Hulk Hogan height, age, wife, daughter, career path, achievements 2025

Hulk Hogan Biography

Hulk Hogan is an American wrestler, actor, television host, and musician. He dominated the ring with countless titles and accolades, including a legendary World Championship reign from 1984 to 1991. He's the man who brought wrestling into America's living rooms and made it a cultural phenomenon. He is also known for roles in the TV series "Thunder in Paradise" (1993) and movies "Mr. Nanny" (1993), "Ultimate Weapon" (1998), and more.

Childhood and Youth

Hulk Hogan was born on August 11, 1953, as Terry Gene Bollea. His father, Pietro Bollea, was a construction worker with Italian roots. His mother, Ruth W. Bollea, brought Scottish, French, and Panamanian heritage to the family and taught dance when she wasn't busy at home.

Though Terry was born in Augusta, Georgia, his family packed up and moved to Florida when he was just eighteen months old.

Terry was a baseball standout during his school years, showing serious talent on the field. He even caught the attention of scouts from professional baseball teams. But a devastating hand injury crushed his dreams of going pro.

At 16, wrestling completely captivated him – he'd watch every match on TV, hit up live tournaments, and follow his favorite stars religiously. Billy Graham, a bodybuilder and three-time world wrestling champion, became his primary inspiration.

After high school, Terry headed to college and eventually landed at the University of South Florida, diving into economics and business studies. Meanwhile, he was rocking the bass guitar in local bands while pumping iron as a powerlifter.

When college started cramping his musical style, he made the bold choice to drop out before graduation. He and his buddies then launched a band called Ruckus, and they quickly became the hottest act in their local scene.

Wrestling Career

While Ruckus was performing at a bar one night, professional wrestlers Jack and Gerald Brisco happened to be in the audience. Impressed by Terry's physique, they introduced him to Hiro Matsuda, a Japanese wrestler and trainer. This led to Terry beginning his wrestling training in 1976.

A year after he started training, Terry had his first match in August 1977, facing off against Brian Blair.

Shortly after his debut, Terry left Hiro Matsuda, finding him too controlling, and decided to take a break. He and a friend then opened their own gym.

The break didn't last long – Terry returned to wrestling in 1978. He joined the Continental Wrestling Association (CWA) in Memphis, earning $800 a week. It was then that he acquired the first part of his famous alias – "Hulk."

It happened during a talk show appearance with Lou Ferrigno, the bodybuilder and actor. Lou had portrayed Marvel's Hulk character in the 1977 series. The host remarked that Terry looked more like the Hulk than Lou – or even the comic book superhero himself. And that's how the young wrestler got his name.

The surname "Hogan" came about in 1979. Vince McMahon Sr., head of the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), took notice. He suggested Terry adopt an Irish persona in the ring and take on the Irish surname Hogan. Interestingly, alongside the name change, Terry was also asked to dye his hair red. Terry declined, saying he'd rather be a blonde Irishman. Eventually, he became universally known as Hulk Hogan.

On November 17, 1979, he had his first match in WWF and secured a win. In 1980, he joined NJPW (New Japan Pro Wrestling) and quickly became a fan favorite in Japan. He started touring Japan regularly, taking on a diverse range of opponents.

In 1981, Hulk was offered a role in "Rocky III," but WWF wouldn't let him take it, so he left the federation and joined AWA (American Wrestling Association). There, he became a two-time heavyweight champion.

Hulk Hogan Wrestling in Japan

In 1983, Hulk returned to WWF and by 1984 had captured the world heavyweight championship. Hulk held this title until 1991.

Throughout the 1980s, Hogan became one of America's most popular wrestlers. He appeared on magazine covers, had merchandise released in his name, and even starred in the animated series "Hulk Hogan's Rock 'n' Wrestling" (1985-1986), voicing his own character.

A scene from 'Hulk Hogan's Rock 'n' Wrestling' animated series

It was around this time that the "Hulkamania" fan movement took off. Hulk had three simple rules for his fans: train, pray, and take vitamins. Later, a fourth was added: believe in yourself.

Hulk Hogan Entrance Video

In 1993, Hulk won the WWF championship again.

