On July 24, 2025, wrestling legend Hulk Hogan, born Terry Gene Bollea passed away at the age of 71. Known worldwide as the face of “Hulkamania,” Hogan wasn’t just a celebrity; he was a brand, a business owner, and a father. While we still don’t have the inside scoop on his estate planning documents, his passing brings up important questions about celebrity estate planning, particularly when dealing with trademarks, business interests, blended families, and legacy protection.
As a Florida-based estate planning law firm, we believe there are critical lessons every individual (celebrity or not) can take from the likely structure of Hulk Hogan’s estate.
1. Trusts Matter: Avoiding Probate and Preserving Privacy
Estate planning is not just for high-net-worth individuals like Hogan, even you can also benefit from using a revocable living trusts to pass assets without going through probate. In Florida, probate is public, can delay distribution, and may expose the estate to creditors or opportunistic claims, such as estranged family members.
By placing assets—such as real estate, bank accounts, and trademarks—into a trust, privacy is preserved and administration becomes smoother for heirs after death.
2. Intellectual Property Needs a Succession Plan
Don’t forget your intangible property! Hogan’s brand is built on valuable intellectual property: the name “Hulk Hogan,” “Hulkamania,” merchandising rights, and decades of licensing deals. Proper planning with a great attorney would involve transferring IP assets in a trust to:
- • Ensure consistent management and income distribution
• Prevent family disputes or unauthorized licensing
• Protect the brand’s long-term value
Artists, entrepreneurs, and influencers alike should consider similar strategies.
3. Estate Planning for Blended Families and Ex-Spouses
Hogan’s personal life included a high-profile divorce from Linda Bollea in 2009, in which approximately 70% of his liquid assets were awarded to his ex-wife. He later remarried Sky Daily in 2023. He is survived by two adult children, Brooke and Nick.
Florida law automatically revokes ex-spouses from wills and trusts—but only after a divorce is finalized. If something unexpected happens before that point, your assets could still pass to an ex-spouse, even if that’s no longer your intention. That’s why it’s critical to update your estate plan proactively. Failing to revise your documents after major life changes, like separation or remarriage, can lead to confusion, legal disputes, or unintended disinheritance.
4. Ensure Liquidity to Protect Heirs
Without proper liquidity planning, heirs may be forced to sell property or business interests to pay estate taxes or legal fees. High-profile estates often include life insurance held in irrevocable trusts (ILITs) to ensure cash is available when needed most.
Hogan’s estate, which likely includes real estate and brand income, may face this issue unless a smart funding plan was put in place.
5. Business Succession Planning Is Essential
At the time of his death, Hogan was involved in ventures like Real American Freestyle Wrestling and Real American Beer. If no business succession plan or operating agreement was in place, there could be legal uncertainty about who controls the brand or receives revenue.
Whether you own a small LLC or a national brand, documenting succession in your estate plan is essential.
Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late
Hulk Hogan’s death reminds us that no matter how powerful, wealthy, or iconic you are, you can’t escape the need for estate planning. From avoiding probate to managing intellectual property and protecting your family, proactive planning ensures your legacy lives on exactly as you intended.
Updates on the specifics of his Estate Plan, coming soon.
