On July 24, 2025, Hulk Hogan, born Terry Gene Bollea, passed away at age 71 in Clearwater, Florida, reportedly from cardiac arrest after suffering complications from recent surgery. He was a global wrestling icon, remembered for his unmatched charisma, legendary matches, and larger-than-life persona.
This is his story—from humble beginnings to his monumental rise, controversies, and enduring legacy.
Roots & Rise: From Terry Bollea to Hulkamania
Born on August 11, 1953 in Augusta, Georgia, Hogan’s early years shaped the resilience and showmanship that would define his career. He began wrestling in 1977, honing his craft under trainer Hiro Matsuda (“The Super Destroyer”) before gaining world fame after signing with the WWF (now WWE) in December 1983.
With his trademark red and yellow attire, iconic blonde moustache, and booming catchphrases like “Whatcha gonna do, brother?!”, Hogan became the face of the wrestling boom of the 1980s. He helped transform pro wrestling into mainstream entertainment, headlining multiple WrestleMania events and becoming a six-time WWF Champion.
Hulk Hogan’s Family Life: Behind the Wrestling Persona
While Hulk Hogan became a worldwide icon through wrestling, movies, and reality TV, his personal life—especially his family—has been a major part of his story.
❤️ Marriage and Relationships
Hogan married Linda Claridge (also known as Linda Hogan) in 1983. The couple became a staple of early 2000s pop culture thanks to the hit VH1 reality show Hogan Knows Best, which aired from 2005 to 2007. The show gave fans a glimpse into their daily lives, family struggles, and the pressure of fame.
Unfortunately, their marriage ended in divorce in 2009 after 26 years together. The split was highly public and filled with legal drama, putting more media spotlight on Hogan than ever before.
In 2022, Hulk Hogan quietly tied the knot with Sky Daily, a yoga instructor. The two were often seen together at charity events and local spots in Florida. Hogan credited Sky with bringing a sense of calm and balance to his life in later years.
Hulk Hogan’s Children
Hulk Hogan had two children with Linda:
🎤 Brooke Hogan
Brooke, born in 1988, is a singer, actress, and TV personality. She was heavily featured on Hogan Knows Best and even had her own spin-off series, Brooke Knows Best. Brooke released a pop album, modeled briefly, and appeared in several films. Despite facing challenges in her career, Brooke always remained close to her father. She often posted touching tributes to him on social media and credited him for her strong work ethic and confidence.
🏍️ Nick Hogan (Nicholas Bollea)
Nick, born in 1990, also appeared on Hogan Knows Best. He was known for his love of fast cars and motorcycles. Sadly, Nick faced legal trouble in 2007 after a serious car accident that left his passenger, a close friend, with lifelong injuries. This was a dark chapter for the Hogan family, and Hulk publicly stood by his son throughout the legal process. Over the years, Nick stepped away from the spotlight but stayed involved in business and motorsports.
👵 Hulk Hogan’s Parents
Hulk Hogan was born Terry Gene Bollea on August 11, 1953, in Augusta, Georgia, and raised in Tampa, Florida. His parents were:
- Peter Bollea, a construction foreman.
- Ruth Bollea, a homemaker and dance instructor.
Hogan often said his work ethic and resilience came from watching his father work long hours and his mother’s devotion to her family. He remained close to his parents throughout their lives, crediting them for supporting his wrestling dreams even when the odds were stacked against him.
🛡️ A Protective Father
Even with his larger-than-life persona, Hulk Hogan was known to be a very protective father. He once said in an interview, “No matter how famous I get, my proudest job will always be being a dad.” He kept family at the center of his decisions and often spoke about how being a parent changed him.
During Brooke’s music career, Hulk acted as her manager for a while and was deeply involved in negotiating deals, protecting her from exploitation in the entertainment industry. His parenting style—strict yet supportive—was often showcased in reality TV and interviews.
💔 Family Challenges in the Spotlight
Life under the lens of reality TV and celebrity status took its toll. The family faced tough times, especially during the divorce, legal issues involving Nick, and public criticism. Hogan once described these moments as “the lowest of lows,” but also credited them with making the family stronger and wiser.
Despite ups and downs, the Hogan family continued to support each other, often showing up at each other’s events or celebrating milestones together.
Defining Moments in the Ring
🎬 WrestleMania & Legendary Defeats
At WrestleMania III in 1988, Hogan body-slammed André the Giant—a moment still etched as one of professional wrestling’s most iconic moments. That event drew massive attention and is one of the top-viewed wrestling matches in TV history.
