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Paul Hogan: Aussie Icon and Cultural Ambassador
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Paul Hogan, born on October 8, 1939, in Parramatta, Australia, is an actor and comedian best known for his iconic role as Mick "Crocodile" Dundee in the "Crocodile Dundee" film series, which earned him a Golden Globe Award and an Academy Award nomination, and for his significant contributions to Australian television, film, and tourism.
Early Life in Western Sydney
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Paul Hogan was born on October 8, 1939, in Parramatta, a suburb of Sydney, Australia. Despite initially claiming to be from Lightning Ridge to appear more interesting, Hogan's actual upbringing was in the western suburbs of Sydney
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. He attended Parramatta Marist High School and later worked as a rigger on the Sydney Harbour Bridge before his unexpected entry into show business1
. Hogan's working-class background and natural wit would later inform his comedic style and contribute to his image as an Australian icon. His journey from bridge worker to comedian began in 1971 with an appearance on the talent show "New Faces," which led to regular spots on Channel Seven and eventually his own comedy program, "The Paul Hogan Show"2
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. This early success paved the way for his later roles in movies and his involvement in promoting the Australian tourism industry through a series of television ads in the 1980s4
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Breakthrough: His Own Show
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Paul Hogan's breakthrough came with "The Paul Hogan Show" on Channel Seven, which catapulted him to national fame as a comedian and established him as an Australian icon
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. His success in television led to a series of memorable commercials for the Australian tourism industry in the 1980s, featuring the now-famous phrase "I'll slip an extra shrimp on the barbie for you"2
. This exposure paved the way for Hogan's international stardom with the film "Crocodile Dundee" (1986), which he co-wrote and starred in, earning him a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor and an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Screenplay2
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. The film's success solidified Hogan's status as a global star and opened doors for future roles in movies like "Lightning Jack" (1994)2
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Paul Hogan as Mick "Crocodile" Dundee (Photos)
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Paul Hogan's Filmography
Paul Hogan's career continues for several decades, encompassing a variety of roles in film and television. Here's a concise overview of his notable works in chronological order:
This filmography highlights Hogan's most significant movie roles, including his iconic Crocodile Dundee character which appeared in three films over a 15-year span.
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1986 | Crocodile Dundee | Mick "Crocodile" Dundee |
| 1988 | Crocodile Dundee II | Mick "Crocodile" Dundee |
| 1990 | Almost an Angel | Terry Dean |
| 1994 | Lightning Jack | Lightning Jack Kane |
| 1996 | Flipper | Porter |
| 2001 | Crocodile Dundee in Los Angeles | Mick "Crocodile" Dundee |
| 2009 | Charlie & Boots | Charlie |
| 2020 | The Very Excellent Mr. Dundee | Himself |
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It's worth noting that Hogan's career also included successful ventures in television, such as "The Paul Hogan Show" on Channel Seven, and his involvement in promoting the Australian tourism industry through a series of television ads in the 1980s and 1990s.3
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Paul Hogan's Awards and Honors
Paul Hogan's career has been marked by numerous accolades, recognizing his contributions to film, television, and Australian culture. Here's a summary of his most significant awards and honors:
Hogan's role in "Crocodile Dundee" not only earned him international acclaim but also significantly boosted Australia's tourism industry.
| Year | Award | Category | Work |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1973 | Logie Award | George Wallace Memorial Logie for Best New Talent | The Paul Hogan Show |
| 1987 | Golden Globe | Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Comedy or Musical | Crocodile Dundee |
| 1987 | Academy Award | Nomination for Best Writing, Screenplay Written Directly for the Screen | Crocodile Dundee |
| 1987 | Logie Award | Hall of Fame | The Paul Hogan Show |
| 2016 | AACTA Longford Lyell Award | Lifetime achievement in Australian cinema | - |
| 2022 | Tourism Australia | Inaugural 'Legend of Australia' Award | Contribution to Australian tourism |
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His contributions to Australian culture and cinema were further recognized with the prestigious AACTA Longford Lyell Award in 2016.3
Most recently, in 2022, Hogan was presented with Tourism Australia's inaugural 'Legend of Australia' award, acknowledging his enduring impact on promoting Australia as a tourist destination.4
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Paul Hogan's Interviews (Videos)
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Paul Hogan's Personal Life
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Paul Hogan's personal life has been as colorful as his on-screen persona. He met his first wife, Noelene Edwards, at a swimming pool in Sydney, and they married in 1958. The couple had five children together before divorcing in 1981, only to remarry less than a year later. However, their second marriage ended in 1990 when Hogan began a relationship with his "Crocodile Dundee" co-star Linda Kozlowski. Hogan and Kozlowski married in 1990 and had a son together before divorcing in 2014.
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Throughout his career, Hogan has been known for his laid-back Australian charm, which he often incorporated into his roles and public appearances. He celebrated his 80th birthday in 2019, marking a lifetime of contributions to the Australian entertainment industry and his status as an Australian icon.3
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Closing Thoughts on Paul Hogan
Paul Hogan's rise from a Sydney Harbour Bridge rigger to an Australian icon and international star underscores his unique talent and charisma. His career spans decades, featuring roles in John movies such as "Crocodile Dundee" and "Lightning Jack," alongside his successful comedy program on Channel Seven. Beyond entertainment, Hogan became the face of the Australian tourism industry in the late 1990s with television ads, famously inviting viewers to "throw another shrimp on the barbie."
Hogan's authenticity, from his claimed roots in Lightning Ridge to his actual upbringing in western Sydney, resonated globally. His influence reached unexpected places, from sharing the screen with Elijah Wood in "Flipper" to promoting Foster's Lager in commercials. Celebrating his 80th birthday, Hogan's legacy as a comedian, actor, and cultural ambassador continues to inspire, proving that a larrikin from Down Under could indeed conquer Hollywood and become a true Australian icon. His journey is a cross-country tale of success and influence.
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