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Wrestling legend Hulk Hogan dies at 71
Hulk Hogan, seen at WrestleMania in Los Angeles in 2005, was one of pro wrestling's most recognizable figures.
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Chris Carlson
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Associated Press
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Hulk Hogan Obit (Intro Fixed)
Hulk Hogan, one of the biggest stars of professional wrestling, has died. The police and fire departments in Clearwater, Florida, put out a statement stating they responded to a medical call for a cardiac arrest this morning. Hogan was pronounced dead at a local hospital. He was 71.
Hogan, whose real name was Terry Bollea, was one of the earliest stars of World Wrestling Entertainment and was the face of pro wrestling's boom in popularity during the 1980s.
In a post on X, the WWE called Hogan "one of pop culture's most recognizable figures," and credited him for helping the brand achieve global recognition.
He was so popular, there was a name for his era of popularity — Hulkamania. Hogan parlayed that stardom into movie roles, including a memorable appearance in Rocky III.
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More recently, Hogan was a figure of right-wing politics. During the 2024 Republican National Convention, he spoke on stage, tearing off his shirt to reveal a Trump-Vance shirt, saying, "Let Trumpamania run wild, brother."
Hogan also became a major figure in the media after the website Gawker published a portion of a sex tape of Hogan in 2012. Funded by billionaire Peter Thiel, Hogan sued parent company Gawker Media. Hogan won the lawsuit. A Florida jury awarded him $140 million, driving Gawker Media into bankruptcy.
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But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
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