The next year, at WrestleMania VI (April 1, 1990), Hogan faced The Ultimate Warrior in a rare “Winner Takes All” match that sold out the SkyDome in Toronto with nearly 68,000 fans in attendance.
Saturday Night’s Main Event & The Main Event
Hogan regularly headlined televised specials such as Saturday Night’s Main Event, drawing millions of viewers. Memorable moments include a dramatic steel cage match and a high-profile confrontation involving the character Zeus (Tommy Lister Jr.) from No Holds Barred.
Heading Hollywood: Films & Television
Beyond wrestling, Hogan crossed into movies and TV. He appeared in Rocky III as Thunderlips and starred in his own reality show, Hogan Knows Best, which chronicled his family life.
Other appearances included Gremlins 2, Suddenly Susan, Thunder in Paradise, and various talk shows. He also became an ambassador and brand partner with ventures like Real American Freestyle wrestling promotion and his own Real American Beer line launched in 2024.
Hall of Fame Honour & NWO Era
🏆 WWE Hall of Fame
Hogan was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005, recognized as one of the greatest performers in wrestling history.
In 2015, after a scandal that led to his removal, Hogan issued public apologies, and in 2018 he was officially reinstated into the Hall of Fame. He continued to appear on WWE programming, including co-hosting WrestleMania 37 in 2021.
🧥 Hollywood Hogan & nWo
In the mid-1990s, Hogan reinvented himself as Hollywood Hogan, joining WCW’s infamous New World Order (nWo) and becoming a villain (heel) — a dramatic shift that revitalised his career and changed wrestling forever.
Health Battles, Legal Struggles & Controversies
Health Struggles
In recent years, Hogan endured multiple surgeries, including a major four-level cervical fusion to relieve nerve compression. Reports say he lost feeling in his legs and required a cane to walk. Despite public reassurances, health issues persisted leading up to his death.
Gawker Sex Tape Lawsuit
In 2016, Hogan successfully sued Gawker over a leaked sex tape, winning $115 million in damages (later settling for $31 million). The verdict raised major privacy-rights discussions and was financially backed by Peter Thiel.
Racist Comments & Apology
In 2015, a leaked recording revealed Hogan making racist remarks. He issued a public apology, calling the language “unacceptable.” WWE severed ties temporarily before later reinstating him after years of community and charity work.
Legacy & Influence in Wrestling and Pop Culture
He was instrumental in turning WWE into a global brand through the 1980s and beyond. Vince McMahon called Hogan the “greatest WWE Superstar of ALL TIME.” Hogan’s energetic appeal helped make wrestling family entertainment, transforming it into a cultural phenomenon.
Cultural Impact
Hogan inspired generations of fans from fashion to catchphrases (“Hulkamania” lives on). Philadelphia promoter Roger Artigiani noted that Hogan’s presence still resonates decades later.
Death and Reactions: A Global Mourning
On July 24, 2025, first responders arrived at his Clearwater home around 9:51 a.m., and performed CPR for almost 30 minutes before he was transported to hospital—as confirmed by dispatch audio and police press briefings. He was pronounced dead at Morton Plant Hospital with no foul play suspected.
Tributes from All Corners
- Ric Flair, a lifelong friend, shared personal memories and heartfelt sorrow.
- Charlotte Flair, WWE star and Ric’s daughter, thanked Hogan for supporting her family when needed most.
- John Cena, UFC’s Dana White, singer Lee Greenwood, Sergeant Slaughter, and even political figures like Donald Trump Jr. and Speaker Mike Johnson issued moving tributes.
- WWE released a statement mourning the loss: “One of pop culture’s most recognizable figures, Hogan helped WWE achieve global recognition in the 1980s”.
Fellow wrestlers like The Undertaker, Triple H, and thousands of fans echoed similar sentiments of admiration and loss.
Hulk Hogan on TV: Pop Culture’s Muscle-Bound Superstar
Hulk Hogan wasn’t just a wrestling icon—he was a pop culture phenomenon. While his fame started in the wrestling ring, it exploded far beyond. His TV appearances, endorsements, and reality shows helped turn him into a household name in America and around the world.
🎬 Hogan Knows Best: A Glimpse Inside
One of Hulk Hogan’s biggest TV successes outside the wrestling ring was the reality show “Hogan Knows Best”, which aired on VH1 from 2005 to 2007. The show followed Hulk, his then-wife Linda, and their children Brooke and Nick as they navigated life in the spotlight.
