*Hulk Hogan
(63 years old)
11 August 1953
Augusta, Georgia, USA
6' 4" (1.93 m)
(63 years old)
11 August 1953
Augusta, Georgia, USA
6' 4" (1.93 m)
What many people who know about Hogan don't know is he was in the "sport" for several years in virtual obscurity before hitting the big time.
Hogan was born Terry Gene Bollea in Augusta, Georgia, to Ruth V. (Moody), a dance teacher, and Peter Bollea, a construction foreman. He is of Italian (from his paternal grandfather), Irish, English, Scottish, and French descent. He was raised in Port Tampa, Florida.
Hogan made his pro debut in 1978 and wrestled as "Sterling Golden" before becoming "Hulk." Hogan was getting main event matches while wrestling in the American Wrestling Alliance (AWA) in the early 1980s before he was cast as Thunderlips in Rocky III (1982). That bit of casting propelled Hogan into the spotlight and he was soon to enter the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) in 1983. At the time, the WWF was just beginning to go from local television (they were based in the Northeast U.S.) to national, and Hogan's personality (and some well-done marketing and PR, plus the Wrestlemania series) helped to transform not only the WWF, but wrestling into the big show it is today. Hogan won the WWF title numerous times, and was credited with dealing André the Giant his first loss in pro wrestling. Hogan was soon seen everywhere -- television, cartoons, movies, records and lunch boxes -- but he was a part of the steroid scandal in the WWF, and quietly left the organization. Hogan laid low in wrestling circles, but continued to act before coming back, this time with World Championship Wrestling (WCW), the WWF's bitter rival. Hogan helped create the New World Order, the main bunch of badmen in WCW, and became more popular than ever. He abandoned his trademark red and yellow colors for black, and even dyed his beard black. He still wrestles as of today, and, like it or not, is probably one of the best entertainers in any form of show business. He always put on a show. - IMDb Mini Biography By: Ken Severson
Hogan was born Terry Gene Bollea in Augusta, Georgia, to Ruth V. (Moody), a dance teacher, and Peter Bollea, a construction foreman. He is of Italian (from his paternal grandfather), Irish, English, Scottish, and French descent. He was raised in Port Tampa, Florida.
Hogan made his pro debut in 1978 and wrestled as "Sterling Golden" before becoming "Hulk." Hogan was getting main event matches while wrestling in the American Wrestling Alliance (AWA) in the early 1980s before he was cast as Thunderlips in Rocky III (1982). That bit of casting propelled Hogan into the spotlight and he was soon to enter the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) in 1983. At the time, the WWF was just beginning to go from local television (they were based in the Northeast U.S.) to national, and Hogan's personality (and some well-done marketing and PR, plus the Wrestlemania series) helped to transform not only the WWF, but wrestling into the big show it is today. Hogan won the WWF title numerous times, and was credited with dealing André the Giant his first loss in pro wrestling. Hogan was soon seen everywhere -- television, cartoons, movies, records and lunch boxes -- but he was a part of the steroid scandal in the WWF, and quietly left the organization. Hogan laid low in wrestling circles, but continued to act before coming back, this time with World Championship Wrestling (WCW), the WWF's bitter rival. Hogan helped create the New World Order, the main bunch of badmen in WCW, and became more popular than ever. He abandoned his trademark red and yellow colors for black, and even dyed his beard black. He still wrestles as of today, and, like it or not, is probably one of the best entertainers in any form of show business. He always put on a show. - IMDb Mini Biography By: Ken Severson
Spouse*
Jennifer McDaniel (14 December 2010 - present)
Linda Hogan (18 December 1983 - 27 July 2009) (divorced) (2 children)
Trade Mark*
Wears red and gold apparel into the ring. Always tears his T-shirt off his body.
Finishing move: Leg Drop
Trademark move: Ax Bomber (Crooked Arm Lariat)
Trademark move: Bear Hug
Trademark move: Big Boot
Ring entrance music: Rick Derringer's "Real American"
Ring entrance music: Survivor's "Eye of the Tiger"
Always wears a bandanna on his head
Handlebar mustache
Trivia*
As Hollywood Hogan, made his ring entrances to "Voodoo Child" by Jimi Hendrix.
He joined the World Wrestling Entertainment in 1979, cast as an Irish villain.
Admitted to steroid use in 1994.
Majored in business management at the University of South Florida, Tampa, before becoming a professional wrestler.
As a high school baseball player, Hogan was a hot pro prospect and was considered the best pitcher in the state.
Won the WWF Championship six times. The last time he won it was in May 2002.
