Pro wrestling legend Hulk Hogan dead at 71

Bang Showbiz | Los Angeles

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Hulk Hogan, the 1980s icon of professional wrestling who helped propel the low-budget spectacle into the global spotlight and parlayed his prowess in the ring into pop culture stardom, died Thursday. He was 71.

Hogan, whose real name was Terry Bollea, was pronounced dead at a Florida hospital after emergency personnel responded to a cardiac arrest call at his home in Clearwater, police said.

The Hall of Fame talent -- known for his towering 6’7” (two-meter) physique, bandana and blond handlebar mustache -- was ubiquitous during his heyday, acting in film and television, appearing in video games and promoting a range of products.

He also courted his share of controversy, first when a sex tape featuring him leaked, and again when a recording of him using racist language, including a slur referring to Black Americans, resurfaced in 2015.

In recent years, Hogan became an avid supporter of US President Donald Trump.

“One of pop culture’s most recognizable figures, Hogan helped WWE achieve global recognition in the 1980s,” World Wrestling Entertainment said on social media. “WWE extends its condolences to Hogan’s family, friends, and fans.”

Hogan’s wrestling skills and magnetic personality as a heroic all-American in the ring transformed the sport into mainstream family entertainment, attracting millions of viewers and turning the league into a multi-billion-dollar empire.

“Hulk Has Been By My Side Since We Started In The Wrestling Business. An Incredible Athlete, Talent, Friend, And Father!” fellow Hall of Famer Ric Flair said on social media.