Hulk Hogan, a wrestling icon, transitioned into film during the 1980s and 1990s, leaving a lasting impact with his memorable roles. Here’s a look at his most notable movie appearances.
Hulk Hogan’s Most Memorable Movie Roles
Before Dwayne Johnson and John Cena made their transitions from the WWE ring to Hollywood, Terry Bollea, famously known as Hulk Hogan, set the precedent for wrestling stars becoming movie icons. During the peak of his fame in the 1980s and 1990s, Hogan was a prominent figure in cinemas and on television. He passed away at his home in Clearwater, FL, on July 24 at the age of 71.
In his later years, Hogan became more recognized as a reality TV personality, starring in the two-season VH1 series Hogan Knows Best and its follow-up, Brooke Knows Best. He also made guest appearances on various comedy shows, including The Inbetweeners and The Goldbergs.
Despite his reality TV fame, Hogan’s film roles exemplify his larger-than-life persona. Here’s a look back at his most unforgettable movie appearances.
Rocky III (1982)
Hogan made his film debut in the third installment of the Rocky franchise, where he faced off against Sylvester Stallone in a memorable boxer vs. wrestler showdown. Playing the character Thunderlips, he essentially portrayed himself, introducing audiences to his unique charisma and impressive physique. Although Hogan was not nominated for any acting awards, Rocky III did feature the iconic anthem “Eye of the Tiger,” which was nominated for Best Original Song.
No Holds Barred (1989)
Seven years after Rocky III, Hogan transitioned from supporting actor to leading man in this quirky WWE-backed film. No Holds Barred is a bizarre blend of Rocky and Bloodsport, with Hogan starring as Rip Thomas, a champion whose title is challenged by a formidable opponent named Zeus (Tiny Lister). The standout performance, however, comes from Kurt Fuller, who plays one of the most memorable corporate villains of the ’80s.
Gremlins 2: The New Batch (1990)
Did Gremlins invent meta humor? The New Batch certainly makes a case for it with Hogan’s hilarious cameo, where he humorously breaks the fourth wall to save the film from chaos caused by the mischievous Gremlins. Interestingly, the VHS version of Gremlins 2 replaced Hogan’s scene with a shootout featuring John Wayne, but many fans still prefer Hogan’s appearance in this context.
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Suburban Commando (1991)
Following the success of Kindergarten Cop, Hogan joined other action stars in family-friendly films. Among his various roles, Suburban Commando stands out as his most successful PG-rated film, thanks in part to a talented cast that includes Christopher Lloyd, Shelley Duvall, and Larry Miller, who helped elevate the comedy.
The Ultimate Weapon (1998)
Hogan’s final action film features him as a Special Forces veteran on a dangerous mission involving rogue IRA operatives. In a sign of the times, the film bypassed theaters and went straight to home video, a fate shared by other once-popular stars like Jean-Claude Van Damme and Steven Seagal. The Ultimate Weapon represents the last breath of an era in action cinema before The Matrix revolutionized the genre.
Gnomeo & Juliet (2011)
Hogan’s last credited film role is a voice cameo as a television pitchman promoting a terrifying lawnmower that frightens garden gnomes. This animated feature is filled with retro humor and received a Golden Globe nomination for Best Original Song, featuring a duet between Elton John and Lady Gaga, though it does not include Hogan’s vocals.
