Hulk Hogan, one of America’s best-known wrestling stars, has died at the age of 71, World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) has confirmed.

The star, born Terry Gene Bollea and known for his flowing blond hair and moustache, died at his home in Florida on Thursday.

Hogan began his professional wrestling career in 1977, but shot to fame after signing for the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), as it was then known, in 1983.

He was one of the most prominent characters as the popularity of wrestling exploded, and later became well-known for his reality show, Hogan Knows Best, which aired on VH1 from 2005 to 2007.

More recently, Hogan had been a vocal a supporter of US president Donald Trump.

His cause of death has not yet been confirmed. Hogan had heart surgery in June.

In its statement, WWE said it was “saddened to learn WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away”.

“One of pop culture’s most recognisable figures, Hogan helped WWE achieve global recognition in the 1980s.

“WWE extends its condolences to Hogan’s family, friends, and fans.”

Hogan’s larger-than-life personality and talent in the ring helped make professional wrestling more accessible to the mainstream public.

He won six WWE championships and was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005. Hogan’s opponents included Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson and Andre The Giant.

Wrestling legend Ric Flair said he was “absolutely shocked” to hear about Hogan’s death.

“An incredible athlete, talent, friend and father,” he said in a post on X. “Our friendship has meant the world to me. He was always there for me even when I didn’t ask for him to be.”

Born in 1953, Hogan is one of the most famous names in professional wrestling history, having expanded from high-profile fights in the 1980s and 90s to the world of entertainment.

Hogan headlined the first WrestleMania in New York in 1985, where he and Mr T defeated Paul Orndorff and Roddy Piper.

Throughout the 90s, Hogan’s popularity transcended the wrestling ring, appearing in films including Mr Nanny and Suburban Commando.

Hogan was first inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005, but he was removed from the hall in 2015 when his WWE contract was terminated after a tape of him emerged using a racist slur.

In 2018, the company reinstated him, saying he deserved a second chance, but several WWE superstars, including the New Day and Titus O’Neil, said it would be “difficult to simply forget” what Hogan had said.

In recent years, Hogan had appeared at Trump rallies and on the US election campaign trail last year.

Hogan was booed by the crowd at his most recent WWE appearance, when he appeared on the company’s flagship Monday Night Raw programme to promote his beer brand.