Hulk Hogan’s daughter Brooke reveals how her new HGTV role helped her heal after WWE legend’s death
Hulk Hogan‘s daughter Brooke has opened up about how returning to HGTV has become a kind of therapy for her after the sudden death of her estranged father.
The 37-year-old, who spent her teenage years starring in the hit reality TV show ‘Hogan Knows Best’ and in a spin-off titled ‘Brooke Knows Best’, explained why she decided to step in front of the camera again after Hogan died.
Hogan, whose full name is Terry Gene Bolleadied in July at the age of 71 after suffering cardiac arrest at his home in Clearwater, Florida.
While you’re talking to Entertainment tonightBrooke shared how her father’s death caused her to pour her heart into her passion for home design.
Brooke – who is set to appear on the new season of the hit show ‘Rock the Block’, in which designers compete to renovate properties on the same block – admitted she had to dodge rumors that she wanted to put her name in the spotlight rather than grieve her father.
“The funny thing is you see all these people saying, ‘Oh, now that their father has passed away, they’re enjoying the fame.’
“I’m like, ‘We had this ‘Rock the Block’ deal months before that happened,’” she said.
Brooke noted that she first received the call from HGTV in 2023.
“It was a strange call at a strange time in my life,” she admitted.
The reality TV personality then went on to describe her love for home design.
“It’s basically what I do, and a few days ago, in our first win, we had a win, and I didn’t know it would affect me so much. I cried,” she said.
She noted that the show and its design partner, Scott McGillivrayhelped her deal with her emotions.
“He was very kind to my therapist. Scott talked to me about the loss of my father and the emotions that came with it. The mixed emotions of, like, you’re in an estranged relationship, but you love him so much… Scott has been a very good, safe place for me,” she said.
Brooke also hit back at claims she was a “fake baby.”
“Nepo baby, failed music career, crazy family, can’t sing, can’t decorate – that’s what the haterades say, but didn’t you know I have my own design company. I also have a real estate license.
“No shame in my game. Money is money,” Brooke said.
Before asking to be left out of her father’s will, Brooke noted that she always wanted to be financially independent.
“I started my design business and it did well, but it was hard to get off the ground, and I really, really did it alone. No seed money, no help from my parents. I left the nest and I was the independent kid who was like, ‘I don’t want any help.’
‘I was estranged from my family. I had asked to have my father’s will removed when he decided to go ahead with his third marriage, not because of the lady he married.
“It was a bit like seeing both sides. He confided in me about things that were close to his heart.
“And then he said, ‘I’m going the other way anyway. And you live your life and I’ll live mine,'” she said, noting that she always gave him advice and comfort.
Although Brooke and Hogan did not speak during the last two years of his life, she noted that she always loved him.
“My father and I have always had a very good relationship. There is obviously nothing he could have done in our history, nothing he could have done that would have made me not love him,” she added.
Hogan’s death came weeks after his wife… Airfiercely denied rumors that the sports star was in a coma, assuring fans that his heart was “strong” as he recovered from multiple surgeries and procedures on his neck.
Hogan purchased his sprawling Clearwater estate, which features five bedrooms and 5.5 bathrooms, in 2012 for $3.3 million.
The grand home extends over 6,270 square feet and Realtor.com® now estimates it to be worth $5 million.
The home, built in 2009, comes complete with an elevator, fireplace, pool and two spas.
Inside, high ceilings tower over the chic breakfast area, den/office space, family room, elegant dining room and great room.
The house is perfectly located on the coastline of the Gulf of Mexico.
The property also features a fully equipped gym where the athlete often stayed in top shape, a home theater and a resort-style swimming pool.
The WWE confirmed his death in a statement, revealing: “WWE is saddened to learn that WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away.
“One of pop culture’s most recognizable figures, Hogan helped WWE gain worldwide recognition in the 1980s.
“WWE extends its condolences to Hogan’s family, friends and fans.”
Fellow wrestler Rick Flair also shared a heartwarming tribute to his friend, writing: “Hulk has been by my side since we started in the wrestling business. An incredible athlete, talent, friend and father!
“Our friendship means the world to me. He was always there for me, even when I didn’t ask for it. He was one of the first to visit me when I was in the hospital with a 2% chance of living, and he prayed at my bedside.
“Hulk also lent me money when Reid was sick. Hulkster, no one will ever compare to you! Rest in peace, my friend!”
Hogan was an icon in the professional wrestling industry and had a strong fan base that followed him throughout his career.
In 2005, he was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame, but was later removed in 2015 after becoming embroiled in a scandal over a slew of comments he made while being secretly recorded during a sexual encounter.
When the audio was released, Hogan eventually sued and won.
He was subsequently re-inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2020.
The athlete made headlines again in 2024 when he attended the 2024 Republican National Convention.
In addition to his impressive wrestling career, Hogan also appeared in a slew of films, including ‘Rocky III’, ‘No Holds Barred’, ‘Suburban Commando’ and ‘Mr. Nanny’.
