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PAUL HOGAN
Born: October 8 1939
by PETER TATCHELL (reprinted from LAUGH MAGAZINE #9, 1994)
It all began as something of a joke. In mid-1971, Sydney
Harbour Bridge rigger Paul Hogan and a few of his workmates
were bemoaning the treatment regularly meted out to contestants
on the New Faces TV show. Why not work out a phony act and
heap a bit back on the judges, thought 32-year-old Hogan,
an Aussie battler with a wife and kids who’d left school
in his mid-teens and worked his way through a myriad of jobs.
Billing himself as a knife-throwing tap-dancer from Lightning
Ridge he duly appeared on the show and menaced the none-too-impressed
adjudicators with his wooden props and ocker wit. Whether
or not the producers of the program appreciated his sentiments
they were quick to note a glimpse of talent in his methods
and invited him back for another appearance. By the end of
the year (and after several more ludicrous sight acts) Hogan
was a contestant in the finals of the show and though beaten
into second place he was creating quite a stir with the viewers.
Enter journalist Mike Willesee, whose A Current Affair daily
TV programme debuted the following week. One of his first
segments featured a reporter sent out to interview the famous
bridge worker about his newfound fame and views on life in
general.
The three-minute item so impressed Willesee that Hogan was
engaged as a regular on the series and for the next few months
would knock off work at four o’clock in the afternoon
and make his way to the T.C.N.9 studios. Eventually, he was
offered a full-time job with the program and deserted the
heights of the famous ‘coathanger’ for a career
which would ultimately reach equally dizzy heights in show
business.
An indication of the popularity of the two to three minute
segments came when Hogan discussed tax returns arid suggested
attaching a $10 note to the form to speed up the refund. Over
seven thousand viewers followed his advice (much to the consternation
on the tax office)
In March 1972, he was named the best new talent on Australian
television at the annual T.V. Week Logic awards. Soon after,
he was signed for a series of highly visible commercials for
Winfield cigarettes and the Hogan face was also seen on billboards
and in magazines around the country.
During his time with Willesee Paul met and befriended a journalist
on the show named John Cornell whose business acumen lent
direction to the Hogan career from then on. After a year with
A Current Affair the two convinced Nine management to finance
a one-hour special called Hogan Abroad (or How To Travel Overseas
Without Making A Mug Of Yourself). A mix of comedy and sightseeing
filmed in Singapore, it was the start of phase two in the
Hogan career.
Having spent eighteen months on the Nine Network, Paul switched
to Seven for his next programme, this time set in London.
Pleased with the response, the network signed Hogan and Cornell
(who had built up a character of his own, the dim-witted and
female-lacking Strop) for a series of hourlong specials to
start the following March.
Limiting himself to six to eight appearances a year, the shows
were a mixture of sendups and character sketches plus musical
offerings by leading Australian pop artists. Central to the
format was his alter-ego “Hoges”, the down to
earth Aussie know-all in sleeveless shirt, football shorts
and boots who was continually having a go at authority and
knowing all the tricks to achieve your goal with a minimum
of effort.
Other “regulars” included Smithy, Leo Wanker and
the talent-free Luigi The Unbelievable who tried all manner
of colourful sideshow acts from spoonbending and knife throwing
to becoming a strong man and occasional magician. Sketches
invariably poked fun at local TV. shows and commercials and
various aspects of the Australian way of life in general.
Supporting him in the programmes (in addition to Cornell)
were Andrew Harwood, Marguerite Frewin and Delevene Delaney
(who would eventually become Mrs. Cornell), and later John
Blackman and Sue McIntosh.
The mid-1970s also saw him involved in the all-star fundraising
concert for victims of the Darwin cyclone tragedy, and appearing
on an LP record with his antipodean version of Peter And The
Wolf.
Hogan stayed with Seven until the end of the 1976 season before
switching his team to Nine for more money and better production
expertise. He continued there with basically the same format
and his usual half-a-dozen shows a year.
By 1980 he was beginning to tire of the unrelated sketch format
and appeared on only three programmes all with a specific
theme. He lampooned a recent Nostradamus investigation, put
forward a mock political campaign, and finally set up his
own television network.
