Hulk Hogan, Pro Wrestler & Pop Culture Icon, Dies at 71

Hulk Hogan, one of pro wrestling’s biggest icons who found crossover fame in the world of entertainment, has died. He was 71.

“Unfortunately we must confirm that Terry Bollea, aka Hulk Hogan, passed away this morning,” his manager Linda Bose tells Billboard. “We are heartbroken. He was such a great human being and friend.”

The athlete is survived by his children, Nick and Brooke, whom he shared with first wife Linda Claridge, and his wife, Sky Daily. Hogan was also previously married to Jennifer McDaniel for more than a decade, ending with a separation in 2021.

“WWE is saddened to learn WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away,” the wrestling promotion company tells Billboard in a statement. “One of pop culture’s most recognizable figures, Hogan helped WWE achieve global recognition in the 1980s. WWE extends its condolences to Hogan’s family, friends, and fans.”

Born Terry Gene Bollea and raised in Florida, Hogan found fame in the 1980s after triumphing over Iron Sheik to become the World Wrestling Federation’s heavyweight winner. The win sparked a phenomenon in the wrestling world known as “Hulkmania,” which saw him through a total of six WWE championship wins and eight WrestleMania headlining slots over the course of his career.

In the 1990s, Hogan nurtured his penchant for acting through appearances in Gremlins 2: The New Batch, Suburban Commando, Mr. Nanny and Santa With Muscles. Famous for his signature blond mustache and red bandana, Hogan was also known for making cameos as himself in projects such as 1999’s Muppets From Space and TV show The Goldbergs.

Heavily associated with his walkout song “Real American,” Hogan was also outspoken in his political beliefs. In 2024, he appeared at the Republican National Convention, supporting Donald Trump’s third presidential campaign.

And though the WWE has often gone hand in hand with musical excellence over the years, Hogan’s own musical interests were more limited. In 1995, however, he released an album titled Hulk Rules under the name Hulk Hogan and the Wrestling Boot Band. The set reached No. 12 on the Kid Albums chart on Sept. 9, 1995, and marked his only chart appearance.

This article was first published by Billboard U.S.