Superstar wrestler Hulk Hogan dies in Florida at age 71

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Hulk Hogan, the mustachioed, headscarf-wearing icon in the world of professional wrestling, has died at the age of 71, Florida police and WWE said Thursday.

In Clearwater, Florida, authorities responded to a call Thursday morning about a cardiac arrest. Hogan was pronounced dead at a hospital, police said in a statement on Facebook.

Manager Chris Volo told NBC Los Angeles that Hogan died surrounded by family.

Hogan, whose real name was Terry Bollea, was perhaps the biggest star in WWE’s long history. He was the main draw for the first WrestleMania in 1985 and was a fixture for years, facing everyone from Andre The Giant and Randy Savage to The Rock and even company chairman Vince McMahon.

He won at least six WWE championships and was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005.

Hogan was also a celebrity outside the wrestling world, appearing in numerous movies and television shows, including a reality show about his life on VH1, “Hogan Knows Best.”

In 2016, a Florida jury awarded Hogan $115 million in his sex tape lawsuit against Gawker Media. Hogan sued after Gawker in 2012 posted a video of him having sex with his former best friend’s wife. Hogan contended the post violated his privacy.

Hogan’s public persona has transcended the ring, making him a household name. He appeared in numerous movies -- including the third “Rocky” film, where he took on the title character, played by Sylvester Stallone.

Hogan also had a reality show about his life on VH1, called “Hogan Knows Best” in the early 2000s.

WWE issued a statement Thursday afternoon: “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.”

News4JAX last spoke to Hogan in March during his “Real American Beer” Tour.

RELATED | Going Ringside Ep. 114: Hulk Hogan and ‘Real American Beer’

You can watch the full interview below.