Hulk Hogan , the iconic face of professional wrestling who became a pop culture phenomenon in the 1980s and later backed Donald Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign, has died at the age of 71. WWE confirmed his death on Thursday, calling him “one of pop culture's most recognizable figures.”
NBC News reported that Hogan, real name Terry Bollea , died at his Florida home, citing confirmation from his longtime manager, Chris Volo. TMZ also reported the death, citing emergency dispatch calls about a cardiac arrest early Thursday morning.
Hogan, known for his towering 6’7” frame, blond handlebar mustache, and catchphrase-fueled charisma, was instrumental in taking professional wrestling into the mainstream. His larger-than-life persona, “Hulkamania”, helped the World Wrestling Federation (now WWE) become a global entertainment brand.
“WWE is saddened to learn WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away,” the organization wrote on social media. “Hogan helped WWE achieve global recognition in the 1980s.”
Among the first to react was Donald Trump Jr, who posted, “R.I.P to a legend. HULK HOGAN” on X.
Vice President JD Vance also paid tribute, writing, “Hulk Hogan was a great American icon. One of the first people I ever truly admired as a kid. The next time will have to be on the other side, my friend! Rest in peace.”
Hogan's association with the Trump family spanned decades. In July 2024, he made a surprise appearance at the Republican National Convention, tearing his shirt off to reveal a Trump-Vance tank top and telling the crowd, “With our leader up there, my hero, that gladiator, we're gonna bring America back together.”
His wrestling career began in 1979, but Hogan became a household name in the 1980s, headlining multiple WrestleMania events and feuding with stars like Andre the Giant and “Rowdy” Roddy Piper. Outside the ring, he appeared in Rocky III, No Holds Barred, and the TV series Baywatch. He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005.
Hogan also faced controversy, including a leaked sex tape and racist remarks that led to his 2015 firing from WWE. He later apologized and was reinstated to the Hall of Fame.
He is survived by his children and was married three times. In recent years, he battled multiple health issues stemming from his wrestling career.
NBC News reported that Hogan, real name Terry Bollea , died at his Florida home, citing confirmation from his longtime manager, Chris Volo. TMZ also reported the death, citing emergency dispatch calls about a cardiac arrest early Thursday morning.
Hogan, known for his towering 6’7” frame, blond handlebar mustache, and catchphrase-fueled charisma, was instrumental in taking professional wrestling into the mainstream. His larger-than-life persona, “Hulkamania”, helped the World Wrestling Federation (now WWE) become a global entertainment brand.
“WWE is saddened to learn WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away,” the organization wrote on social media. “Hogan helped WWE achieve global recognition in the 1980s.”
Among the first to react was Donald Trump Jr, who posted, “R.I.P to a legend. HULK HOGAN” on X.
Vice President JD Vance also paid tribute, writing, “Hulk Hogan was a great American icon. One of the first people I ever truly admired as a kid. The next time will have to be on the other side, my friend! Rest in peace.”
Hulk Hogan was a great American icon. One of the first people I ever truly admired as a kid.
— JD Vance (@JDVance) July 24, 2025
The last time I saw him we promised we’d 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.
Hogan's association with the Trump family spanned decades. In July 2024, he made a surprise appearance at the Republican National Convention, tearing his shirt off to reveal a Trump-Vance tank top and telling the crowd, “With our leader up there, my hero, that gladiator, we're gonna bring America back together.”
His wrestling career began in 1979, but Hogan became a household name in the 1980s, headlining multiple WrestleMania events and feuding with stars like Andre the Giant and “Rowdy” Roddy Piper. Outside the ring, he appeared in Rocky III, No Holds Barred, and the TV series Baywatch. He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005.
Hogan also faced controversy, including a leaked sex tape and racist remarks that led to his 2015 firing from WWE. He later apologized and was reinstated to the Hall of Fame.
He is survived by his children and was married three times. In recent years, he battled multiple health issues stemming from his wrestling career.
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