**Here’s What Really Happened to Crocodile Dundee Star Paul Hogan—No Longer a Secret**

Paul Hogan was once one of the most recognizable faces in the world, thanks to his iconic role as Mick Dundee in “Crocodile Dundee.” The film franchise grossed over $328 million worldwide, and Hogan’s personal share made him a multimillionaire. But behind the scenes, Hogan’s life was a rollercoaster of fame, fortune, heartbreak, and ultimately, physical decline.

Born in 1939 in the remote mining town of Lightning Ridge, New South Wales, Hogan grew up in poverty, surrounded by tough miners and red dirt streets.

His family moved to Sydney when he was nine, and Hogan quickly learned that humor was a way to survive in a rough world. He dropped out of school at 15 to help support his family, working grueling jobs as a laborer and rigger on the Sydney Harbor Bridge. The danger and camaraderie of the job shaped his character, and his knack for comedy became his escape.

Hogan married young and had several children, but money was always tight. He hustled through side jobs and even dabbled in opal mining. His break came when TV producers noticed his quick wit during a safety PSA shoot.

Soon, he was starring in commercials and, by the 1970s, had his own hit TV show, “The Paul Hogan Show.” His authentic Aussie humor made him a national sensation and eventually led to the creation of “Crocodile Dundee.”

The film, inspired by real-life outback survivor Rod Ansell, was a massive success. Hogan owned 60% of the profits, making him incredibly wealthy. Sequels followed, and Hogan became a global star. But fame brought complications.

His marriage to Noelene Edwards ended amid tabloid scandals, and his affair with co-star Linda Kozlowski became front-page news. Hogan remarried Linda, but the relationship was fraught with financial paranoia and legal battles.

The Australian Tax Office launched a lengthy investigation into Hogan’s finances, accusing him of hiding millions in offshore accounts. For years, he was banned from leaving the United States, missing family events and even his mother’s funeral.

Legal fees and settlements ate away at his fortune, and by 2015, Hogan reportedly had just $50,000 left in the bank. Old friends and co-stars loaned him money to save his home.

As his financial troubles worsened, Hogan’s health began to fail. In 2022, doctors diagnosed him with retroperitoneal fibrosis, a rare condition causing tissue to wrap around his organs. Steroid treatments led to severe muscle loss; he struggled to gain weight and needed help with basic tasks. The once robust outback hero now relied on his son for daily care.

Despite these hardships, Hogan retained his humor and resilience. He made occasional public appearances, including a 2023 roast in his honor, and received Australia’s Legend of Australia award in 2025. His net worth recovered somewhat, reaching around $20 million, but his days of wild wealth and adventure were behind him.

Today, Paul Hogan lives quietly in Los Angeles, cared for by his son and reflecting on a life filled with dramatic highs and lows. He remains connected to his roots, still beloved in Australia, and has expressed a wish to have his ashes scattered from the Sydney Harbor Bridge—where his journey began.

Hogan’s story is a cautionary tale about fame’s fleeting nature, the importance of family, and the enduring power of laughter even in the face of adversity.