Hulk Hogan, one of America’s best-known wrestling stars, has died at the age of 71, World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) has confirmed.
Reuters reports that the star, born Terry Gene Bollea and known for his flowing blond hair and moustache, died at his home in Florida yesterday.
Hogan began his professional wrestling career in 1977, but shot to fame after signing for the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), as it was then known, in 1983.
He was one of the most prominent characters as the popularity of wrestling exploded, and later became well-known for his reality show, Hogan Knows Best, which aired on VH1 from 2005 to 2007.
His cause of death has not yet been confirmed. Hogan had heart surgery in June.
In its statement, WWE said it was “saddened to learn WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away”.
“One of pop culture’s most recognisable figures, Hogan helped WWE achieve global recognition in the 1980s.
“WWE extends its condolences to Hogan’s family, friends, and fans.”
Hogan’s larger-than-life personality and talent in the ring helped make professional wrestling more accessible to the mainstream public.
He won six WWE championships and was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005. Hogan’s opponents included Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson and Andre The Giant.
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