Hulk Hogan Has Passed Away at Age 71 — Find Out His Surprising Soap Connection
Hulk Hogan, the controversial wrestler, actor and reality star, passed away on Thursday, July 24, at the age of 71, after a 911 call was made from his home in Clearwater, Florida. Paramedics were called to the scene due to cardiac arrest, according to a report from TMZ. While his legion of fans may think they know everything about the man who was born Terry Gene Bollea, they may be surprised to know that he played himself on a daytime soap opera.
Star Search
The year was 1985, and the soap was Search For Tomorrow. Wearing a yellow Hulkamania T-shirt, he walked into Big’s on June 17 and was quickly intercepted by Wendy (Lisa Peluso). Quinn (Jeffrey Meek), who was a big fan, recognized him immediately. In the story, they chatted up the star, with Quinn mentioning that he watches him every week and had read in the newspaper recently that he was coming to town for a big match with The Magnificent Muraco. Hulk Hogan humored Quinn while Wendy’s beauty caught his attention.
As the Diana Ross song “Muscles” played in the background, Quinn proceeded to pitch him. “You have a lot of friends here,” Quinn said as he joined them at the table. “A lot of fans in Henderson and I was wondering if we could maybe have a little competition, you know, it would really help me out and it would really help Wendy out too,” he said, putting his arm around Wendy. “Well, it’s nice to know I have a lot of friends here,” Hulk said as he smiled, looking at the young woman. “If I could help Wendy out, I would sure be interested in that proposition,” he added. Quinn said, “Oh yeah?” Hulk smiled, lifting his eyebrows. “Oh yeah.”
In the second episode featuring Hogan, The Magnificent Muraco made his entrance to a chorus of boos during the show-within-a-show, which featured Wendy as the on-screen host and Quinn managing things behind the scenes. Several familiar characters filled the studio audience. Naturally, the crowd erupted in cheers when Hulk Hogan appeared onstage. Quinn struggled to maintain order as Hulk and Muraco jostled for a seat beside Wendy. Their rivalry unfolded like a classic wrestling storyline—complete with chaos, theatrics, and even a destroyed set as things spiraled out of control.
Hogan made his film debut in 1982’s Rocky III, playing the role of Thunderlips, but his daytime cameo marked his first appearance in a scripted television series. Later that same year, he notched his second appearance playing himself when he guest-starred on The A-Team.
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