Hulk Hogan : Who Was He? Death News, Biography, Net Worth, Ethnicity & More
Hulk Hogan was not just a wrestling superstar—he was a pop culture icon. Known for his unmatched charisma, red-and-yellow gear, iconic mustache, and his famous catchphrase “Whatcha gonna do, brother?”, Hulk Hogan helped shape the golden era of professional wrestling. From the 1980s to the early 2000s, he was the face of WWE (then WWF) and WCW, inspiring generations of fans.
Sadly, on July 24, 2025, Hulk Hogan passed away at the age of 71. His death marks the end of a legendary chapter in sports entertainment history. In this article, we look at his life story, career achievements, cause of death, ethnicity, net worth, and more.
Early Life of Hulk Hogan
Hulk Hogan was born as Terry Eugene Bollea on August 11, 1953, in Augusta, Georgia, but grew up in Tampa, Florida. From a young age, he was deeply involved in sports. He played baseball, lifted weights, and later discovered his love for wrestling.
Hogan had an imposing presence, standing 6 feet 7 inches tall and weighing over 300 pounds in his prime. His size, charisma, and energy made him a perfect fit for professional wrestling.
Ethnicity and Family Background
Hogan came from a mixed ethnic background—he was of Italian, French, and Panamanian descent. His father, Peter Bollea, worked as a construction foreman, and his mother, Ruth Bollea, was a homemaker. Though born in the U.S., his diverse roots gave him a unique heritage.
Journey into Professional Wrestling
Terry Bollea started wrestling in the late 1970s after training under Hiro Matsuda. During his first training session, Matsuda broke Hogan’s leg to test his dedication. Hogan returned weeks later, proving his passion and earning respect.
He initially wrestled under the name “Sterling Golden,” but the name “Hulk” was born after a talk show host noticed he was bigger than Lou Ferrigno (who played The Incredible Hulk). Thus, Hulk Hogan became his permanent wrestling name.
Rise to Fame in WWF (Now WWE)
In the early 1980s, Hulk Hogan joined the World Wrestling Federation (WWF). He quickly became a top star. Kids admired him, and adults were drawn to his charisma.
Some of his biggest career highlights include:
- Winning the WWF Championship five times.
- Main-eventing WrestleMania multiple times.
- Famous matches with Andre the Giant, Ultimate Warrior, and Randy Savage.
- Becoming the face of WWF’s expansion into global entertainment.
Hollywood Career and Mainstream Popularity
Hulk Hogan wasn’t just a wrestler—he became a pop culture icon in movies, television, and commercials. He starred in:
- No Holds Barred (1989)
- Suburban Commando (1991)
- Mr. Nanny (1993)
- Thunder in Paradise (TV series)
He also voiced characters in cartoons, released music, and was a guest on numerous talk shows.
The WCW Era and Formation of nWo
In 1994, Hogan joined WCW (World Championship Wrestling). There, he shocked fans by turning heel (villain) and forming the New World Order (nWo) with Scott Hall and Kevin Nash.
The nWo storyline revitalized WCW and professional wrestling in general. Hogan’s black-and-white gear, alongside his new villainous character, helped WCW dominate ratings in the mid to late 1990s.
Return to WWE and Hall of Fame Induction
Hogan returned to WWE in the 2000s. Though older, fans still loved him. He had memorable feuds with The Rock, Triple H, and others.
He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame twice:
- 2005 (Individual inductee)
- 2020 (As a member of the nWo)
His legacy was cemented as one of the most influential wrestlers of all time.
Personal Life and Family
Hogan married Linda Claridge in 1983. They had two children:
- Brooke Hogan, a singer and reality TV star.
- Nick Hogan, a reality TV personality.
The family starred in the reality show Hogan Knows Best (2005–2007), which gave fans a glimpse into their personal life. Hogan and Linda divorced in 2009.
In 2010, Hogan married Jennifer McDaniel, but they divorced in 2021. Later, he married Sky Daily, who was by his side in his final years.
Health Struggles and Final Years
Hulk Hogan’s body endured decades of damage from wrestling. Over the years, he had more than 20 surgeries, including:
- Back and hip replacements
- Multiple spinal fusions
- Knee surgeries
- Eye and abdominal operations
In May 2025, he underwent a serious cervical spine surgery. While he initially seemed to recover, Hogan’s health sharply declined in July.
Reports say Hogan became weak, lost weight, and used supplemental oxygen during his final days. According to close sources, he was suffering from breathing difficulties and heart strain.
Death of Hulk Hogan
🕯️ Date of Death:
July 24, 2025
📍 Place of Death:
His home in Clearwater, Florida
⚠️ Cause of Death:
Cardiac arrest, as confirmed by multiple major news outlets, including India Today, NBC Los Angeles, and AP News.
🕊️ Public Reaction:
The wrestling world and fans worldwide mourned his loss. Tributes poured in from:
- John Cena
- Ric Flair
- Triple H
- Vince McMahon
- Sylvester Stallone
- President Donald Trump
Social media flooded with messages honoring his life and legacy.
Net Worth of Hulk Hogan
At the time of his passing in 2025, Hulk Hogan had an estimated net worth of $25–30 million.
His earnings came from:
- Wrestling contracts (WWF/WWE, WCW, TNA)
- Merchandise (shirts, toys, video games)
- Movie and TV royalties
- Public appearances and autographs
- His Clearwater restaurant, Hogan’s Hangout
- $31 million settlement from his lawsuit against Gawker Media
Despite past financial troubles due to divorce and lawsuits, Hogan managed to rebuild his wealth.
Interesting Facts About Hulk Hogan
- He was a professional bass guitarist before becoming a wrestler.
- He almost starred in The Terminator before Arnold Schwarzenegger.
- His mustache became a global symbol of wrestling fandom.
- Hogan holds the record for most WrestleMania main events.
- He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame twice.
- He inspired countless wrestlers including The Rock, Cena, and Batista.
Hulk Hogan’s Legacy
Hulk Hogan wasn’t just a wrestler—he was a movement. He transformed WWE from a niche show into a global entertainment brand. His influence is unmatched, and his character of strength, loyalty, and showmanship will live on forever.
From Hulkamania to Hollywood Hogan, he redefined wrestling in every era he touched. Whether as a hero or a heel, his name always drew attention, respect, and admiration.
Final Words
The passing of Hulk Hogan in July 2025 left a massive void in the world of sports and entertainment. Fans will never forget the energy, the promos, and the iconic “leg drop.” He was a warrior in the ring and a symbol of resilience outside of it.
Hulk Hogan’s life was not perfect—he had personal and professional ups and downs—but his legacy will live forever. His influence on professional wrestling is immeasurable, and generations to come will still chant:
“Whatcha gonna do, brother, when Hulkamania runs wild on YOU?”
🕊️ Rest in peace, Hulk Hogan. 1953 – 2025.