Impressed by the success Benny Hill was having with edited
versions of his shows in America, Hogan decided to go the
same route and packaged highlights from his specials into
twenty-six half-hour programmes aimed at the overseas market.
In the absence of new product, the Nine Network scheduled
them for Australian transmission throughout most of 1981.
As it happens, Hogan’s first appearance on British and
American T.V. screens came not from his sketch material, hut
in a series of advertisements to promote Foster’s Lager
on the international stage and as part of a hugely successful
government tourism campaign. For many in the northern hemisphere
he was best known as an unofficial ambassador beckoning them
to journey down under and take up his invitation to ‘throw
another shrimp on the barbie’.
Back home, he could be seen in the occasional special and
on several Royal Gala and charity concerts aired by Nine in
the early 1980s.
In November 1982, British television saw the launch of Channel
4 and their opening schedule included the Hogan highlights
shows. After thirteen weeks it had become one of their top
shows and a second batch was scheduled later in the year.
To capitalize on his success in England, Hogan scripted two
special programmes to be recorded in London and screened on
Channel 4 and by Nine in Australia.
Apart from a straight acting role in the 1985 telemovie The
ANZACS, the co-productions were to mark the end of the Hogan
television career as he and Cornell were anxious to move into
the film arena with an idea which had been on the drawing
hoard since the late seventies. Getting financial backing
for it was another thing however.
Eventually, Paramount Pictures decided to bankroll the project
and an outback character with a penchant for tall tales hit
movie screens around the world in late 1986. Crocodile Dundee
was an enormous moneymaker wherever it played, earning over
$300 million on the American market and becoming the greatest
success story in Australian cinema history. And, after a decade
at the forefront of Australian show business, Paul Hogan was
catapulted to international acclaim.
Two years later came the inevitable sequel Crocodile Dundee
2 and another box office success. Hogan’s private life
came in for media scrutiny soon after when he and wife Noelene
separated, caused in part by his ongoing relationship with
Dundee costar Linda Kozlowski (whom he subsequently married).
Refusing to do a third Dundee movie, Paul opted for a new
role and an injection of pathos into the storyline. Unfortunately,
with Almost An Angel it was a case of third time unlucky and
filmgoers didn’t support his change of direction.
After a couple of years regrouping, 1994 saw the launch of
his comedy western Lightning Jack and two years later he starred
in a big screen remake of the 1960s TV series Flipper. Neither
was able to recapture the success of his Dundee films and
Hogan eventually agreed to bring the character back for a
third adventure in 2003’s Crocodile Dundee in Los Angeles.
May 11 1973 (Nine Network)
Hogan Abroad
Hoges and Strop visit Singapore, and take in the sights of
Bugis Street and the Tiger Balm Gardens
Seven Network specials
August 22 1973
Hogan In London
with Warren Mitchell, Johnny Speight and Germaine Greer
Hoges and Strop visit London, where they encounter Alf Garnett
in a pub and visit Madame Tussaud’s Waxworks
March 4 1974
with Tony Barber, Candy Devine, Ross Ryan, Mary Jane Boyd,
Noel Brophy
picking up a sheila for Strop/the oil crisis/how to disguise
yourself as a pop hero/mafia-run quiz “Fair Go Show”
April 21 1974
with Judy Stone, Julie Anthony, Rebecca Gilling