Won the WCW Heavyweight Championship six times, the last being 1999.
Is an accomplished bass player and played bass in several local rock bands in Tampa, Florida.
First pro wrestler on the cover of "Sports Illustrated."
Spent 10 years as a professional guitarist before becoming a wrestler.
His family has more than 30 pets, including dogs, cats, birds, chinchillas, ferrets, turtles, iguanas, rabbits, fish, and a frog.
Considered running for president.
Signed as official spokesman for an Acclaim video game entitled Legends of Wrestling(2001). [October 2001]
One of the original three members of the New World Order (nWo). The other two are Scott Hall and Kevin Nash.
April 21, 2002: Won the WWF (Undisputed) Championship for the 6th time from HHH at WWF Backlash (2002).
One of the first wrestlers to have ring music play on his way to the ring.
Was brought to the federation by Freddie Blassie.
His first WWF title reign lasted from January 1984 to February 1988, when he lost to André the Giant.
Has only lost three times at Wrestlemania. His first loss was to The Ultimate Warrior' James Hellwig' at WrestleMania VI (1990). The second time was as a teammate of Brutus the Barber Beefcake at WrestleMania IX (1993) against Money Inc. (Ted DiBiase and Mike Rotunda (IRS)) as a result of a disqualification. The final time was to Dwayne Johnson at WrestleMania X8 (2002).
All of his WWF title reigns put together are about 6 years (more than 2,000 days)!.
One of the first wrestlers to defeat André the Giant. Others before him included Rugged Ronnie Garvin (Roger Barnes), Antonio Inoki, El Canek, and the Iron Sheik (Khosrow Vaziri).
Won his first WWF World Heavyweight title more than 18 years ago on January 23, 1984, when he defeated the Iron Sheik (Khosrow Vaziri) in one of the shortest heavyweight title matches in history. It took Hogan 5 minutes and 40 seconds to pin the Sheik with a leg drop.
He was originally called "Hulk" because it was noted at a match that he was taller than the actor who played the "The Incredible Hulk", Lou Ferrigno.
Ranked #1 in the "PWI 500" of the PWI Years (1979-1999) (Pro Wrestling Illustrated 20th Anniversary Special)
Uncle of Michael Bollea.
Has three movies in the IMDb bottom 100.
Held the IWGP World Title, giving him the distinction of being one of three Americans--along with Scott Norton and Leon White (aka Big Van Vader)--to hold that title.
He is the single most requested celebrity for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Early in his career wrestled as Terry "The Hulk" Boulder.
Wrestled as Mr. America in 2003 in WWE.
Filmed the show Operación trueno (1994) at Disney-MGM Studios at Walt Disney World, in Orlando, Florida.
In probably the most historic wrestling match ever, he body-slammed and defeated André the Giant at WrestleMania III (1987). Despite reports to the contrary, he was not the first man to body-slam André. Eight-time National Wrestling Alliance Champion Harley Racedid so several years before, and Hogan himself body-slammed André in a match in 1980 (which appears on the Hulk Hogan anthology DVD).
He is the third-ever, six-time WWF World Champion. The other two are Dwayne Johnsonand Stone Cold Steve Austin.
He appeared in some of the live-action segments of the cartoon series Hulk Hogan's Rock 'n' Wrestling (1985) (1985-1986).
He was one of the wrestlers featured in the cartoon series Hulk Hogan's Rock 'n' Wrestling(1985) (1985-1986), though he did not provide his own voice. Brad Garrett of Raymond(1996) was the voice of the animated Hulkster.
Adopted the song "Ravishing," written by Jim Steinman and performed by Bonnie Tyler, as his theme song. Subtitled "The Hulk Hogan Theme," it was sung during his wrestling entrances in his early days with WCW.
Lost WCW World Championship to Bill Goldberg on July 6, 1998, in Atlanta's Georgia Dome on WCW Monday Nitro (1995).
Lost his fifth WWF Title to Rodney Anoai (aka Yokozuna) in his first defense since winning the title over a month earlier. It was his last WWF title match for nine years.
Only once did he ever win a tag-team championship, that was with Adam Copeland (aka Edge) in July 2002. He was the direct inspiration for Copeland to enter the business 12 years prior.
At a point when his wrestling career was 25 years old, he wrestled Brock Lesnar, who was himself just 25 years old.
His daughter, Brooke Hogan, released her debut solo album in August 2004.
