‘Crocodile Dundee’ Star Reveals He’s ‘Held Together by String’ Amid Health Struggles
Paul Hogan, widely recognized for his role in “Crocodile Dundee,” experienced an unexpected rise to stardom in 1980s Hollywood. His overnight success was primarily attributed to the hit 1986 comedy, where he not only portrayed the titular character but also penned the screenplay, earning an Oscar nomination in the process.
The film boasted numerous unforgettable scenes and quotes, including the iconic “That’s not a knife. That’s a knife,” cementing Mick Dundee as a cultural icon in both the United States and his native Australia.
However, at 83 years old, Hogan has encountered health challenges, which he recently opened up about, causing concern among his fans. In a recent interview with the Australian TV program “A Current Affair,” Hogan revealed that he had been diagnosed with retroperitoneal fibrosis, a condition in which a growth on his abdominal aorta pressed against his kidney. While steroid treatment addressed the issue, it took a toll on his physique, causing a loss of body fat and muscle.
Hogan explained, “The treatment fixed it, but it shrunk me. The muscles all shrank, and the strength has come back, but it left me feeble.” Despite some progress, Hogan acknowledged that his age, being in his 80s, has significantly altered his physical condition, humorously describing himself as “held together by string.”
He reflected on the challenges of aging, stating, “Turning 80 is not for sissies because things start to fall apart.” Nonetheless, Hogan expressed no regrets about his life, although he yearns to return to his native Australia to be with his family.
Born on October 8, 1939, in Parramatta, New South Wales, Australia, Hogan initiated his career with notable appearances on local TV programs like “New Faces” and “A Current Affair.” His sketch comedy series, “The Paul Hogan Show,” which ran from 1973 to 1984, achieved popularity in both Australia and the UK. Hogan also served as a spokesperson for Foster’s beer, featuring in commercials in the UK.
Nonetheless, it was the 1986 film “Crocodile Dundee” that catapulted Hogan to global stardom. The film, a fish-out-of-water comedy centered around an Australian crocodile hunter’s adventures in New York City, starred Hogan as the rugged yet gentlemanly Mick Dundee. Hogan’s character served as a refreshing departure from the action heroes who routinely dispatched scores of adversaries, advocating for a more humane film hero. “Crocodile Dundee” became a massive success upon its release, ranking as the second highest-grossing film of the year in the US, the highest-grossing Australian film ever, and the highest-grossing non-US film in the United States.
Hogan reprised the Mick Dundee role in two sequels, “Crocodile Dundee II” (1988) and “Crocodile Dundee in Los Angeles” (2001). His character’s enduring popularity was evident when a 2018 Super Bowl commercial teased a reboot featuring Dundee’s son, played by Danny McBride, though it was actually a Tourism Australia commercial. Hogan even made a cameo appearance in the ad.
In addition to the impact on his career, “Crocodile Dundee” also influenced Hogan’s personal life. He married his “Crocodile Dundee” co-star, Linda Kozlowski, although they divorced in 2014. Hogan explained that Kozlowski had grown weary of living in the shadow of his iconic character.
The film also garnered critical acclaim, with Hogan winning a Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Motion Picture Musical or Comedy and receiving an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Screenplay. Additionally, Hogan co-hosted the Oscars ceremony alongside Goldie Hawn and Chevy Chase.
Throughout his career, Hogan appeared in other films such as “Almost an Angel,” “Lightning Jack,” and “Flipper.” His most recent role was as himself in the 2020 film “The Very Excellent Mr. Dundee.”
We loved watching the Crocodile Dundee movies, and we’re wishing Paul Hogan the best as he recovers from his illness!
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