It was back in 1️⃣9️⃣8️⃣6️⃣ that the iconic movie first graced the big screen and captivated millions of viewers from all parts of the Globe! 🎬🤩 The blockbuster comedy brought the leading actors stardom and recognition becoming one of the classics of the time!💥👏 However, not everyone knows the complicated real-life story behind Mick Dundee! 🤫🧐 The character was played by Paul Hogan who is already 83!😮 Find out everything in this article!👇
Paul Hogan, an unlikely yet unforgettable star of the 1980s, shot to fame with his portrayal of Mick Dundee in the blockbuster comedy Crocodile Dundee (1986). Not only did Hogan bring the iconic Australian outback character to life, but he also co-wrote the screenplay, earning him an Academy Award nomination.
With memorable lines like “That’s not a knife. That’s a knife,” Hogan turned Mick Dundee into a global cultural icon, endearing himself to audiences in both Australia and the United States. Yet, as Hogan reaches his 83rd year, he has opened up about serious health struggles that have caused concern among his fans.
Battling Retroperitoneal Fibrosis
During a recent appearance on the Australian television show A Current Affair, Hogan revealed that he has been dealing with retroperitoneal fibrosis, a rare condition involving a growth around his abdominal aorta that impacts his kidney. To manage the condition, Hogan underwent treatment with steroids, which helped address the immediate problem but left him physically weakened.
The treatment resulted in considerable muscle deterioration and a reduction in body fat, leaving Hogan far from the robust figure audiences remember from his Hollywood heyday. Despite some improvement, Hogan candidly shared that he now relies on his son for tasks as simple as opening jars and joked that he feels as though he’s “held together by string.”
“Turning 80 is not for the faint-hearted,” he remarked with his characteristic humor. “Things just start falling apart.”
No Regrets and a Life Well Lived
Despite facing health issues, the actor remains optimistic and upbeat. Reflecting on his life, he expressed gratitude rather than regret. “I’ve had such an extraordinary life. I can’t complain about anything,” he shared, though he admitted a longing to return to his homeland of Australia.
Born in Parramatta, New South Wales, on October 8, 1939, Hogan started his career in Australian television, earning widespread acclaim through appearances on New Faces and A Current Affair. His comedy sketch program, The Paul Hogan Show, aired from 1973 to 1984, earning a dedicated following in both Australia and the UK. Hogan also became known for his appearances in Foster’s beer advertisements in Britain.
The Crocodile Dundee Phenomenon
Hogan’s global breakthrough came with Crocodile Dundee, a comedy about a character out of their element about a rugged Australian bushman navigating the complexities of New York City. The film became a worldwide sensation, ranking as the second-highest-grossing film in the US in 1986, the highest-grossing Australian film of all time, and the top-performing non-US film in American cinemas. Hogan’s portrayal earned him a Golden Globe for Best Actor and cemented his place in Hollywood history.
Following the success of the original film, he returned to his role in Crocodile Dundee II (1988) and Crocodile Dundee in Los Angeles (2001).
Personal Life and Later Years
Hogan’s time as Mick Dundee influenced not just his career but also his personal life. He married co-star Linda Kozlowski after the film’s release, though the couple divorced in 2014. Reflecting on their relationship, Hogan remarked, “She grew tired of being known as ‘Crocodile Dundee’s wife’ instead of her own person.”
Outside the Dundee franchise, the actor appeared in a variety of movies. His most recent on-screen role was a self-parody.
A Legacy Beyond the Screen
Paul Hogan’s journey from a local Australian entertainer to an international superstar remains a remarkable story of talent, humor, and resilience. Though his health has posed challenges in his later years, Hogan’s optimism and gratitude for his extraordinary life serve as an inspiration. As he continues to navigate aging with wit and candor, Hogan’s legacy as a cultural icon endures, reminding fans of the laughter and joy he brought to audiences around the world.
