The world knows Bam Margera for his daredevil antics and infectious energy from the “Jackass” era. Yet, beneath the public persona, Margera has navigated profound personal turmoil for years. Now, amid a crucial recovery journey, he faces an intense period of grief. The former skateboard icon is openly mourning the recent, unexpected deaths of two figures who were not only global legends but also personal friends: wrestling icon Hulk Hogan and rock pioneer Ozzy Osbourne. This challenging time unfolds as Margera strives to maintain sobriety and rebuild his life.
A Double Loss for Bam Margera
The past week has proven exceptionally difficult for Bam Margera. He has publicly acknowledged the deep emotional impact of these recent passings. First came the news of Ozzy Osbourne’s death at 76, reportedly surrounded by his loved ones. Just two days later, the wrestling world lost Hulk Hogan, who died at 71 after suffering cardiac arrest. Margera, speaking candidly with TMZ alongside his wife Dannii Marie, conveyed his continued struggle to fully process these shocking events. These losses arrive during a pivotal moment in his well-documented path toward healing and stability.
The Profound Bond with Hulk Hogan
Margera’s connection with Hulk Hogan was notably deep and recent. He revealed that he and his wife had spent the entire winter in Florida living alongside the Hogan family. This extended stay fostered an exceptionally close bond, transforming the wrestling hero into a true family figure for Margera. He fondly recalled moments of skating with professional athletes and connecting deeply with the WWE Hall of Famer. One anecdote highlights Hogan’s curiosity despite his use of a cane; he showed keen interest in Dannii Marie’s stretch therapy services.
Their shared experiences extended beyond casual visits. Margera and Hogan regularly enjoyed karaoke nights at Hogan’s Hangout. A significant “bucket list” dream they fulfilled together was attending a concert by the acclaimed Swedish-American guitar virtuoso, Yngwie Malmsteen. The suddenness of Hogan’s passing was especially jarring. Dannii Marie disclosed they had planned dinner with Hogan for the following week, underscoring the unexpected nature of his death. Margera had also attended the wedding of Hogan’s son, Nick, just months prior in January, further illustrating their intertwined lives.
Margera shared his devastation in a heartfelt Instagram tribute. He wrote, “I’m crushed. Hulk was more than a hero, he was family to me and my wife.” He described the Malmsteen concert as “an absolute honor.” Margera also unveiled a lesser-known fact about Hogan, revealing he was an “amazing bass player” and professional musician before his legendary wrestling career. His tribute concluded with profound sorrow: “Damn, I’m gonna miss you man, it hurts. Rest in power Hulkster. I’ll carry your spirit forever.”
Honoring the Prince of Darkness
Earlier in the same difficult week, Bam Margera paid tribute to rock icon Ozzy Osbourne. He shared a throwback photo from 2007. The image captured a memorable moment when they co-hosted the VH1 Rock Honors in Las Vegas. His social media post acknowledged Osbourne’s lasting impact: “Legends never die. I’m grateful to have shared this moment with Ozzy Osbourne.” Margera concluded his message with deep respect, stating, “Rest in power Ozzy… your spirit, your voice, and your madness will echo forever.” He also extended his sincere condolences to Osbourne’s family, including Jack, Kelly, and Sharon.
A Path to Healing: Bam’s Ongoing Journey
These public expressions of grief resonate deeply amidst Bam Margera’s significant personal journey. His struggles with addiction, mental health issues, and legal troubles have been extensively documented. This tumultuous period largely began following the tragic 2011 death of his close friend and “Jackass” co-star, Ryan Dunn. For over a decade, Margera’s life was marked by numerous rehab stints, public breakdowns, and strained family relationships.
However, recent months have shown promising signs of positive change. Following a brief psychiatric hold in 2023, Margera made a public vow. He committed to prioritizing his sobriety for the sake of his young son, Phoenix. Since then, he has appeared noticeably healthier and more focused. He has even returned to skateboarding, a passion that defined his early career. Signs of reconciliation with family members have also emerged. His attendance at Hogan’s son’s wedding and the extended time spent with his wife in Florida were clear indicators of a new, more positive chapter unfolding in his life. As he navigates this profound period of grief, fans and supporters are reportedly rallying around Margera. They continue to offer immense support for his ongoing recovery journey, recognizing the immense challenge he faces.
Frequently Asked Questions
What two legends is Bam Margera currently grieving, and how did he know them?
Bam Margera is currently mourning the deaths of wrestling icon Hulk Hogan and rock legend Ozzy Osbourne. He had a particularly close and recent bond with Hulk Hogan, having spent an entire winter in Florida living with the Hogan family. Margera considered Hogan like family and shared many personal moments, including karaoke nights and attending a concert together. His connection with Ozzy Osbourne dates back to 2007 when they co-hosted the VH1 Rock Honors in Las Vegas, a moment Margera reflected on with gratitude.
How does this period of grief align with Bam Margera’s recent personal struggles and recovery journey?
This period of intense grief occurs during a critical phase of Bam Margera’s well-documented recovery. After years battling addiction, mental health issues, and legal troubles that intensified following his friend Ryan Dunn’s death in 2011, Margera has recently committed to sobriety for his son. His time with the Hogans in Florida, his return to skating, and family reconciliations all indicated a positive shift. Experiencing such profound losses now, while striving for stability, adds another complex layer to his ongoing path to healing and maintaining his recovery.
What specific moments or activities did Bam Margera share with Hulk Hogan before his passing?
Before Hulk Hogan’s death, Bam Margera and his wife spent an entire winter with the Hogan family in Florida, forging a deep friendship. They frequently enjoyed karaoke nights at Hogan’s Hangout. A cherished memory for Margera was fulfilling Hogan’s “bucket list” wish: attending a concert by guitarist Yngwie Malmsteen together. Margera also recalled Hogan’s interest in his wife’s stretch therapy services and shared how Hogan was an “amazing bass player” before his wrestling career. They had even planned dinner for the week following Hogan’s sudden passing, highlighting their close, active friendship.