In what was one of the biggest slaps to the face of his career, Hogan was scheduled to face Jeff Jarrett for the WCW Heavyweight title. Hogan was supposed to win the title; however, Vince Russo (who was the head booker at the time) decided to have Jarrett lie down and allow Hogan to win and then send Hogan home. Russo created another title and proceeded to carry on without Hogan. Hogan was never seen in WCW again. He still has the belt.
Notable title wins include: IWGP Heavyweight Title, WWF Title (6), WWW Royal Rumble Winner (2), WCW World Title (6), WWF Undisputed Title, and WWF tag-team titles with Edge (Adam Copeland). Hogan also won the WCW World Title for a seventh time by defeating Jeff Jarrett; however, the title reign was never recognized.
When he first wrestled under the "Hulk" name, he was known as the Incredible Hulk Hogan.
Until recently, neither he nor the WWF/WCW (titan Sports) owned the full rights to his "Hulk" name. "Hulkamania," "Hulk Hogan," and "Hulkster" were all owned by Marvel Comics. The WWF/WWE made a deal with Marvel to use the name "Hulk." This was also done with WCW when Hogan went to WCW. Also, WCW used "Hollywood Hogan" to cancel the Marvel deal, but the deal was still alive. However, before the 2006 release of his multidisk anthology, Hogan acquired the rights to the name Hulk Hogan from Marvel. The trademark citation "Hulk Hogan is a trademark of Terry Bollea" can be found on the DVD-set credits.
Daughter Brooke Hogan sang the national anthems at the 2004 Stanley Cup Finals in Tampa.
WWE Hall of Famer, inducted in 2005.
The character "Hawk" from Crime Fighters 2 (1991) was modeled after him.
Teamed up with Shawn Michaels to face Mark Magnus (aka Muhammad Hassan) and Shawn Daivari (aka Daivari) at Backlash 2005.
His theme song, "Real American," was initially written for the then-WWF tag- team champions Barry Windham and Mike Rotunda.
First-ever IWGP Heavyweight Champion.
His original theme song was "Eye of the Tiger," which was the theme song of Rocky III(1982), in which he made an appearance.
During his 1980s heyday in the WWE, he lived next door to WWF owner Vince McMahonfor almost 10 years.
Is an avid fan of the Tampa Bay Lighting of the National Hockey League.
Elected to the Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2003.
Twisted his ankle during the filming of Little Hercules in 3-D (2009).
Former World Tag-Team Champion.
Hulk's paternal grandfather, Peter Bollea, was Italian, born in Cigliano, Vercelli, Piemonte. The rest of Hulk's ancestry is Irish, English, Scottish, and French. Hulk's mother was born in Panama, while some of her family members were working on the Panama Canal there. Hulk's maternal grandfather, Henry Clinton Moody, was from Maryland, and Hulk's maternal grandmother, Vernice Caroline Violette, was from Old Town, Maine.
Previous managers: Billy Spears, "Classy" Freddie Blassie (Freddie Blassie), Jimmy Hart, Miss Elizabeth, Ted DiBiase, and Eric Bischoff.
Was Joel Schumacher's third choice to play Mr. Freeze/Dr. Victor Fries in Batman y Robin(1997).
Father of Nick Hogan and Brooke Hogan.
In 1981, Verne Gagne brought Hogan to the AWA.
As of 2007, he has the fourth-most Wrestlemania wrestling appearances, having appeared in 11. He wrestled in Wrestlemanias 1-9, and 18-19. (He appeared at Wrestlemania 21, but did not officially wrestle). Third-most is Bret "The Hitman" Hart (Bret Hart), with 12; second-most, Shawn Michaels with 14, and the Undertaker (Mark Calaway) holds the record for most, with 15 appearances.
Lost his WWF championship once in his career in the Survivor Series in 1991 to The Undertaker (Mark Calaway).
In 1978, he made his wrestling debut in Florida using the Super Destroyer gimmick. He later wrestled as Terry Boulder and Sterling Golden before becoming Hulk Hogan.
In late 1982, Hogan and Antonio Inoki won the 3rd Annual MSG Tag League.
Lost to The Ultimate Warrior Jim Hellwig at WrestleMania VI (1990) and Dwayne Johnsonat WrestleMania X8 (2002) in the same venue - Skydome, Toronto, Canada.
Was best man at the wedding of Bubba the Love Sponge.
Is godfather to Ed Leslie's only daughter.
Defeated Yokozuna in Wrestlemania IX for the WWF championship after Yokozuna defeated Bret Hitman Hart. It was the shortest wrestling match in history for the WWF title. This record was later broken by Kevin Nash in 1995 when he beat Bob Backlund in 8 seconds for the world title.
