Sophia Michaels
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This article discusses topics related to mental health and suicide.
Brooke Hogan, known as Hulk Hogan’s daughter, first appeared on the reality show “Hogan Knows Best” in 2005. Born Brooke Ellen Bollea, she grew from her father’s shadow to carve out her own identity in music. In an interview with Big Frog 104, she reflected on her show, explaining, “It was meant to showcase Hulk as a stage dad, assisting me with my music. It turned out to be more influential than we expected.”
Brooke gained fame with songs like “For a Moment” and “About Us.” Despite the closure of “Hogan Knows Best,” she retained a connection with fans who recognized her voice. In a 2021 episode of the “Hollywood Raw” podcast, she illustrated this by sharing how strangers often identified her. Discover more about her inspiring journey into country music as you read on.
Brooke Hogan’s Upbringing
Born on May 5, 1988, in Tampa, Florida, Brooke is the daughter of wrestling icon Terry Eugene Bollea (better known as Hulk Hogan) and his first wife, Linda. She has a younger brother, Nick, who was born on July 27, 1990. Brooke and Nick viewed their father simply as “dad,” overlooking his celebrity persona. Speaking with Big Frog 104, she noted, “We knew him as our father, and even now, his influence on the world feels remarkable.”
The Hogan family enjoyed a lavish lifestyle, owning properties in Florida and Connecticut. They were in the process of building a mansion in California. Unlike other famous families often chased by the media, the Hogans lived relatively free from paparazzi interference. Reflecting on her childhood, Brooke shared, “Growing up in Clearwater, Florida, allowed us to have some privacy. With celebrities like Britney Spears often scrutinized, I felt like Clearwater was a hidden gem away from the spotlight.”
Challenges in Her Teenage Years
Brooke demonstrated her diverse talents from a young age, playing piano, mastering dance, and gymnastics. She attended Clearwater Central Catholic High School, actively participating in cheerleading. Contrary to what many might believe, her family’s fame did not grant her social popularity; instead, she faced isolation and bullying. “My high school experience was challenging,” she mentioned in a Hulk Hogan documentary (via Essentially Sports). “It was cliquey, and I’d often find myself at the lunch table alone, wishing to escape.”
Nevertheless, Brooke formed meaningful friendships later. In a 2018 Facebook post, she celebrated a decade of friendship with Rachel Speck, a fitness enthusiast. Two years later, she recognized another childhood friend, John Monaco Vacci, for attending her autograph session, fondly recalling, “My best guy friend since KINDERGARTEN came by today, and it brought back our youthful memories.”
The Hogan Family’s Reality Show
The reality series “Hogan Knows Best” focused on Brooke and her family, showcasing their interactions and lifestyles. The show not only entertained viewers but also shaped Brooke’s path, leading her toward a successful music career.
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Brooke Hogan: A Journey Through Her Career
“Best” debuted on VH1 in July 2005, showcasing the Hogan family’s life, including Brooke’s first date, Nick’s dating adventures, and Hulk’s WWE Hall of Fame induction.
However, the show came to an end in 2007 after four seasons due to various family challenges. Tensions escalated with Linda Hogan and Hulk’s separation amid allegations of Hulk’s affair with Brooke’s close friend. Linda’s new relationship with Charlie Hill strained her bond with Brooke. Additionally, Linda expressed feeling emotionally drained after their demanding work schedules during a 2009 interview with “Good Morning America.”
Further complicating matters, Nick was involved in a serious car accident in August 2007, resulting in significant injuries to his best friend, leading to his legal troubles. This turmoil affected Hulk’s mental health deeply; he even contemplated suicide until a call from Laila Ali prompted him to reconsider.
If you or someone you know needs support, help is available. Reach out at 988 or visit 988lifeline.org.
Brooke Hogan’s Musical Debut
Brooke made her music debut in July 2004 with the single “Everything to Me,” reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 Singles Sales chart. Her first album, “Undiscovered,” was released in 2006 after a rigorous work schedule and a new record deal.
The album featured 16 tracks, including her favorites “For a Moment” and “My Number.” It sold 30,000 copies in its opening week and peaked at No. 28 on the Billboard 200. The lead single “About Us,” featuring Paul Wall, reached No. 33 on the charts. However, her follow-up album “The Redemption” in 2009 was less successful, only reaching No. 144 and selling around 3,000 copies in its debut week.
Starring in Her Own Spin-off
Brooke’s spin-off, “Brooke Knows Best,” premiered on VH1 in July 2008, capturing her journey toward independence amidst family drama. In an interview with the “Hollywood Raw” podcast, she expressed her eagerness to establish her own life away from home.
