12 Rare Photos of Terry Bollea, aka Hulk Hogan, as a Kid Like You’ve Never Seen Him Before

Professional wrestler Terry Bollea, better known by his ring name Hulk Hogan, died at his home in Florida on Thursday at the age of 71, according to World Wrestling Entertainment.

Hogan was best known for his work with WWE and World Championship Wrestling. Known for his flamboyance and massive physique, and his trademark blond horseshoe moustache and bandanas, he was widely regarded as the most recognized wrestling star worldwide, the most popular wrestler of the 1980s and one of the greatest professional wrestlers of all time.

“WWE is saddened to learn WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away. One of pop culture’s most recognizable figures, Hogan helped WWE achieve global recognition in the 1980s,” the company said in a post on X. “WWE extends its condolences to Hogan’s family, friends, and fans.”

Hulk Hogan, whose real name is Terry Gene Bollea, was born on August 11, 1953, in Augusta, Georgia. When he was about a year and a half old, his family relocated to Port Tampa, Florida, where he spent most of his childhood.

Growing up, Bollea faced some challenges, including body image issues and being bullied for having what he described as “the largest head in elementary school.” Despite this, he was active in sports, particularly as a pitcher in Little League Baseball. He also had a passion for music, spending a decade playing fretless bass guitar in various rock bands in Florida.

He attended Robinson High School and later studied at Hillsborough Community College and the University of South Florida. His interest in professional wrestling sparked at around 16 years old, and he admired wrestlers like Dusty Rhodes and “Superstar” Billy Graham, who inspired his desire for an “inhuman” physique.

Hogan began training as a professional wrestler in the mid-1970s, after being spotted by wrestlers Jack and Gerald Brisco while playing in a band. They introduced him to Hiro Matsuda, a tough trainer who broke Hogan’s leg on his first day of training (a common test of toughness at the time). Hogan came back after healing, proving his determination.

Despite a mostly modest upbringing, Hogan’s childhood laid the foundation for his future in show business and wrestling. His larger-than-life personality would eventually make him a household name in the 1980s and beyond.