Hulk Hogan, the legendary wrestler who became the face of professional wrestling in the 1980s and later transitioned into acting, has died at the age of 71, according to U.S. media reports on Thursday.
NBC News, citing Hogan’s manager Chris Volo, confirmed that the wrestling icon passed away at his home in Florida. TMZ also reported the news, referencing unnamed sources and an emergency call indicating a “cardiac arrest.”
Standing at 6’7” (2 meters), Hogan, born Terry Bollea, was instantly recognizable with his signature blond handlebar mustache, bandana, and imposing frame. He became a cultural phenomenon with his larger-than-life persona and his all-American “Hulkamania” character, which helped catapult professional wrestling into the mainstream.
Hogan’s wrestling career began in 1979 with the then-World Wrestling Federation (WWF), now WWE. He rose to prominence in the mid-1980s alongside icons like Andre the Giant and “Rowdy” Roddy Piper, helping the sport reach millions of households and turning WWE into a global entertainment powerhouse.
His popularity extended beyond the ring, landing him roles in movies like Rocky III and No Holds Barred
