Many people would say that when Hulk Hogan died last week he took a big piece of American culture with him.
Widely regarded as the world’s most recognized wrestling star, Hogan’s interest in wrestling blossomed when he was a teenager.
He first wrestled professionally in 1977 at age 24. But it was when he joined the World Wrestling Federation, then known as the WWF, that he became a star.
And it wasn’t just his proficiency as a wrestler that made him a star, it was his showmanship. Soon entire shows were built around Hulk.
And wouldn’t you know it, his showmanship also became a profession – Hulk Hogan became an actor.
But to those closest to him, Hulk Hogan was also Terry Bollea, the husband and family man.
In 2002 Hogan published his autobiography, a book called Hollywood Hulk Hogan. His publisher told me he was too busy for a traditional book tour, so I got a phone interview instead.
So here now, from 2002, Hulk Hogan.
Hulk Hogan passed away just days before his 72nd birthday.