In the world of entertainment, few stories feel as improbably charming as that of Paul Hogan. From swinging steel high above Sydney Harbour to becoming a global symbol of the Aussie spirit—yes, that Crocodile Dundee guy—it’s one wild ride. This profile doesn’t aim for polish, just a real look at how a larrikin with a few jokes and a dusty accent snagged international fame, fought tax battles, and somehow stayed cheeky about it all.
Early Life and A Breakthrough from the Bridge
Paul Hogan was born on October 8, 1939, in Lightning Ridge, New South Wales, and spent years working as a rigger painting the Sydney Harbour Bridge . At around age 31, he entered the TV spotlight by crashing the amateur talent show New Faces, posing as a tap-dancing knife thrower—ridiculous, hilarious, and widely beloved. That stunt got him a regular gig on A Current Affair, kicking off his rise .
The Paul Hogan Show Takes Off
He soon teamed up with John Cornell to launch The Paul Hogan Show in 1973, which would run for 12 seasons and earn Hoges national fame for his laid-back comedic style . That blend of humor and self-awareness became his signature.
Crocodile Dundee: The Iconic Leap
Creation and Global Impact
Then came Crocodile Dundee in 1986—a co-written, star vehicle that blew up at the box office, turning Hogan into an overnight international sensation . That film earned him a Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Comedy, plus nominations for an Oscar and a BAFTA in screenplay and acting . With a modest budget and massive returns—including over US$328 million globally—the film reshaped the world’s view of Australia .
“It surprised everyone except John,” Hogan recalls of the movie’s runaway success. His friend and manager, Cornell, had a better vision for him than he did .
Sequels and Mixed Reception
He returned in Crocodile Dundee II (1988), which again did well at the box office, though critics were less enthusiastic . That decade also saw Hogan turn down major roles like the hero in Ghost—he chose Almost an Angel in 1990 instead, though it flopped critically and commercially .
Diversifying on Screen: Later Career Highlights
Hogan’s career didn’t end in the ’80s:
- In 1994 he wrote, co-produced, and starred in Lightning Jack, a Western comedy.
- A family-friendly remake of Flipper followed in 1996.
- He turned heads again in Strange Bedfellows (2004), the highest-grossing Australian-made film of the year .
- In 2009, he starred in Charlie & Boots, another Australian hit .
- Then in 2020, in a tongue-in-cheek comeback, he played himself in The Very Excellent Mr. Dundee, poking fun at his aging persona .
Documentary and Legacy Projects
The 2014 documentary Hanging with Hoges offers a rare, candid glimpse into his life—with stories of fame, family, and his long battle with the Australian Tax Office . And in 2025, a restored “Encore Cut” of Crocodile Dundee, together with a new documentary Love of an Icon, revived interest in his legacy .
Honors, Tax Troubles, and Public Appearances
Awards and Recognition
Hogan received the Member of the Order of Australia in 1986 for services to entertainment and tourism , and the earlier honor of Australian of the Year in 1985 . His Golden Globe, BAFTA nominations, and Academy nod cemented his Hollywood and global standing . In 2016, he was further honored with the Longford Lyell Award from the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts .
The Tax Office Saga
Between 2003 and 2010, Hogan was embroiled in a high-profile tax investigation in Australia—Operation Wickenby—that alleged he had significant undeclared income. The case involved millions in disputes, legal battles, and media scrutiny . Eventually, criminal charges were dropped in November 2010, and later a confidential settlement was reached .
Recent Public Moments
Even in his mid-80s, Hogan still makes headlines. In mid-2025 he was spotted arriving at Sydney Airport in a wheelchair—cheery despite frailty, coy about a returning-to-Australia move . And in a rare sighting later that year, fans noticed him looking solemn and signing autographs at LAX .
Personal Life and Relationships
Hogan’s romantic life has been… complicated:
- He married Noelene Edwards in 1958; the two divorced, remarried, and divorced again—twice .
- In 1990, he married Crocodile Dundee co-star Linda Kozlowski; they had one child and divorced in 2014 .
- Together, he has six children, including Chance, who lives with him in California; four grandchildren live back in Australia .
- He’s admitted, with a grin, that “I’m a dud husband… I’m good at the start” .
Conclusion: The Man, The Myth, The Dundee
Paul Hogan’s story can feel like a mix between a tall yarn and a true Aussie legend. From bridge rigger to Hollywood star, he embraced his identity, for better and for worse. His laughter, modesty, and uncanny ability to scatter stereotypes made him unforgettable. He’s had hits and flops, honors and lawsuits, quiet moments and odd public appearances—but through it all, that larrikin grin never faded. Maybe the lesson? Stay true to who you are, even when the world is watching—and sometimes laughing.
FAQs
Q: What was Paul Hogan’s breakout role?
A: His breakout was as a fake tap-dancing knife thrower on the talent show New Faces, which led to appearances on A Current Affair and eventually to The Paul Hogan Show .
Q: How successful was Crocodile Dundee?
A: It was a massive hit—made on a modest budget and grossed hundreds of millions, winning Hogan a Golden Globe and netting Oscar and BAFTA nominations .
Q: Why did Paul Hogan face legal troubles?
A: Between 2003–2010, the Australian Tax Office investigated him for alleged tax evasion tied to offshore funds. In the end, criminal charges were dropped and a confidential settlement was reached .
Q: Is Hogan still making films?
A: While largely retired, he appeared in The Very Excellent Mr. Dundee in 2020, a tongue-in-cheek nod to his own image and career .
Q: What honors has Hogan received for his work?
A: He was named Australian of the Year (1985), received the Order of Australia (1986), won a Golden Globe, and took home the prestigious Longford Lyell Award in 2016 .
End of article—stroppy, affectionate, and maybe a bit ragged, like Hoges himself.
