CROCODILE DUNDEE’ ICON OPENS UP ABOUT HEALTH STRUGGLES
Paul Hogan emerged as one of Hollywood’s most unexpected breakout stars in the 1980s, achieving overnight fame with the 1986 hit comedy “Crocodile Dundee.” In this film, he not only portrayed the title character but also earned an Oscar nomination for writing its screenplay.
Known for iconic scenes and memorable quotes like “That’s not a knife. That’s a knife,” Hogan transformed the character of Mick Dundee into a cultural icon in both the US and his native Australia.
However, at the age of 83, Hogan has been facing health challenges and recently discussed some medical concerns that have raised concerns among his fans.
In a recent interview on the Australian TV program “A Current Affair,” Hogan revealed that he has been dealing with a condition called retroperitoneal fibrosis. This condition involves a growth on his abdominal aorta pressing on his kidney. Although treated with steroid medication, the problem has taken a toll on his body, causing a loss of body fat and thinning of his muscles.
While Hogan mentioned that the treatment addressed the issue and restored some strength, it also resulted in physical changes. He expressed efforts to regain body fat and muscle post-treatment, acknowledging that, being in his 80s, he is far from the famous physique of his younger years. Hogan humorously remarked that he now relies on his son to open jars for him and feels like he’s “held together by string.”
“Turning 80 is not for sissies because things start to fall apart,” he candidly stated.
Despite facing health difficulties, Paul Hogan expressed no regrets about his life. Ideally, he would prefer to return to his native Australia, stating, “I’m not in the place I’m meant to be, but I’m not allowed to complain about anything. I’ve had such a gifted life.”
Born on October 8, 1939, in Parramatta, New South Wales, Australia, Hogan began his career with notable appearances on local TV programs like New Faces and A Current Affair. His sketch comedy series, The Paul Hogan Show, ran from 1973 to 1984 and gained popularity not only in Australia but also in the UK. Hogan also served as a spokesperson for Foster’s beer, featuring in commercials in the UK.
However, it was the 1986 film Crocodile Dundee that propelled Hogan to international stardom. The fish-out-of-water comedy, depicting an Australian crocodile hunter navigating New York City, became a massive success. It was the second-highest-grossing film in the US that year, the highest-grossing Australian film ever, and the top-grossing non-US film in the United States. Hogan won a Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Motion Picture Musical or Comedy and was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay.
Hogan reprised the role in two sequels, Crocodile Dundee II (1988) and Crocodile Dundee in Los Angeles (2001). The character’s enduring popularity was evident in a 2018 Super Bowl commercial featuring a fake trailer for a Dundee reboot, with Hogan making a cameo.
The success of Crocodile Dundee also impacted Hogan’s personal life, leading to his marriage to co-star Linda Kozlowski, though they divorced in 2014. Hogan reflected on Kozlowski’s experience, stating, “She got sick of living in the shadow. She was ‘Crocodile Dundee’s wife’ and not herself.”
In addition to the Crocodile Dundee series, Hogan starred in films such as Almost an Angel, Lightning Jack, and Flipper. His most recent role was playing 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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