Terry Gene Bollea, better known by his ring name Hulk Hogan, is an American professional wrestler, actor, and media personality widely regarded as one of the most iconic figures in professional wrestling history. Born on August 11, 1953, in Augusta, Georgia, Hogan rose to fame in the 1980s as the face of the World Wrestling Federation (WWF, now WWE), where he won multiple championships, including six WWF World Heavyweight Championships, and became a global superstar through his charismatic persona, signature mustache, bandana, and catchphrases like 'Hulkamania is running wild.' His career spanned decades, including stints in World Championship Wrestling (WCW), Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA), and international promotions like New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW). Beyond the ring, Hogan ventured into acting, appearing in films like 'No Holds Barred' (1989) and television shows, and hosted reality series such as 'Hogan Knows Best' (2005-2007).

Hogan's influence extended beyond entertainment into legal and cultural spheres. In 2016, he won a high-profile privacy lawsuit against Gawker Media for publishing a sex tape involving him and Heather Clem, the wife of his friend Bubba the Love Sponge, resulting in a $140 million judgment that contributed to Gawker's bankruptcy. The case was funded by billionaire Peter Thiel and raised debates on free speech versus privacy rights. Politically, Hogan has aligned with conservative causes, endorsing Donald Trump and appearing at the 2016 Republican National Convention. Despite controversies, including steroid use allegations during the 1990s wrestling scandals and a 2015 racist tirade revealed in court documents leading to his temporary WWE firing, Hogan was reinstated in 2018. His personal life has been tumultuous, marked by two divorces, family legal issues involving his son Nick's 2007 car crash and imprisonment, and health challenges from decades of physical wrestling, including multiple surgeries.

As of 2023, Hogan remains a pop culture icon, involved in endorsements, podcasts, and occasional wrestling appearances, while living in Florida. His net worth is estimated at around $25-30 million, derived from wrestling, media deals, and merchandise. Hogan's legacy is one of transforming professional wrestling into mainstream entertainment but also embodying its excesses, from larger-than-life heroism to personal and ethical controversies.