Hulk Hogan called the Netflix biopic's script "powerful," even hoping Chris Hemsworth would receive Oscar attention for his role

But over the past half century, the headlining star—the one whose name tops the marquee, and who is paid the most money—has usually been someone like Hulk Hogan. Hogan himself was uncommonly tall, blessed with biceps bigger than a baby’s head,

Hogan left behind an iconic legacy in the wrestling world. As WWE star Chelsea Green noted, Hogan became a mainstream star. His first acting role was as Thunderlips in Rocky III. He would subsequently appear in the likes of No Holds Barred, Suburban Commando, and Mr. Nanny.

Hulk Hogan's close friend Jimmy Hart talks exclusively to PEOPLE about the WWE star's health in his final days and reflects on his friendship, after Hogan's death on Thursday, July 24.

To say the world is mourning Hulk Hogan, who died on Thursday at 71, would be disingenuous. Few celebrity deaths have been as polarizing as Hogan’s.

Hogan was influential in the rise of wrestling worldwide and was WWE's first major star. He was a six-time WWE Champion and was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame twice, once in 2005 and in 2020 as part of the New World Order.

From the ring to reality television, Hulk Hogan has touched almost every corner of pop culture. It doesn’t matter if you’re a wrestling fan or not; you know Hulk Hogan. Once the news of the 71-year-old’s passing hit,

"WWE is saddened to learn WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away," they said in a statement to PEOPLE on July 24, after the news of his death was first reported by TMZ. "One of pop culture’s most recognizable figures, Hogan helped WWE achieve global recognition in the 1980s. WWE extends its condolences to Hogan’s family, friends, and fans."