The wrestling world is mourning a true legend. Hulk Hogan, known for his larger-than-life persona in the ring, passed away on Thursday, July 24. He was 71 years old. His family confirmed the sad news to a prominent entertainment publication, which had also reported his recent health struggles.
Sources like TMZ reported that Hogan suffered a cardiac arrest at his home in Clearwater, Florida. This tragic news came after the same publication revealed in June that the wrestling icon was recovering from a major heart operation. A source had indicated he was recovering well, noting, "Hulk had a pretty serious heart surgery a few weeks ago and was doing well after."
The Birth of a Superstar
Born Terry Gene Bollea in Augusta, Georgia, in August 1953, Hogan spent his childhood in Port Tampa, Florida. He caught the wrestling bug as a teenager, beginning his professional career in August 1977. The famous "Hulk" nickname came about after a talk show appearance with actor Lou Ferrigno, who played the Incredible Hulk. The host pointed out that Hogan, standing tall at 6 feet 7 inches, was actually bigger than Ferrigno himself.
Hogan’s career truly exploded when he joined the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) in 1979. This organization later became known as WWE. It was here that WWF owner Vince McMahon Sr. suggested he use an Irish last name, and so "Hulk Hogan" was born. His win of the WWF heavyweight title in 1984 kicked off "Hulkamania." This era significantly boosted the sport’s popularity. His incredible career led to his induction into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005. He was inducted again in 2020 as a member of the New World Order wrestling group.
Beyond the Ring
Hogan wasn’t just a force in the wrestling ring. He also found success as an actor, gracing the big screen in memorable roles. He appeared in the 1982 film Rocky III, followed by No Holds Barred in 1989. Fans also remember him from Suburban Commando in 1991 and Mr. Nanny in 1993. On television, he starred in the action-adventure series Thunder in Paradise in 1994. Later, he gave fans a peek into his personal life with the VH1 reality show Hogan Knows Best. This show, featuring his family, aired for four seasons from 2005 to 2007.
A Look at His Personal Life and Later Years
In his personal life, Hulk Hogan was married three times. He was first married to Linda Hogan (born Claridge) from 1983 to 2009. Together, they had two children: daughter Brooke, born in May 1988, and son Nick, born in July 1990. He then married Jennifer McDaniel in 2010, and their marriage lasted until 2021. In September 2023, Hulk tied the knot with his third wife, Sky Daily.
After officially retiring from wrestling in 2012, Hogan faced significant health challenges. In a 2023 interview with Men’s Health, he shared that his body "shut down" after years of intense physical activity. This led to more than 20 surgeries over roughly a decade, affecting his back, knees, hips, and even his face. Faced with these issues, he made big lifestyle changes. He lost weight, started exercising more, and improved his diet.
"I feel great," he told Men’s Health at the time. "Without all the other stuff, you really feel alive because a little bit of pain lets you know you’re alive."
Hulk Hogan is survived by his wife, Sky Daily, his children, Brooke and Nick, and his grandchildren, Oliver and Molly. Sadly, a prominent entertainment publication had confirmed before his passing that the Hogan family was estranged, with Brooke not in communication with her parents.