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Paul Hogan The Unlikely Australian Superstar

In the annals of Australian entertainment, few stars shine as brightly or as unexpectedly as Paul Hogan. From his humble beginnings as a blue-collar worker to becoming an international film icon, Hogan’s life reads like a script from one of his own movies – filled with humor, adventure, and more than a few surprising twists.

Our favorite Hoges Facts

• Hogan originally claimed he was born in Lightning Ridge, New South Wales, to sound more intriguing. In reality, he was born in Parramatta, a suburb of Sydney.
• In the 1970s, Hogan starred in highly popular Winfield cigarette ads, where he used his trademark Aussie humour, ending each ad with the phrase, “Anyhow, have a Winfield.”

• His famous tourism ads for Australia in the U.S., particularly the catchphrase “Put another shrimp on the barbie,” were incredibly successful and significantly boosted American tourism to Australia in the 1980s.
• Hogan was offered the lead role in the blockbuster film Ghost (1990) but turned it down to star in Almost an Angel, a comedy where he played a petty criminal who believes he’s become an angel.
• Hogan co-hosted the 59th Academy Awards in 1987, which was a rare honour for a non-American comedian. His laid-back style stood out in contrast to the formality of the event.
• After Crocodile Dundee, Hogan turned down numerous action and violent roles, including those resembling Rambo or Chuck Norris-style characters, as he didn’t want to portray gratuitous violence.
• Hogan’s second divorce from his first wife Noelene Edwards was highly publicized and is often referred to as one of Australia’s “ugliest” celebrity divorces.
• There was once a pitch for a Crocodile Dundee and Beverly Hills Cop crossover movie. While it never materialized, it would have seen Hogan team up with Eddie Murphy.
• Hogan has openly admitted he regretted making Crocodile Dundee in Los Angeles (2001), (Number 3 in the series), calling it “garbage” in retrospect.
• Despite public speculation about his youthful appearance well into his 70s, Hogan has denied having plastic surgery, attributing his looks to good genetics and… avoiding the sun.

The Early Years: Building Bridges and Dreams

Born on October 8, 1939, in Parramatta, a suburb of Sydney, Paul Hogan’s early life was far removed from the glitz and glamour of Hollywood. As a young man, Hogan found himself working as a rigger on the Sydney Harbour Bridge, a job that required nerves of steel and a quick wit – qualities that would serve him well in his future career.

Little did the other riggers know that their mate “Hoges” would one day be walking red carpets and rubbing shoulders with Hollywood royalty. But even then, Hogan’s natural charisma and larrikin humor were evident to those around him.

A Star is Born: From New Faces to The Paul Hogan Show

Hogan’s entry into show business was as unconventional as the man himself. In 1971, he appeared on the talent show “New Faces,” not as a hopeful contestant, but as a comedic saboteur. Claiming to be a “tap-dancing knife thrower,” Hogan proceeded to roast the judges instead of performing, earning laughs and a place in the audience’s hearts.

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This cheeky appearance caught the eye of Mike Willesee, host of the current affairs program “A Current Affair,” who offered Hogan a regular spot on his show. It was here that Hogan honed his comedic skills and developed the larrikin persona that would become his trademark.

The success of these appearances led to “The Paul Hogan Show,” a sketch comedy program that ran from 1973 to 1984. The show was a massive hit not just in Australia, but also found audiences in the UK and South Africa, showcasing Hogan’s brand of laddish, ocker humor to the world.

G’day World! Becoming the Face of Australia

In the 1980s, Hogan became Australia’s unofficial ambassador to the world. His series of tourism advertisements, particularly the famous “shrimp on the barbie” campaign, not only boosted tourism but also cemented Hogan’s status as the quintessential Aussie in the eyes of the world.

This period also saw Hogan become the face of Foster’s Lager in the UK, with his “Strewth, there’s a bloke down there with no strides on!” line becoming part of popular culture. Hogan’s ability to play the likeable, down-to-earth Aussie abroad resonated with audiences and set the stage for his biggest role yet.

Crocodile Dundee Fame – Outback Success

In 1986, Hogan co-wrote and starred in “Crocodile Dundee,” a film conceived by the creative minds of Hogan and producer John Cornell, this film, with a budget of $8.6 million, emerged as a monumental success in the annals of Australian cinema. It soared to become the second top-grossing film at the US box office that year, narrowly trailing behind the blockbuster hit Top Gun.

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The storyline unfolds with a touch of simplicity: Sue Charlton, an American journalist portrayed by the relatively unknown Linda Kozlowski, embarks on a journey to Walkabout Creek. Her mission? To uncover the truth about a bushman who supposedly endured the loss of half a leg in a crocodile encounter.

Upon her arrival, she encounters Mick Dundee, played by Hogan, who, as it turns out, has both legs perfectly intact. Despite the absence of such an injury, he captivates her with his daring spirit and quintessential bushman swagger.

