Wrestling superstar Hulk Hogan, who became a global sensation in the 1980s and helped make WWE a household name, has died at the age of 71. Known for more than just wrestling, Hogan also made a lasting impression in movies and television. Though many fans remember his famous match against Andre the Giant at WrestleMania III, Hogan’s legacy includes much more than just what happened inside the ring.
With his handlebar moustache, deep voice, and signature red-and-yellow look, he became a pop culture icon — instantly recognisable both in sports and entertainment.
First Movie Role: A Bold Entrance in Rocky III (1982)
Hogan stepped into Hollywood with Rocky III, playing the flashy wrestler Thunderlips in a scene opposite Sylvester Stallone’s Rocky. Although it was a short appearance, it captured Hogan’s larger-than-life personality. Stallone once shared that Hogan’s energy during filming was so intense, “he accidentally sent four stuntmen to the hospital” during a leap into the crowd.
From Ring to Screen: No Holds Barred (1989)
In 1989, during the height of his wrestling fame, Hogan took the lead in No Holds Barred, a wrestling-themed film made by WWE. He played a brave wrestler named Rip who battles a fearsome opponent called Zeus. While critics didn’t praise the film, it gained a cult following and even influenced real WWE storylines.
Comedy and Family Films: Suburban Commando and Mr. Nanny
During the early 1990s, Hogan shifted toward comedy and family-friendly films. In Suburban Commando (1991), he was an alien warrior stuck in the suburbs. Then, in Mr. Nanny (1993), he played a rugged man assigned to babysit wild children — a setup for lots of laughs and chaos. These movies may have been panned by critics, but they made Hogan popular with a younger audience.
Holiday Flop Turned Cult Classic: Santa With Muscles (1996)
In one of his most infamous roles, Hogan played a greedy millionaire who comes to believe he’s Santa Claus. Santa With Muscles is often listed as one of the worst Christmas movies ever, yet over time, its over-the-top style has earned it a loyal fan base. It’s now viewed as a “so bad it’s good” classic, in line with Hogan’s dramatic flair.
TV Adventure: Thunder in Paradise (1994)
Hogan also starred in Thunder in Paradise, a TV series about former Navy SEALs using a high-tech speedboat to fight crime. Set in tropical locations, the show offered a mix of action and humor, clearly tailored to fit Hogan’s heroic image.
Pop Culture Appearances and Voice Roles
Always willing to laugh at himself, Hogan made fun cameos in films like Gremlins 2, Spy Hard, and Muppets from Space. He even voiced animated versions of himself in shows like Robot Chicken and American Dad!, showing he knew how to enjoy the spotlight without taking things too seriously.
From Cartoons to Reality TV
Back in 1985, as Hulkamania swept the globe, Hogan appeared in the animated series Hulk Hogan’s Rock ‘n’ Wrestling, which introduced his character to children. Years later, he allowed fans into his personal life with the reality show Hogan Knows Best, which followed him, his wife Linda, and their children.
A Legacy That Went Beyond Wrestling
From cult films to children’s cartoons, action-packed TV shows to late-night appearances, Hogan built an entertainment career that matched his wrestling style loud, bold, and unforgettable. He made sure that Hulkamania wasn’t just a wrestling trend, but a true part of pop culture history.
