Hulk Hogan, the legendary professional wrestler and later a Hollywood actor, has died at the age of 71.
The news was confirmed by TMZ, who reported that his passing was the result of a cardiac arrest at his home in Clearwater, Florida on Thursday (July 24). He had been dealing with complications from neck fusion surgery in recent months. An Instagram post said he died “surrounded by his loved ones” and asked for privacy.
Hogan – real name Terry Gene Bollea – was the face of WWE during their initial 1980s heyday, spearheading the pro wrestling boom that was termed ‘Hulkamania’ in his honour. The promotion’s leading “babyface” star, he headlined most of the first 10 WrestleMania events, before leaving to join rival promotion WCW in the early 1990s, where he “turned heel” and embraced the villainous Hollywood Hogan persona.
His stardom translated to the real-life Hollywood too, debuting as “Thunderlips” in Rocky III in 1982 and later starring in movies such as No Holds Barred, Suburban Commando and Mr. Nanny.
The legendary Hulk Hogan ❤️💛 pic.twitter.com/3daG7IDznf
— WWE (@WWE) July 24, 2025
In later life, Hogan found himself at the centre of multiple controversies. In 2012, a sex tape was leaked online by the website Gawker, which showed Hogan using racial slurs. A widely-publicised lawsuit ensued, with Hogan defeating the website in a huge payout that ultimately shut them down. WWE briefly distanced themselves from Hogan, before welcoming him back in 2018.
Hogan also gave a rousing public endorsement of Donald Trump during the 2024 presidential election, speaking at a major rally at Madison Square Garden in New York. Shortly afterwards, he was booed by a live WWE audience at the company’s debut Monday Night Raw show on Netflix in January 2025, his final major public appearance.
WWE posted their tribute to Hogan online on Thursday, writing: “WWE is saddened to learn WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away. 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.
WWE is saddened to learn WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away.
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.
— WWE (@WWE) July 24, 2025
See other tributes below.
— Vince McMahon (@VinceMcMahon) July 24, 2025
I Am Absolutely Shocked To Hear About The Passing Of My Close Friend @HulkHogan! Hulk Has Been By My Side Since We Started In The Wrestling Business. An Incredible Athlete, Talent, Friend, And Father! Our Friendship Has Meant The World To Me. He Was Always There For Me Even When… pic.twitter.com/rOWLakMjr4
— Ric Flair® (@RicFlairNatrBoy) July 24, 2025
WWE would not be where it is today without the larger-than-life characters that compete in the ring … and few, if any, loomed larger than Terry “Hulk Hogan” Bollea.
He was the archetype of what it meant to be a “Superstar” – a global sensation that inspired millions to work… pic.twitter.com/wXpgFvAhHA
— Triple H (@TripleH) July 24, 2025
It’s hard to put into words what Terry “Hulk Hogan” Bollea meant to professional wrestling and entertainment. He may be gone, but his memory and legacy will live forever.
RIP Hulkster pic.twitter.com/73o86iY1bA
— JakeSnakeDDT (@JakeSnakeDDT) July 24, 2025
What the fuck brother! RIP Legend. Always appreciated your kind words and encouragement. Hulk Hogan brought WWE to the masses globally. Rest easy
— Jake Paul (@jakepaul) July 24, 2025
RIP Hulk Hogan – the most iconic wrestler in history, a wonderful character, and in person, a far gentler, charming, intelligent man far removed from his snarling beast ring (and Rocky movie!) persona. Sad news. pic.twitter.com/z3lT5gJgFk
— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) July 24, 2025
Hulk Hogan was a great American icon. One of the first people I ever truly admired as a kid.
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.
— JD Vance (@JDVance) July 24, 2025
Hulk Hogan died at 71 today. He is probably the most famous pro wrestler who ever lived and more people paid to see him perform over the course of his career than any other person. Thanks for the memories.
— Dave Meltzer (@davemeltzerWON) July 24, 2025
The biggest crowd pop of all time!
Hulk Hogan "Hulks Up" at WrestleMania 18 vs The Rock.#RIPHulkHogan pic.twitter.com/GvB0eOuw2k
— 2000's WWE (@2000s_WWE) July 24, 2025
Hogan is survived by his wife, Sky Hogan, as well as his children Brooke and Nick. He was previously married to Linda Hogan from 1983 to 2009 and Jennifer McDaniel from 2010 to 2021.