Pierre Hogan on Aussie restaurants/”Choose Your Career”
covers burglary/Romeo and Juliet ballet/Luigi the Unbelievable
May 12 1974
with Belinda Green, Leonard Teale, Johnny O’Keefe, Stevie
Wright, Dig Richards, Marsha Hines, the Bankstown Police Choir
streaking/Genghis Hogan and his travelling sex and violence
show
June 23 1974
with Ron Frazer, Kerrie Biddell, Sherbet, Tony Pantano, the
Socceroos, Tommy Tycho
Hoges advice to Adolph Hitler/a computer date for Strop/Luigi
the Unbelievable takes up knife-throwing/how to get more people
to go to Church
July 28 1974
with Eddie Charlton, Max Rowley, Candy Raymond, Bev Harrell,
Jamie Redfern, Hush
teaching the Chinese to play Aussie Rules/recording a wedding
ceremony for posterity/snooker tips/Strop’s dream/Luigi
the Unbelievable becomes a strongman
September 1 1974
with Kate Fitzpatrick, Bert Newton, Johnny Farnham, William
Shakespeare, Heathermae Reading, Leea Vlahes
in trouble over a radio and TV licence/a look at the Post
Office/Australian sex habits on film
Seven also screened six highlights shows from September 27
to November 1 1974
March 16 1975
with John Newcombe, Bob Hawke, Chris Kirby, Patricia Stephenson,
Doug Parkinson, Kate Fitzpatrick
Hoges talks to Bob Hawke about taking “sickies”/This
Is Your Life John Newcombe/Smithy the war veteran
April 13 1975
with John Gorton, Kevin Johnson, Renee Geyer, Bob Hudson,
Sherbet, Noel Brophy, Barbara Rogers
parking officers/Sherlock Hogan/Luigi the Unbelievable attempts
spoonbending
May 25 1975
with Stuart Wagstaff, Al Grassby, Jon English, Ross Ryan,
Allison McCallum, Julie Raines
Sherlock Hogan and Dr. Stropson visit a stately home/Smithy
at a Chinese restaurant/Hoges versus the school inspector
June 22 1975
with Kerrie Biddell, God, David Gray, The New Seekers
A.S.I.O. reports on defence/Hurricane Hogan’s health
studio
July 13 1975
with Leonard Teale, Skyhooks, Lee Conway, Chelsea Brown, The
Kinsmen
police destroying marijuana/Luigi the Unbelievable conjures
up a lady for Strop/Tex Dubbo, country and western singer
and bird impersonator
August 10 1975 with Terry Donovan, Johnny Wakelin, Heathermae
Reading, Hush, Ronnie Arnold a Fairy Godfather helps Stropafella/Smithy
visits the police/a doctor has unorthodox methods
September 7 1975
with Michael Pate, Mary Jane Boyd, Darryl Braithwaite, The
Muchachos
Indians sketch
October 6 1975
with Norman Gunston, The Hues Corporation, Julie Anthony,
Normie Rowe, Marty Rhone
Norman and Hoges trade compering tips/Luigi the Unbelievable
and Guiseppi the Wonder Dog/Tarzan in the suburbs/Strop wants
brains as well as beauty
Seven also screened a highlights show on October 20 1975
March 3 1976
with Gus Mercurio, Bill and Boyd, The Ted Mulry Gang, Heathermae
Reading
March 24 1976
with Stuart Wagstaff, Sherbet, Jade Hurley, Brenda Kristen,
The Australian Ballet
A.B .C. staff cuts/customs officials/Hoges the dentist
April 28 1976
with Michael Willesee, John Paul Young, Mike McClellan, Marcia
Hines, Beryl Cheers, The Korean Children’s Choir
bikie on a skateboard/This Is Your Life
June 9 1976
with Andy Gibb, Frank Ifield, Beryl Cheers, Jon English, Caterina
Valente
July 7 1976
with Mark Holden, Max Merritt, Judy Stone, The Silver Studs
tips for the Olympics/how to get on in the Public Service/the
Headmaster
August 18 1976
Paul Hogan Pays Back Glen Campbell
with Rod Stewart, The Captain And Tennille, Hugh Hefner, Telly
Savalas, The Bellamy Brothers, Candi Staton, Richard Anderson,
Darren McGavin
“Mugger Of The Year”/Hoges gets a shoeshine in
New York
September 29 1976
with Sherbet, Trevor White, Brenda Kristen, Ronnie Arnold
“It’s Academic”/Cleopatra/world-record holders/classic
movies! Hoges on jury duty
