Hulk Hogan, who helped lead professional wrestling’s rise in popularity in the 1980s and beyond, has died, Florida police and World Wrestling Entertainment said Thursday. He was 71.
“WWE is saddened to learn WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away,” the organization said in a statement. “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.
Born Terry Bollea, Hogan began wrestling in the mid-1970s. His popularity soared in 1984 after he defeated the Iron Sheik to win the heavyweight championship of what was then called the World Wrestling Federation.
He continued to feature as star for the organization, including at WrestleMania appearances in Toronto in 1990 and 2002. Though mainly cast as a patriotic hero, he took a turn as a villain during a 1990s stint with the rival World Championship Wrestling.
Paving the way for current stars Dwayne (The Rock) Johnson and John Cena, Hogan also appeared on screen in fictional roles in Rocky III, Suburban Commando and Mr. Nanny. From 2005-07, he joined the reality television trend with Hogan Knows Best, starring his then-wife and two children.
In a significant legal battle, he reached a $31 million US settlement with Gawker in 2016 after the online publication released a video clip of Hogan and a woman in bed.
According to the police statement, fire and police in Clearwater, Fla., responded to a medical call at 9:51 a.m. ET., with the nature of call being cardiac arrest.
Bollea was treated on scene before being transported to hospital, where he was pronounced deceased, the statement said.