In June 1994, he signed a contract with WCW and won the heavyweight championship that same year. He held the WCW championship for the next 15 months. Hogan lost his title after being disqualified during a match.

Hulk Hogan with the WCW championship belt (1994)

In 2001, the wrestler underwent knee surgery. Despite this, he returned to WWF in early 2002 and captured another championship title that year. However, he soon left the federation due to dissatisfaction with match payments. He then returned to NJPW and planned to sign with TNA, but ongoing health issues prevented him from doing so.

In 2005, Hogan was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame (formerly WWF) and began wrestling for the promotion again.

Hulk Hogan at the WWE Hall of Fame induction ceremony (2005)

In 2009, Hogan signed with TNA, and in 2010, he underwent back surgery.

In 2015, Hulk Hogan signed another contract with WWE. However, following a racism scandal, the company severed ties with him, stopped selling his merchandise, and removed him from the Hall of Fame.

The scandal erupted when a recording surfaced of a private conversation between Hogan and his girlfriend, Heather Clem. In the recording, he used derogatory terms to express displeasure about his daughter Brooke dating a Black man. Hogan apologized, noting the conversation had taken place eight years earlier. His daughter defended him.

Nevertheless, by 2019, WWE began working with Hogan again and reinstated him in the Hall of Fame.

Roles in Cinema

Hogan first appeared on the big screen in 1982 in "Rocky III," starring Sylvester Stallone. Hogan played Stallone's opponent in the ring.

During filming of "Rocky III," three stuntmen were injured by Hogan's unintentional force. Stallone wasn't spared either—Hogan struck him hard on the collarbone.

Rocky Balboa vs Thunderlips

After "Rocky III's" success, Hogan began landing roles in other projects. He starred in movies such as "Suburban Commando" (1991), "Mr. Nanny" (1993), "Ultimate Weapon" (1998), and many others.

Hulk Hogan in the movie 'Suburban Commando'

Hogan also appeared in the TV series "Baywatch," playing himself.

Hogan gained even more fame with the release of the series "Thunder in Paradise" (1993), where he played the lead role. The show became so popular that it spawned two full-length films: "Thunder in Paradise II" (1994) and "Thunder in Paradise III" (1995).

Hulk Hogan in the series 'Thunder in Paradise'

Hogan also lent his voice to several animated films and series. Besides voicing himself in the animated series "The Adventures of Hulk Hogan," he voiced characters in "American Dad!" (since 2001), "Robot Chicken: Star Wars" (2007), and "Gnomeo & Juliet" (2011).

Television

In the mid-2000s, Hogan created a reality show about his life called "Hogan Knows Best". The show ran for four seasons before ending. In 2008, the show spawned a spin-off called "Brooke Knows Best", focusing on the wrestler's daughter.

In 2008, he was tapped to host the reality show "American Gladiators".

Hulk Hogan's Personal Life

Hulk met his first wife, Linda Claridge, at a Los Angeles disco. The couple got married in 1983.

They had two children: a daughter named Brooke born in 1988 and a son named Nick born in 1990.

Hulk Hogan and Linda Claridge with their children

In 2007, news broke that the couple had separated. Linda filed for divorce, suspecting Hulk of cheating with Brooke's friend.

The messy divorce played out in the headlines for several years. Ultimately, Hulk agreed to give his ex-wife 70% of his assets, properties worth $3 million, and 40% of his future business earnings.

In 2010, Hulk walked down the aisle again. His new bride was American makeup artist Jennifer McDaniel. The couple dated for about two years before getting engaged.

His marriage to McDaniel lasted 12 years. In March 2022, reports surfaced that the wrestler was single again.

In September 2023, 70-year-old Hulk tied the knot for a third time. His new bride was 45-year-old yoga instructor Sky Daily.

Hulk Hogan Now

These days, Hulk is happily married for the third time. He stays active on social media and is eagerly awaiting a biopic starring Chris Hemsworth. However, in October 2023, the project was reportedly put on hold.

While he's retired from wrestling, he still makes appearances as a host at wrestling events. For instance, in April 2021, he co-hosted Wrestlemania 37 with Titus O'Neil.