Hulk Hogan, Wrestling Icon, Dead at 71: A Legacy Marked by Triumphs, Controversies, and Heartbreak

Hulk Hogan, the legendary Prince of Darkness and one of heavy metal’s most iconic stars, has died. He was 71.

Hogan passed away early Thursday morning, surrounded by family. His family confirmed the news with a statement to The Sun: “It is with more sadness than mere words can convey that we have to report that our beloved Terry Bollea, aka Hulk Hogan, passed away this morning. He was with his family and surrounded by love. We ask everyone to respect our family privacy at this time. Sharon, Jack, Kelly, Aimee, and Louis.”

In January, Hogan ripped off his sleeves on Fox News as he went full 'Trumpamania' at the inaugural ball

News of Hogan’s death comes more than five years after he announced his Parkinson’s disease diagnosis in January 2020, shedding light on the rocker’s declining health.

Born John Michael Osbourne on December 3, 1948, in Birmingham, England, Hogan was widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in the history of professional wrestling, known for his charismatic stage presence and his iconic role in WWE. His unique combination of athleticism and showmanship catapulted him into international stardom, but his legacy, while massive, has not been without its controversies.

A Career of Triumph and Scandal

Hogan was the driving force behind WWE’s rise from a regional promotion to a global powerhouse. His legendary rivalry with figures like Andre the Giant, Randy Savage, and The Rock helped cement his place in wrestling lore. His signature phrases, including “Hulkamania” and “Say your prayers and eat your vitamins,” became part of pop culture, making him a household name.

However, Hogan’s career wasn’t just defined by his in-ring achievements. He was also a major figure outside the squared circle, appearing in films like Rocky III (1982), where he played the character Thunderlips, and starring in the reality show Hogan Knows Best. He made appearances on major TV networks and even enjoyed a stint in Hollywood, where his fame grew exponentially.

Hogan was also a celebrity outside the wrestling world, appearing in numerous movies and television shows, including a reality show about his life on VH1, Hogan Knows Best (pictured in 1984)

But his legacy was also marred by significant personal and professional scandals. In 2015, a tape surfaced featuring Hogan making racist remarks, including the repeated use of racial slurs. This led to his temporary removal from WWE programming. Hogan later apologized, but many wrestling fans and critics questioned whether his public return to the WWE Hall of Fame in 2018 was truly a sign of redemption or a calculated business decision.

Hogan also faced family drama, particularly in his strained relationship with his daughter, Brooke, and the public fallout from his divorce from first wife, Linda Claridge. The tabloid nature of his personal life often eclipsed his wrestling career, making his every move a subject of public scrutiny.

A Life of Health Struggles

Despite his fame and fortune, Hogan’s personal life was filled with struggles. Over the years, he underwent over 25 surgeries, including multiple back surgeries, knee replacements, and shoulder repairs. His physical toll from decades of wrestling and public appearances was well documented. In recent years, Hogan opened up about the damage done to his body, including the impact of Parkinson’s disease, which severely affected his mobility.

He won at least six WWE championships and was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005; seen in 1990

Hogan had expressed in public interviews how the disease had changed his life. “You wake up the next morning and find that something else has gone wrong,” he said in May 2025. Despite the setbacks, Hogan remained active in the public eye and continued to maintain a positive attitude despite his personal health battles.

Family and Final Moments

In Hogan’s final years, his family remained his cornerstone. He married his third wife, Sky Daily, in 2023 after a year-long relationship. His children from his first marriage to Linda Claridge, daughter Brooke and son Nick, were a constant presence in his life. The family also experienced tension, with Brooke’s public estrangement from her father revealing the underlying struggles they faced.

More recently, Hogan became a celebrity endorser for Trump's presidential campaign in the United States, which he went on to win

Hogan’s last years were marked by a deepening concern for his health. His final public moments included a heart-wrenching farewell to fans, as he canceled his long-planned 2023 tour due to his physical condition. In one of his last public statements, Hogan told fans that his singing voice was fine, but his body had become too weak to continue touring. He expressed deep gratitude for the loyal fans who had supported him throughout the years.

Brooke, in her final phone call with her father before his death, expressed her love for him, even though they had been estranged. She urged him to slow down and enjoy life, but it was clear that the reconciliation she longed for never fully materialized.

Tributes Pour In

Following Hogan’s death, tributes flooded social media. Fellow wrestling icon Ric Flair, who had a long friendship with Hogan, wrote, “I am absolutely shocked to hear about the passing of my close friend @HulkHogan! He was an incredible athlete, talent, friend, and father. Our friendship has meant the world to me.”

President Donald Trump, who had publicly supported Hogan, praised his legacy, writing, “We lost a great American icon today. The ‘Hulkster’ was strong, tough, smart, but with the biggest heart. He entertained fans from all over the world. His cultural impact was massive, and he will be greatly missed!”

In the 1980s, Hogan - known for his signature mustache and headscarf - was the driving force behind WWE's rise from a regional promotion around New York to an international brand

Hogan’s WWE family also mourned his passing. The official WWE account tweeted, “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.”

The wrestling world continues to mourn the loss of a titan, with many reflecting on his contributions to the sport and his massive influence on pop culture.

A Legacy of Impact and Controversy

While Hogan’s legacy is undeniably monumental in the world of wrestling, it is also deeply complicated. His pioneering work in WWE, his role in the rise of “Hulkamania,” and his larger-than-life persona shaped an era in professional wrestling. But Hogan’s legacy is also marked by the challenges he faced with his personal life, struggles with addiction, and controversial moments that left a stain on his public image.

However, one thing is certain: Hogan’s influence on the world of wrestling and entertainment is profound, and his contributions will forever be remembered. Whether beloved or criticized, Hogan’s mark on the world will never fade.

As the wrestling world says goodbye to Hulk Hogan, we remember not just his performances in the ring, but his resilience, his larger-than-life personality, and the unforgettable legacy he leaves behind. Rest in peace, Hulk Hogan—the Prince of Darkness, the man who defined an era in wrestling and beyond.