I was born on August 11th 1953, in Augusta, Georgia

I am the youngest son of Pete Bollea, a construction foreman and Ruth Bollea, a dance instructor

My real first names are Terry Gene

I went on to study at Hillsborough Community College and the University of South Florida

While in High School I became an accomplished wrestler

In spite of my education, my interests remained in the ring, and I never received my degree

I chose to devote my time to working out in a local gym, owned by wrestlers Jack and Jerry Brisco. Encouraged by these two brothers, I spent a few months wrestling on some small circuits in the Southeast.

In the early 1990s, I was forced to testify against my boss. Admitting my drug abuse brought an end to my career

In 1979, my talent caught the attention of Vincent McMahon Sr., the legendary promoter/owner of the World Wrestling Federation (WWF. He gave me an opportunity to join the WWF - along with a new identity. Because of his massive physique and resemblance to a green comic book hero, McMahon suggested that I assume a new name

In 1980, I had my debut bout against the fierce Andre the Giant. I won the match, along with the respect and support of wrestling fans throughout the country. Actor Sylvester Stallone was so impressed by my performance that he cast me as ‘Thunderlips the Ultimate Male’ in the 1982 movie ‘Rocky III’