On an episode of The Tonight Show with Jay Leno (1992), it was revealed that he was initially offered the chance to endorse the "Lean, Mean, Grilling Machine" that went on to make former boxer George Foreman millions of dollars.
Particapated in WCW Nitro's infamous Fingerpoke of Doom match. In which he was going to wrestle WCW Champion Kevin Nash. When the match began he poked Nash in the chest and he fell down and Hogan pinned him. The match is considered to be the start of the downfall of WCW and its ratings.
Turned down the chance to travel to Iraq as part of the WWE Tribute to the Troops show in 2008.
Was already 6 feet tall at the age of 12.
Underwent back surgery in a Florida hospital on December 21, 2010.
Ex-brother-in-law of Christie Claridge.
Was considered for the role of Little John in Robin Hood, príncipe de los ladrones (1991)).
Published author.
Was at one point close friends with fellow wrestler and former Minnesota governor Jesse Ventura. However, Ventura ended his friendship with Hogan in the 1990s after Ventura learned in his lawsuit against the owner of World Wrestling Entertainment Vince McMahonthat Hogan had informed McMahon about Ventura's attempt to form a labor union in 1984, which McMahon prevented.
Drew the biggest crowd to Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas than any other sports hero, including Evil Knieval.
Is supporting his daughter Brooke's music career. [July 2004]
Release of his autobiography, "My Life Outside the Ring" by Hulk with Mark Dagostino. [October 2009]
Host of the new American Gladiators (2008) on NBC. [January 2008]
Release of his book, "Hollywood Hulk Hogan" by Hulk with Michael Jan Friedman.
Won his tag-team match with Shawn Michaels at "Backlash" against Mark Magnus (aka Muhammad Hassan) and Shawn Daivari (aka Daivari). [May 2005]
Release of the book, "Hollywood Hulk Hogan: The Story of Terry Bollea; a Real-life Reader Biography" by 'Susan Zannos'.
Left WWE for the second summer in a row [June 2003]
Has been announced as an inductee in the WWE Hall Of Fame Class of 2005. He will likely make an appearance at WWE WrestleMania XXI. [March 2005]
Release of the book, "Hulk Hogan: Eye of the Tiger" by 'Barry Janoff'.
Negotating with the WWE about an appearence and possibly a match at Wrestlemania 21. [January 2005]
Is scheduled to face Shawn Michaels at "Summerslam". [July 2005]
Will be inducting Gene Okerlund (aka Mean Gene) into the 2006 WWE Hall Of Fame. [April 2006]
Currently under contract with the NWA:TNA (National Wrestling Alliance: Total Nonstop Action). [November 2003]
Was supposed to compete for NWA-TNA, but injured his knee in Japan, wrestling Masahiro Chono. By the time it heals, it is up in the air whether or not he will compete for NWA-TNA, or go back to the WWE for Wrestlemania XX [November 2003]
Release of the book, "Hulk Hogan" by 'William R. Sanford'.
Claimed on The Howard Stern Show (1990) in 2012 that he was offered the role of Randy "The Ram" Robinson in El luchador (2008). Hogan claimed he turned down the role because he felt he wasn't the right person to portray the character. However, the film's director Darren Aronofsky disputed Hogan's claims, saying he was never considered, much less offered, the role of the main character, and the part was written specifically for Mickey Rourke.
Inducted into the International Mustache Hall of Fame in 2015 (inaugural class) in the category Sports.
Personal Quotes*
To all my little Hulkamaniacs, say your prayers, take your vitamins and you will never go wrong.
(As Hollywood Hogan) "Blood is thicker than New Blood...dude!"
Watcha gonna do when the hulkster runs wild on YOU?
This is where the power lies!
Well, ya know something Mean Gene...
Whatever happens with wrestling, my family comes first. Wrestling's in my blood, but my family's in my heart
(Regarding his height loss) "I used to be 6ft 7in, but after knee, neck and back surgeries, I'm now about 6ft 4in."
Eight years ago, I used offensive language during a conversation. It was unacceptable for me to have used that offensive language; there is no excuse for it; and I apologize. (Statement to PEOPLE magazine, after WWE terminated their relationship, and removed Hogan from the WWE website.)
[on Randy Savage's death] He had so much life in his eyes and in his spirit. I just pray that he's happy and in a better place and we miss him.
Salary*
Rocky III (1982) $15.000
WrestleMania V (1989) $1.000.000
WrestleMania VI (1990) $1.000.000
WrestleMania XIX (2003) $150.000
