Terry Gene Bollea, widely known by his ring name Hulk Hogan, passed away on July 24, 2025, at the age of 71, after suffering cardiac arrest at his home in Clearwater, Florida. He was pronounced dead at a local hospital after emergency responders were unable to revive him.
Born on August 11, 1953, in Augusta, Georgia, Hogan rose to international fame in the 1980s as the face of World Wrestling Federation (WWF, now WWE). His larger-than-life persona, patriotic flair, and the emblazoned call to “whatcha gonna do, brother” inspired the era of “Hulkamania.” He headlined eight of the first nine WrestleManias, held six WWF/WWE Championships, and became one of the most recognizable figures in sports entertainment.
His career included a celebrated run in World Championship Wrestling (WCW), where he adopted the villainous “Hollywood Hogan” persona and helped found the New World Order faction in the mid-1990s. Hogan was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame twice—first in 2005 as an individual and again in 2020 as part of the nWo.
Beyond the ring, Hogan found success in Hollywood, appearing in films such as Rocky III, No Holds Barred, and Mr. Nanny, and made numerous television appearances on shows including Baywatch, The A‑Team, and his family reality series Hogan Knows Best.
His life was not without controversy; Hogan faced criticism over a widely publicized racial slur incident, a legal battle with Gawker over a leaked sex tape, and a vocal political presence, including speaking at the 2024 Republican National Convention in support of Donald Trump.
Hogan is survived by his wife, Sky Daily, whom he married in September 2023, and his two children, Brooke and Nick. WWE issued a statement expressing deep sorrow at his passing, calling him “one of pop culture’s most recognizable figures” and acknowledging his indispensable role in expanding wrestling’s global reach.
Hogan’s legacy is one of unforgettable presence—his charisma, showmanship, and influence made professional wrestling a mainstream phenomenon. He inspired millions with his larger-than-life character and left behind a storied legacy that brought wrestling to new cultural heights. He will be remembered not only for his extraordinary achievements in the ring, but for the impact he had on sports entertainment worldwide.
