America saw a new side of late legend Hulk Hogan when the WWE Hall of Famer stepped into the world of reality television. The VH1 series “Hogan Knows Best” aired for four seasons from 2005 to 2007, offering an inside look at life behind the scenes with one of pro wrestling’s most iconic families.
While the show brought drama, laughs & must-see TV to fans, behind the scenes, Hulk Hogan was more than a reality star, he was family to the crew. According to producer Matt Williams, the wrestling legend’s loyalty to those around him ran so deep, it often blurred the line between his real life & reality TV.
(Photo by Mark Dadswell/Getty Images)“Hulk was so ride‑or‑die for the OG Hogan Knows Best crew, he’d sometimes forget where reality ended and reality TV began,” Williams told TMZ.
‘Is This Real Life or Just for the Show?’
Williams shared a moment that stuck with him during a particularly emotional time in Hogan’s life. He reminisced when he and his then-wife Linda were filmed attending a marriage counseling session for the show.
“He literally paused mid-session to ask if it was real life or just for the show,” Williams said, highlighting just how emotionally immersed Hogan was in both the process & the people around him.
A Star Who Remembered Every Name on Set
Anna Moneymaker/Getty ImageIt wasn’t just the emotional moments that stood out. Williams also remembered Hogan’s respect for everyone involved behind the camera.
“He knew every PA’s name,” he noted, describing the wrestling icon’s work ethic as marked by uncommon loyalty in the world of reality TV. You can watch William’s full clip with TMZ here.
Hogan’s Family Remembers Him As A Legend
Shortly after Hulk’s passing, TMZ shared Hogan’s family’s heartfelt statement: “It is with a heavy heart and deep sadness that we confirm we have lost a legend,” the family said. “Our beloved Terry Bollea, known worldwide as Hulk Hogan, passed away today surrounded by his loved ones.”
“May we all take solace in the wonderful memories he left behind for the millions of fans worldwide whose lives he touched for more than four decades. He will be missed, but never forgotten.”
Hulk Hogan’s Final Days
The WWE legend, born Terry Bollea, passed away on July 24 at the age of 71 following a cardiac arrest. In the weeks leading up to his death, his health had noticeably declined. According to the Daily Mail, a source revealed that he had lost significant weight, was on oxygen, and was battling shortness of breath.
In a heartfelt tribute following his passing, Sky reflected on the depth of her grief.
“This loss is sudden and impossible to process,” she shared. “To the world, he was a legend… but to me, he was my Terry. The man I loved. My partner. My heart.”
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‘He Knew Every Name on Set’: ‘Hogan Knows Best’ Producer Praises Hulk Hogan’s Loyalty