizable figures of the 1980s \u2013 at his peak, he was the most requested celebrity for the Make-a-Wish foundation \u2013 Hogan appeared as himself in many shows and movies, including the A-Team, Baywatch, Gremlins 2: The New Batch, Spy Hard and Muppets From Space. He also lent his voice to episodes of Robot Chicken and American Dad!<\/p>\n <\/span>Hulk Hogan, wrestling star and actor, dies aged 71 \u2013 video obituary<\/span><\/p>\n In 1985, he co-hosted Saturday Night Live along with Mr T. The same year, he was the star of his own cartoon series on CBS, Hulk Hogan\u2019s Rock \u2018n\u2019 Wrestling. Hogan parlayed his fame into reality television, starring on the VH1 reality show Hogan Knows Best along with his then wife Linda and his children Brooke and Nick, from 2005 until 2007.<\/p>\n The Guardian has contacted Hogan\u2019s representatives for comment.<\/p>\n Tributes poured in on social media in the hours after his death, including from Maga political figures.<\/p>\n \u201cWe lost a great friend today, the \u2018Hulkster,\u2019\u201d Donald Trump, a longtime friend, posted on his official Truth Social account. \u201cHulk Hogan was MAGA all the way \u2013 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!\u201d<\/p>\n JD Vance also posted a tribute on X: \u201cHulk Hogan was a great American icon. One of the first people I ever truly admired as a kid,\u201d he wrote. \u201cThe last time I saw him we promised we\u2019d 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.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe all have fond memories of Hulk Hogan,\u201d wrote Mike Johnson, the Republican speaker of the House, on X, alongside two photos \u2013 one with Hogan, the other of Hogan arm-wrestling Trump. \u201cFrom my childhood in the \u201880s, to campaigning with him last year, I always saw him as a giant in stature and in life. May he rest in peace.\u201d<\/p>\n Sylvester Stallone, Hogan\u2019s co-star in Rocky III, said via Instagram: \u201cI 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<\/em> three incredibly special. My heart breaks.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI Am Absolutely Shocked To Hear About The Passing Of My Close Friend,\u201d Hogan\u2019s friend and fellow wrestling star Ric Flair posted on X. \u201cHulk 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.\u201d<\/p>\n And John Cena, who followed Hogan\u2019s path from WWE star to Hollywood actor, simply posted a photo to his Instagram account of Hogan holding Andr\u00e9 the Giant\u2019s head in one of their showdowns, appearing triumphant.<\/p>\n