Fans loved the show for its mix of humor, drama, and heart. Whether it was Hulk giving overprotective dad speeches or Brooke chasing her music dreams, it gave audiences a rare and personal look at one of wrestling’s biggest stars. The show ran for four seasons and even led to Brooke’s spin-off, Brooke Knows Best.
It also helped introduce a new generation to Hulk Hogan, who by then had become more of a pop icon than an active wrestler.
📣 Commercials, Endorsements, and Talk Shows
Hogan’s popularity in the 1980s and 1990s led to a flood of commercial deals. From Right Guard deodorant to Pasta Mania (his own short-lived pasta restaurant), Hogan’s face was everywhere.
He also made guest appearances on popular talk shows like:
- The Tonight Show
- The Arsenio Hall Show
- Late Night with Conan O’Brien
- Larry King Live
These interviews often featured Hogan talking about his wrestling career, family life, health, and personal beliefs. He always brought his signature energy, charm, and catchphrases like “Say your prayers and eat your vitamins!”
🤝 Cameos and Guest Spots
Over the decades, Hogan popped up in numerous TV shows as a guest or in cameo roles. Some memorable appearances include:
- The A-Team – Playing himself in a fun, action-packed role.
- Walker, Texas Ranger – In a dramatic guest spot.
- Robot Chicken – An animated spoof version of himself.
- Baywatch – A crossover that mixed lifeguards and wrestling.
These roles helped Hogan stay relevant to TV audiences even when he wasn’t wrestling full-time.
🛍️ Hulkamania Merch and Pop Culture Buzz
In the 1980s, Hogan was more than just a wrestler—he was a brand.
His yellow and red “Hulkamania” shirts, bandanas, and action figures flew off shelves. Kids everywhere wore Hulk merchandise, and millions tuned in to see him fight at WrestleMania. He even had a cartoon show: “Hulk Hogan’s Rock ‘n’ Wrestling”, which aired on CBS in the mid-80s.
In many ways, Hulk Hogan was the first wrestler to break out of the ring and into every corner of pop culture. His look, voice, and attitude were instantly recognizable—even to people who had never watched wrestling.
📉 Controversies and Comebacks
Like many celebrities, Hulk Hogan had his share of controversies. His personal life, legal battles, and leaked private moments led to a temporary fall from grace. In 2015, Hogan was removed from the WWE Hall of Fame site and other platforms after racist remarks surfaced from private recordings.
But in true Hulk fashion, he made a comeback.
He publicly apologized, took time away from the spotlight, and was eventually reinstated by WWE in 2018. While some fans were divided, others welcomed him back, citing his legacy and contributions to the industry.
📲 Digital Age & Social Media
Even in his later years, Hogan kept up with the times. He joined social media platforms like Twitter and Instagram, where he posted motivational quotes, workout videos, and nostalgic throwbacks. His accounts became a fun place for fans to relive the golden days of wrestling and stay updated with Hogan’s life.
His posts often went viral, especially when he interacted with other celebrities, fellow wrestlers, or gave birthday shout-outs to fans.
Timeline at a Glance
- 1953 – Born as Terry Gene Bollea in Georgia
- 1977 – Debuted in wrestling
- 1983–1993 – Became WWF’s biggest star
- 1985 – Headlined WrestleMania I
- 1990 – WrestleMania VI main event
- 1996 – Became Hollywood Hogan in WCW
- 2005 – WWE Hall of Fame induction
- 2015 – Controversial statements and removal
- 2016 – Won sex tape lawsuit
- 2018 – Reinstated to Hall of Fame
- 2025 – Passed away at 71 in Clearwater, FL
Why Hulk Hogan Mattered
- He united wrestling and pop culture, introducing millions to the spectacle and drama of pro wrestling.
- He reinvented hero and villain roles with his switch to Hollywood Hogan in nWo.
- He fought for privacy rights via the Gawker lawsuit, impacting media/journalism debates.
- His larger-than-life persona inspired a movement—from T-shirts to movies to real-community events.
At Last
Hulk Hogan lived across eras—he was the face of wrestling’s boom, a silver screen glimpse, and a public controversy. Yet despite setbacks, his legacy was one of hope, fitness motivation, and entertainment. His passing marks the end of an era, but “Hulkamania” will continue to run wild in the hearts of fans worldwide.