At just 18, she moved into an upscale shared apartment in Miami with friends. The show featured her adventures, including tattooing in honor of her independence and supporting charitable causes. She actively engaged with her audience on Myspace to promote the series, updating fans on the filming of the show’s second season.
A Brief Wrestling Executive Career
Brooke Hogan marked her WWE debut with her father in 2006, following in his footsteps into the wrestling world. In 2012, she ventured further into professional wrestling with aspirations of making a mark in the industry.
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Brooke Hogan’s Journey in Wrestling
While she isn’t a professional wrestler like her father, Brooke Hogan has made her mark in the wrestling world. In 2012, at the age of 24, she became the head of TNA’s female wrestling division, The Knockouts. Brooke shared with “Sway in the Morning,” that her connection to the role was thanks to a friendship with the organization’s president, which originated from her music career. Interestingly, her father was unaware of her new role at first, saying, “I think I gave him a heart attack,” when she broke the news.
Brooke was warmly welcomed into the TNA family by then-president Dixie Carter, who admired her enthusiasm for wrestling. Carter conveyed her excitement about Brooke’s potential contributions, saying, “You excite me when we talk about this.” Despite the initial fanfare surrounding her arrival, Brooke’s departure from the organization in August 2013 was rather subdued, occurring due to budget cuts within the company.
Breakup with Phil Costa
Brooke Hogan became engaged to former NFL player Phil Costa in June 2013, after he proposed in Las Vegas. Excited, she announced it on Instagram, exclaiming, “Happiest moment of my LIFE.” However, the engagement took an unexpected turn when they split in November of the same year, as Brooke aimed to focus on her music career and upcoming album, set for release in 2014.
In August 2014, her father, Hulk Hogan, mentioned in an interview that he had a hand in the breakup, stating, “There was no way my daughter was going to marry somebody that I don’t like.” This candid remark revealed the strain the relationship had undergone.
Defending Her Father Amid Scandal
In July 2015, a tape surfaced in which Hulk Hogan used a racial slur directed at Brooke’s black boyfriend years prior, triggering widespread backlash and marking a tumultuous period in his career. Brooke stood by her father during this scandal, expressing her belief in his character through a poem shared on Facebook, where she commented on the flaws everyone has.
After Hulk’s apologies, he faced professional repercussions, with WWE distancing itself from him. Following a lawsuit against the media company Gawker over the leaked tape, Hulk received a substantial settlement and rejoined the WWE Hall of Fame in July 2018.
Transition to Country Music
Brooke Hogan eventually ventured into the music scene as a country artist, following her earlier fame in reality TV and wrestling. Her musical journey has allowed her to express her artistic side and connect with fans in a new way.
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Brooke Hogan is well-known for her contributions to pop music, but in 2015, she embraced a new direction by exploring country music. Her debut extended play in this genre, titled “I Wanna Be Your Girlfriend,” was released in September and included five tracks. During an interview with Entertainment Tonight, Hogan revealed that her appreciation for country music grew as she matured, saying, “As I got older, [country music] started making sense.” Her songwriting journey became more meaningful to her, drawing her closer to this genre. In April 2018, she launched her second country EP, “So Many Summers,” and has since added several singles to her repertoire, including “Love People,” “Move,” and the 2024 release “Boomerang.”
Hogan feels a deep connection to Nashville, largely due to the city’s rich musical environment. She expressed her admiration, stating, “I fell in love with Nashville because of the songwriters, which taught me a new style of writing.” The experience enriched her skills, leading her to primarily listen to country music. Now a Nashville resident, she also runs her own interior design company, BB Designs by Brooke.
She quietly married NHL player Steven Oleksy
On June 8, 2022, Brooke Hogan married Steven Oleksy, a former Orlando Solar Bears player, in a private ceremony in Orlando, Florida, after meeting through mutual friends. They chose to keep their marriage out of the public eye. In a 2024 discussion with TMZ, Hogan explained that they preferred a low-profile lifestyle to avoid the complications of fame. She requested that her family and friends respect her desire for privacy, stating, “I’ve faced many challenges, and this is one part of my life I want to keep untouched and pure.”
Taking her time to find her partner after experiencing heartbreaks, Hogan shared a sweet black-and-white selfie with Oleksy on Instagram on January 1, 2024, marking their first public post together. She expressed her affection, calling him “the kindest, sweetest badass” and feeling fortunate to have him in her life. For updates on Hogan’s inspiring journey, continue following her story.
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