The film was a global sensation, Hogan’s portrayal of Mick Dundee earned him a Golden Globe for Best Actor and an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Screenplay.

The success of “Crocodile Dundee” spawned two sequels and turned Hogan into an international star. His catchphrase, “That’s not a knife… that’s a knife!” entered the global lexicon, and Mick Dundee became an iconic character in film history.

Crocodile Dundee Boosted Tourism in the Northern Territory

The release of Crocodile Dundee in 1986 did more than just introduce the world to the charm of Mick “Crocodile” Dundee; it also had a profound and lasting effect on tourism in Australia, particularly in the Northern Territory. The movie’s success, paired with its stunning depiction of the Australian Outback, played a major role in attracting international travellers to this remote part of the country.

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Before Crocodile Dundee, the Northern Territory was largely unknown to international travellers. The film’s beautiful cinematography showcased the region’s rugged landscapes, including iconic locations such as Kakadu National Park and Arnhem Land. The Northern Territory became synonymous with the adventure and wilderness that Mick Dundee embodied, inspiring people around the world to visit. Global audiences were captivated by scenes of dramatic cliffs, crocodile-infested waters, and vast, untouched land, which painted the Outback as an exotic and thrilling destination.

Did you know?
Crocodile expert Grahame Webb was enlisted to supervise the filming process. To ensure everyone’s safety, a mechanical crocodile was employed for the dramatic scene where a croc leaps from a billabong and snatches Sue’s water bottle. It is said Hogan offered to do the stunt with a real crocodile.

Spike in Visitor Numbers

Following the film’s release, the Northern Territory experienced a significant surge in tourism. With many tourists eager to experience the landscapes seen in the film. International tourists, especially from the United States and Europe, were drawn to the area, seeking their own Outback adventure inspired by the film.

This put the Northern Territory on the global travel map, marking it as one of Australia’s key destinations for international visitors.

Iconic Outback Image

Crocodile Dundee helped define the image of the Australian Outback in global pop culture. Mick Dundee’s character – laid-back, fearless, and deeply connected to the land – came to represent the spirit of the Outback. A land of wide-open spaces, unique wildlife, and larger-than-life characters. This image remains a powerful draw for travellers seeking adventure in Australia’s wildest regions.

Kakadu National Park: A Star Attraction

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One of the standout locations in Crocodile Dundee was Kakadu National Park, which gained worldwide fame after being prominently featured in the film. With scenes shot at Jim Jim Falls and other dramatic sites, the park became a major destination for travellers wanting to see the places Mick Dundee traversed. Tourists were eager to explore the spectacular natural beauty of Kakadu, which offers not only breathtaking landscapes but also rich Indigenous history and culture. The exposure the park received from the film helped solidify its status as one of Australia’s top national parks.

Increased Interest in Indigenous Culture

While Crocodile Dundee was primarily an action-comedy, it also gave a subtle nod to Australia’s Indigenous heritage, which piqued the interest of many international viewers. The film briefly touched on the spiritual connection between Aboriginal Australians and the land, particularly in the Northern Territory. This led to a growing number of tourists seeking out cultural experiences, such as guided tours with Aboriginal communities, where they could learn about ancient traditions and the deep cultural significance of the Outback.

A Broader Boost to Australian Tourism

Though the Northern Territory was a clear beneficiary, Crocodile Dundee also spurred a general increase in tourism to Australia as a whole. The film’s international success helped promote the entire country, making Australia one of the most desirable travel destinations of the late 1980s and beyond. As part of this broader boom, the Northern Territory became a must-see for visitors looking to experience the wild, adventurous side of Australia.

Beyond Dundee: Continuing Career and Challenges

While Hogan will always be associated with Crocodile Dundee, his career continued with films like “Lightning Jack” and “Strange Bedfellows.” He also returned to his roots with successful stand-up tours in Australia, proving that his comic timing and appeal remained as strong as ever.

Hogan’s life hasn’t been without its challenges. A high-profile divorce and a protracted battle with the Australian Taxation Office made headlines, showing that even beloved national icons aren’t immune to life’s difficulties.

The Legacy of Hoges – A True Blue Aussie Icon

Today, Paul Hogan remains a beloved figure in Australian culture. His journey from the Sydney Harbour Bridge to international stardom embodies the Australian spirit of giving it a go and not taking oneself too seriously.

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In 2016, Hogan received the Longford Lyell Award, the highest honor of the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts, recognizing his outstanding contribution to the Australian screen.

From his early days cracking jokes on the bridge to becoming a global ambassador for Australian culture, Paul Hogan’s life and career have been anything but ordinary. He’s made us laugh, showcased the Australian spirit to the world, and proven that with a bit of luck and a lot of larrikin charm, a rigger from Parramatta can indeed become a Hollywood star.

As Hogan himself might say, “Strewth, what a ride!”