Paul Hogan Biography: Paul Hogan AM born October 8, 1939 is an Australian actor and comedian best known for his iconic role as Michael “Crocodile” Dundee in the 1986 hit film Crocodile Dundee. His performance earned him a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy, as well as an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Screenplay. The success of the film led to a popular series that solidified his status as a global star. Expanding his influence in film, Hogan served as executive producer, writer, and star of Almost an Angel (1990) and Lightning Jack (1994), and also appeared in Flipper (1996) and Floating Away (1998).
Paul Hogan Biography
Paul Hogan achieved international fame with his charming and comedic performance in Crocodile Dundee (1986), a film he co-wrote and starred in. The role earned him a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor and an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Screenplay. Hogan began his career in Australian television with a recurring comedic segment on A Current Affair (1971). His popularity skyrocketed when The Paul Hogan Show debuted on Australia’s Nine Network in 1973, quickly becoming a top-rated program. He later took on a dramatic role in the critically acclaimed miniseries Anzacs (1985), and his efforts to promote Australia globally earned him the honor of being appointed to the Order of Australia and named “Australian of the Year.”
Paul Hogan Biography 2025 Details
| Born | 8 October 1939
Parramatta, New South Wales, Australia
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|---|---|
| Occupations |
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| Years active | 1971–present |
| Spouses |
Noelene Edwards (m. 1958; div. 1981)
(m. 1982; div. 1989)
Linda Kozlowski
(m. 1990; div. 2014) |
| Children | 6 |
| Category | Singers Bio |
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About Paul Hogan
Paul Hogan AM is an Australian actor and comedian. He was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay and won the Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy ..
Paul Hogan Wiki
- Born: 8 October 1939 (age 85 years), Sydney, Australia
- Spouse: Linda Kozlowski (m. 1990–2014), Noelene Edwards (m. 1982–1989), Noelene Edwards (m. 1958–1981)
- Children: Chance Hogan, Brett Hogan, Lauren Hogan, Todd Hogan, Clay Hogan, Scott Hogan
- Height: 1.75 m
- Parents: Florence Hogan
- Siblings: Wendy Hogan, Patrick Hogan
Early Life
Early in his career, Hogan claimed to be born in Lightning Ridge, New South Wales, to enhance his public persona. In reality, he was born in Parramatta, a suburb in Greater Western Sydney, and is of Irish heritage. He grew up in Granville, located in Western Sydney, and worked as a rigger on the Sydney Harbour Bridge before entering show business. Hogan attended both primary and high school at Parramatta Marist High School.
Paul Hogan at a Glance – Rephrased Summary
- Category: Richest Celebrities › Actors
- Net Worth: $20 million
- Birthdate: October 8, 1939 (age 85)
- Birthplace: Lightning Ridge (claimed) – actually born in Parramatta, Sydney
- Height: 5 feet 8 inches (1.75 m)
- Profession: Actor, comedian, screenwriter, and film producer
- Nationality: Australian
Career Beginnings
Born in Parramatta, Sydney, on October 8, 1939, Hogan sometimes claimed to be from the rural town of Lightning Ridge to add intrigue to his public image. Raised in Granville, he worked as a rigger on the Sydney Harbour Bridge before entering show business. His breakthrough came in 1971 on New Faces, an Australian talent show. Instead of performing a serious act, Hogan humorously mocked the judges. His wit caught the attention of journalist Mike Willesee, leading to a regular comedy segment on A Current Affair and a partnership with producer John Cornell.
Rise to Stardom
In 1973, Hogan launched The Paul Hogan Show, a sketch comedy series he wrote and produced. The show gained popularity in Australia, the UK, and South Africa and earned him a TV Week Logie Award for Best New Talent. He also starred in famous tourism ads for the Australian Tourist Commission, making lines like “Come and say G’day” and “throw another shrimp on the barbie” internationally recognizable. These ads significantly boosted Australia’s global tourism appeal.
Crocodile Dundee and Film Success
In 1986, Hogan starred in and co-wrote Crocodile Dundee, a surprise hit with global appeal. The film had a modest $8.8 million budget and earned over $325 million worldwide, becoming the highest-grossing Australian film of all time. Its sequel in 1988 also performed strongly, grossing more than $235 million.
Thanks to independently financing and selling distribution rights territory-by-territory, Hogan made an estimated $100 million from the franchise. He later declined a proposed crossover film with Eddie Murphy (Beverly Hills Cop and Crocodile Dundee) and instead pursued other projects, including Almost an Angel (1990) and Lightning Jack (1994), though neither reached the success of Dundee.
Later Career and Legal Challenges
In the 2000s, Hogan returned to the spotlight with Crocodile Dundee in Los Angeles (2001), which was less successful, and later appeared in Australian films like Strange Bedfellows (2004) and Charlie & Boots (2009). He also performed stand-up comedy in Australia during the early 2010s. Hogan faced a decade-long tax battle with the ATO, accused of hiding income through offshore accounts. At one point, he was served with a $150 million tax bill and was temporarily barred from leaving Australia in 2010. Although the matter was settled in 2017—with reports he paid tens of millions—Hogan denied wrongdoing and remained critical of the tax authorities.
Real Estate
One of Hogan’s most well-known properties was a 46-hectare estate in Byron Bay’s hinterland, which he built with his second wife, Linda Kozlowski. They sold the estate in 2006 for A$8.1 million. Hogan later moved to the United States, purchasing a Malibu home for $6.5 million (sold to Chris Hemsworth in 2013) and a Santa Barbara residence, where he spent most of his time during his tax dispute. Although media speculated that property sales were related to financial troubles, his attorney denied any connection.
Paul Hogan’s Net Worth 2025
Paul Hogan net worth of $20 million is an Australian actor and comedian, best known for creating and starring in the 1986 blockbuster Crocodile Dundee. His portrayal of the iconic outback adventurer earned him a Golden Globe Award and an Oscar nomination for Best Original Screenplay. Hogan not only starred in but also co-wrote and helped finance the first film, allowing him to claim a reported 60% of its profits. The movie grossed over $320 million globally. At his financial peak, Hogan was worth over $75 million. However, costly personal events—including a high-profile divorce and a protracted legal dispute with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO)—have significantly reduced his fortune. Despite these setbacks, he maintains an estimated net worth of $20 million as of 2025.
FAQs
What happened to Paul Hogan’s fortune?
Paul Hogan’s net worth once peaked at over $75 million thanks to the Crocodile Dundee franchise. However, it significantly declined due to a costly divorce and a prolonged legal battle with the Australian Taxation Office involving disputed offshore earnings.
How much did Paul Hogan make from Crocodile Dundee?
Hogan earned an estimated $100 million from the Crocodile Dundee franchise, largely because he financed the film independently and retained a 60% profit share from its global success.
Where does Paul Hogan live now?
After selling his Malibu estate to actor Chris Hemsworth, Paul Hogan settled in Santa Barbara, California, which became his primary residence during his legal disputes.
Who was Paul Hogan married to?
Paul Hogan was married to Noelene Edwards twice, with their second divorce being one of Australia’s most publicized. He later married his Crocodile Dundee co-star Linda Kozlowski, but they divorced in 2014.
Did Paul Hogan win an Oscar?
While Paul Hogan was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay for Crocodile Dundee, he did not win. However, he did win a Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Comedy.
Why was Paul Hogan in trouble with the tax office?
Hogan faced allegations from the Australian Taxation Office over offshore tax evasion, leading to a $150 million claim. He eventually settled the case, though he denied any wrongdoing and remained vocal about the experience.