Biography
During the 1980s resurgence of professional wrestling, Hulk Hogan stood out as its foremost figure. He began performing as Terry "the Hulk" Bollea before discarding his birth name completely. Conceived initially as a red-haired Irish wrestler, he instead emerged as Hollywood's golden deity through a succession of films whose total earnings across video stores and cable outlets never reached the multimillions. Among wrestlers he remained notably quotable, projecting an aura of virtue while urging his young followers, the Hulkamaniacs, to "Train, say your prayers, take vitamins, and believe in yourself."
Terry Bollea was born in Venice, CA—not Hollywood—on August 11, 1953. He stands 6'8" and weighs 303 pounds. His landmark matches featured a victory over Andre the Giant before 93,000 spectators at the Pontiac Silverdome and a championship bout against Mr. T in 1984. Marked by his signature bandanna, bleached blonde mustache, and playfully torn T-shirts, Hulk Hogan became an unexpected icon. At the height of his fame he appeared in mainstream pictures such as Gremlins II, reportedly at the request of Steven Spielberg, and Rocky III, where he played Thunderlips and threw Sylvester Stallone from the ring, along with lesser-known releases including Santa With Muscles, Suburban Commando, and Mr. Nanny. He also put out the album Hulk Rules, performing on bass guitar. Credited to Hulk Hogan and the Wrestling Boot Band, the record reached the Top Ten of Billboard's children's chart. Filled with uplifting messages for children, including anti-drug themes, the lively set functions as an entertaining novelty for adults. The animated series Hulk Hogan Rockin' Wrestlin' ran for three seasons. Hogan stayed active in wrestling for years yet remained outside the national spotlight until former wrestler Jessie Ventura was elected Governor of Minnesota in 1998. On The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Hogan declared his plan to run for president in 2000. Terry Bollea has sustained long-term dedication to the Make-a-Wish and Starlight Foundations.
Terry Bollea was born in Venice, CA—not Hollywood—on August 11, 1953. He stands 6'8" and weighs 303 pounds. His landmark matches featured a victory over Andre the Giant before 93,000 spectators at the Pontiac Silverdome and a championship bout against Mr. T in 1984. Marked by his signature bandanna, bleached blonde mustache, and playfully torn T-shirts, Hulk Hogan became an unexpected icon. At the height of his fame he appeared in mainstream pictures such as Gremlins II, reportedly at the request of Steven Spielberg, and Rocky III, where he played Thunderlips and threw Sylvester Stallone from the ring, along with lesser-known releases including Santa With Muscles, Suburban Commando, and Mr. Nanny. He also put out the album Hulk Rules, performing on bass guitar. Credited to Hulk Hogan and the Wrestling Boot Band, the record reached the Top Ten of Billboard's children's chart. Filled with uplifting messages for children, including anti-drug themes, the lively set functions as an entertaining novelty for adults. The animated series Hulk Hogan Rockin' Wrestlin' ran for three seasons. Hogan stayed active in wrestling for years yet remained outside the national spotlight until former wrestler Jessie Ventura was elected Governor of Minnesota in 1998. On The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Hogan declared his plan to run for president in 2000. Terry Bollea has sustained long-term dedication to the Make-a-Wish and Starlight Foundations.
Albums
Singles
