Wrestler Hulk Hogan dead aged 71
Hulk Hogan has died aged 71.
The retired American professional wrestler, real name Terry Gene Bollea, has passed away, his family confirmed in a statement to US Weekly.
A cause of death is yet to be officially confirmed.
Known for his trademark blonde moustache and bandanas, the US star was widely regarded as one of the most widely recognised wrestlers worldwide.
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Hogan began his professional wrestling career in 1977, but gained worldwide recognition in 1983 once he signed with WWE, which was called the World Wrestling Federation at the time.
He won the WWF heavyweight title in 1984, which launched the fan frenzy of 'Hulkamania' and brought a lot more popularity to the sport.
Becoming a prominent face of the brand, he went on to headline eight of the first nine editions of the WWF's flagship annual event WrestleMania.
He also appeared in a number of films and TV series, including his cameo role as 'Thunderlips' in 1982’s Rocky III.
The wrestler and actor played the lead role in a number of movies including Suburban Commando, Mr Nanny, Santa with Muscles, and Thunder in Paradise.
He was born in Augusta, Georgia, in August 1953 and grew up in Port Tampa, Florida, where his love of wrestling began as he would watch it during his childhood.
Throughout his career, the wrestler also had a high number of rivalries, with big names in the sport such as Andre the Giant, The Rock, Rowdy Roddy Piper, and Randy Savage.
Just two years ago, he tied the knot with his third wife Sky Daily, in September 2023.
He was previously married to Linda Hogan between 1983 and 2009 and they welcomed daughter Brooke in May 1988 and son Nick in July 1990.
Hogan's second wife was Jennifer McDaniel, who he was married to between 2010 and 2021.
He is survived by his wife Sky, his children, and his grandchildren, Oliver and Molly.
The tributes have been pouring in from around the world for the star, with WWE issuing a statement not long after the news broke.
They wrote: "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."
Madison Burgess