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Who is Hulk Hogan?
Hulk Hogan, born Terry Gene Bollea on August 11, 1953, in Augusta, Georgia, is a legendary American professional wrestler, television personality, and entrepreneur. Discovered by WWE owner Vince McMahon Sr. in 1979, Hogan quickly rose to fame with his iconic persona, defeating Andre the Giant in his debut match. His popularity, known as “Hulkamania,” skyrocketed, and he became a household name. Hogan reinvented himself as “Hollywood Hogan” in 1996, successfully transitioning to a villainous character. He also starred in the reality TV series Hogan Knows Best from 2005 to 2009.
Early Life
Terry Bollea was the youngest son of Pete and Ruth Bollea. His father was a construction foreman, and his mother was a homemaker and dance instructor. Hogan developed an interest in wrestling during his high school years and pursued this passion while attending Hillsborough Community College and the University of South Florida. He did not complete his degree, instead dedicating himself to training in a local gym owned by wrestlers Jack and Jerry Brisco. Encouraged by the Brisco brothers, Hogan began wrestling on small circuits in the Southeast.
In 1979, Hogan’s potential caught the eye of Vince McMahon, the influential WWE promoter. McMahon saw the enormous promise in Hogan’s physique (standing 6 feet 8 inches and weighing 303 pounds) and resemblance to the comic book hero, the Incredible Hulk. McMahon helped him create the stage name “Hulk Hogan.”
In 1980, Hogan’s career took off with a victory over the formidable Andre the Giant. This victory earned him nationwide recognition and the admiration of fans, leading to his first major Hollywood opportunity. Actor Sylvester Stallone cast him as “Thunderlips the Ultimate Male” in Rocky III (1982).
WWE Star
Hogan’s ascent to superstardom in WWE began in 1984 when he won the WWE Championship by defeating the Iron Sheik. His success and charismatic presence sparked the phenomenon known as Hulkamania, propelling professional wrestling into mainstream popularity. Over the course of his career, Hogan would win 12 world championships—six with WWE and six with WCW (World Championship Wrestling).
By 1985, Hogan had become a cultural icon, endorsing a wide array of products and landing leading roles in films. His 1989 movie No Holds Barred saw moderate success, but his subsequent films, such as Mr. Nanny (1993) and Santa with Muscles (1996), were commercial failures.
Despite his initial dominance, Hogan’s popularity began to fade in the early 1990s, especially following a steroid scandal that led to a legal battle for WWE. Hogan’s admission of steroid use and his testimony against McMahon temporarily derailed both his wrestling and film careers.
Comeback: TV Show and Book
In 1996, Hogan made a triumphant return to wrestling as “Hollywood Hogan,” reinventing himself as a villain in WCW. As part of the New World Order (NWO) with Kevin Nash and Scott Hall, Hogan regained the support of fans and rejuvenated his career.
Hogan’s autobiography Hollywood Hulk Hogan was released in 2002, giving fans an insider look into his career. He also starred in the reality television show Hogan Knows Best (2005–2009), which chronicled his family life with his wife Linda and their children, Brooke and Nick. The show gained significant attention, drawing comparisons to The Osbournes but was marketed as “the anti-Osbournes.”
During the show’s run, Hogan faced several personal challenges. In 2007, his son Nick was involved in a car accident that left a friend, John Graziano, critically injured. Nick was arrested and later pled guilty to reckless driving, receiving an eight-month prison sentence. At the same time, Hogan’s wife Linda filed for divorce after 24 years of marriage, further complicating his personal life.
Legacy
Hulk Hogan remains one of the most recognizable figures in professional wrestling history. His legacy is defined not only by his 12 world championships and pivotal role in wrestling’s mainstream success but also by his influence in popular culture and his lasting impact on both the entertainment and sports industries.
Other Projects
Despite facing personal challenges, Hogan continued to find success in his professional endeavors. In January 2008, he was chosen to co-host the reality competition American Gladiators alongside professional boxer Laila Ali. The show ran for two seasons.
Later that year, in July, Hogan starred with his daughter, Brooke, in the reality series Brooke Knows Best, though the show was short-lived. In the fall of 2008, Hogan took on the roles of host and executive producer for Hulk Hogan’s Celebrity Championship Wrestling, a show where celebrities competed against one another to determine the best celebrity wrestler. Notable competitors included Danny Bonaduce, Todd Bridges, and Dennis Rodman.
Scandals
In April 2012, a sex tape featuring Hogan and Heather Clem, the ex-wife of radio personality Bubba the Love Sponge, was leaked online. Both Hogan and Clem denied knowledge of being filmed. Hogan subsequently filed a lawsuit against the couple for invasion of privacy, which resulted in a settlement.
However, the situation worsened in October 2012 when Gawker published a brief clip from the tape, bringing further controversy. The video also revealed derogatory comments made by Hogan, including racist remarks. While Hogan admitted to being “racist, to a point,” he quickly acknowledged his wrongdoings and expressed regret over his offensive language. As a consequence, the WWE terminated its contract with Hogan in July 2015.
The scandal deepened when Radar Online reported additional inflammatory comments, including homophobic slurs, found on the sex tape. Additionally, recordings surfaced of Hogan making racially charged comments during a phone call to his imprisoned son in 2008. These revelations led to various sponsors severing ties with Hogan and pulling merchandise from retail shelves.
In response, Hogan, using his legal name, Terry Bollea, filed a defamation lawsuit against Gawker for invasion of privacy, emotional distress, and harm to his reputation. In March 2016, a Florida jury awarded Hogan $140 million in damages. Silicon Valley billionaire Peter Thiel, motivated by a personal grudge against Gawker due to a 2007 article about his homosexuality, provided financial support for Hogan’s lawsuit. Thiel stated that his involvement was driven by a desire for “specific deterrence” rather than revenge, noting Gawker’s history of “bullying” individuals for sensationalistic purposes.
The financial repercussions of the lawsuit contributed to Gawker Media’s bankruptcy filing in June 2016. The company was subsequently sold to Univision for $135 million in August 2016. In November 2016, Gawker reached a $31 million settlement with Hogan, which included potential proceeds from the sale of Gawker.com.
Personal Life
Hogan currently resides in Clearwater, Florida. In 2010, he married Jennifer McDaniel, whom he had been dating since 2008.