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Hulk Hogan, who passed away at the age of 71, was the quintessential American hero in the world of professional wrestling. His combination of athletic prowess and larger-than-life persona played a pivotal role in the sport’s surge in popularity during the 1980s.
Born Terry Gene Bollea, his career began in Florida during the 1970s. He reportedly earned the moniker “Hulk” after his imposing stature overshadowed that of Lou Ferrigno, the actor who portrayed The Incredible Hulk, during a local television appearance.
He subsequently adopted the name Hogan upon joining the World Wrestling Federation (WWF). Vince McMahon, the organization’s owner, sought a wrestler with a distinctly Irish-sounding name.
Hogan is pictured alongside his parents, Peter and Ruth, backstage at Madison Square Garden in New York in 1984.
His ascent to stardom coincided with wrestling’s evolution into a televised spectacle, seamlessly blending athleticism with the drama, characters, and narratives of show business.
Embodying the classic battle of good versus evil, he became a beloved hero and a firm fan favorite.
Hogan showcased his acting talents on the silver screen, portraying Thunderlips, Sylvester Stallone’s formidable opponent in a charity boxing match, in the 1982 film Rocky III.
He also took on the role of Starlight Starbright in Dolly Parton’s variety show in 1987, with the country music icon appearing as his devoted fan-turned-wife in a music video for her song “Headlock On My Heart.”
When Wrestlemania V was hosted at Trump Plaza in Atlantic City, New Jersey, in 1989, Hogan met the event’s host, Donald Trump, later endorsing him for the presidency.
He pursued a career in Hollywood, appearing in films such as No Holds Barred, Suburban Commando, Mr. Nanny (pictured), and Santa with Muscles.
Returning to the ring in the 2000s, he faced a new generation of wrestling stars, including Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, in a highly anticipated “Icon vs. Icon” match at Wrestlemania X8.
“I’m in better shape than him,” Hogan confidently told Reuters, just five months before his 50th birthday, though The Rock ultimately prevailed.
John Cena felt the force of Hulk Hogan—or at least appeared to—when they presented an award together at the 2005 Teen Choice Awards.
Hogan continued to compete, maintaining a high profile even as his career progressed, as seen here facing fellow veteran Ric Flair in 2009.
While storylines were often predetermined, the physicality and intensity of the matches were undeniably real.
Throughout his illustrious career, Hogan secured six WWF/WWE championships, headlined WrestleMania eight times, and was twice inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame.
He also achieved success in reality television with his series, Hogan Knows Best, which aired from 2005 to 2007 and featured his wife, Linda, and their two children.
His public image suffered a setback in 2015 when he was suspended by the WWE for using a racial slur in a leaked video. “Please forgive me,” he pleaded during an emotional interview on ABC’s Good Morning America. “I’m a nice guy.”
In recent years, he became a polarizing figure among fans due to his outspoken support for Donald Trump, endorsing him in his signature theatrical style at events such as the Republican National Convention a year ago and a campaign rally at Madison Square Garden in New York in October (pictured).
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