Sylvester Stallone continues to pay tribute to his late friend and co-star Hulk Hogan, the WWE wrestling legend, who passed away on Thursday, July 24, 2025, at the age of 71.

Sylvester Stallone is sharing fond memories of working alongside Hulk Hogan. Following the wrestling icon’s death on Thursday, July 24, at the age of 71, Stallone, 79, spoke to TMZ ’s Harvey Levin about starring in Rocky III with Hogan. The actor said they met for the first time during rehearsals for the movie in the early 1980s.

Brooke Shields remembered Hogan by sharing a photo of the duo arm wrestling as Kathy Griffin stood behind them. “Rest easy, Hulk. This moment and his entire guest episode on ‘Suddenly Susan’ was a true highlight,” she wrote via Instagram. “Sending love to all of his loved ones today.”

Hogan, who died Thursday in Florida at age 71, portrayed himself as an all-American hero, a term that itself implies a stereotype. He was Sylvester Stallone meets John Wayne in tights — only fans could actually touch him and smell the sweat if the WWF came to town.

The action star and late WWE Hall of Famer notably worked together on Rocky III, in which Hogan played the infamous Thunderlips character.

Although Hogan was famous as a wrestler, the mustachioed blond behemoth also had a colorful movie and TV career.

“Through the good times and the bad, I always loved my brother Terry!,” wrote Brutus Beefcake (referring to Hogan by his given name). “I am devastated by the loss of my friend, I only wish we had time to mend our broken friendship before his passing. Until I see you Brother, in the big squared circle in the sky! I love you.”

One of Kazeem Famuyide's earliest memories is sitting on his father's lap watching Hulk Hogan wrestle in the 1988 Survivor Series. His love of Hogan in the ring became inextricable from what would become a lifelong obsession with the sport — including a yearlong role touring the country and writing scripts for WWE's top talent.