October 13 1976
with Mark Holden, Digby Richards, 01’ 55, Ronne Arnold,
Kate Fitzpatrick
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs/a bank hold-up/animal hospital/long
lost loved ones quiz
Seven also screened highlights shows on November 24 and December
15 1976
Nine Network specials
March 30 1977
with The Ritchie Family, Doug Ashdown, John Paul Young
Billy Galoot—stockman/history of Hoges/Hoges and Strop
meet the Queen/Countdown presents Scungy Peterson and the
Gutter Scums
May 22 1977
with Lynda Stoner, Peter Aanensen, Daryl Braithwaite, Marcia
Hines, 01’ 55, John Braidwood
TV shows during the non-ratings period/Hoges and Strop at
a fancy dress ball/the Dregs at a pizza parlour/Rolf Harris/Detective
Donger/John Singleton commercial/Nigel at the library
June 19 1977
with Jon English, Renee Geyer, Dragon, Claire Binney, Bill
Bennett, Roger Stephen, Linda Stoner, Marion Edward
Seeds — son of Roots/supermarket in the year 2000/Hoges
is Strop’s valet/Starsky and Hutch/energy conservation
July 26 1977
with Ray Burgess, Billy T
Pot Of Brass talent show/Japanese tourists/Number 96/Hoges
and Strop try medical care/Billy Galoot
September 13 1977
with Don Lane, Bert Newton, Mark Holden, Dennis Lillie, Linda
George
Filth War — 2lst century soap opera/a football approach
to cricket/the apprentice burglar/do-it-yourself hypnotism
September 27 1977
with José Feliciano, Peter Allen
magic carpet economy air travel
Nine also screened highlights shows on October 13 and November
1 1977
April 5 1978
Guests unknown
killer mullet/return of the man from Stung/legs cause havoc
in park
May 4 1978
with George Benson, John Paul Young, Debbie Byrne
Pot Belly snooker championship/Commonwealth religious games/A
Casual Affair
May 30 1978
with Dr. Hook, Paul O’Gorman
Harry Butler/Nigel makes a hospital visit/Leo Wanker/theToongabbie
Triangle/a married Phantom/Saturday Night Fever
JulyS 1978
with Jon English, Ray Burgess
dogs are quite human/picnics/Donger searches for a new identity/The
Sullivans/fashion parades
August9 1978
with Johnny Farnham, Dragon, Delilah
Ask The Leyland Brothers/Star Trot/Leo Wanker/Hoges in the
army/appreciating art
September 11 1978
with Status Quo, Sherbet, Doug Parkinson, Don Lane
Stung - the old wino/This Is Your Strife
Nine also screened highlights shows on September 26, October
3, 10, 17, 24 and 31 and November 1 1978
March 29 1979
with Glen Shorrock, The Little River Band, Karen Pini, Sue
McIntosh
the barbecue/Hoges and Strop have a domestic row/joggers outlawed/World
Series Bowls
May3 1979
with Glen Shorrock, Kim Durant, Moscos and Stone
Australia is emptying because of cheap fares/Strop makes an
announcement/taxation/World Series Lawn Bowls
June 13 1979
with Tom Waits, Max Merritt, Sports
the Tax Man visits Hoges/dentists/receptionists
July 25 1979
with Jon English, Marcia Hines, Glen Shorrock, The Little
River Band
Trevor Dags - disco dancer/mongrel breeder Herb Guthrie promotes
pet food/Luigi has advice for Don’s wheel segment
August 21 1979
with Renee Geyer, Marc Hunter, Air Supply, Glenn Shorrock
Hoges and Strop as astronauts/Leo Wanker - granny catcher
September 26 1979
with Roger Voudouris, Mona Richardson, Jo Jo Zep and The Falcons
the Swatz family in 1942 Berlin/the Marrickville Horror/Flyways/
Leo Wanker escapes from a barrel/Countdown/Have A Go Aussie
Nine also screened highlights shows on October 3, 10, 17
and 24 and November 7and 14
April 28 1980
The Prophecies Of Hoges
with Split Enz, Claudja Barry
World Series War/Clunk Eastwood/The Sound Of Music
Paul Hogan appeared in the Royal Charity Concert on May 27
1980
August 13 1980
Hoges For Prime Minister
with Renee Geyer, 01’ 55
Hoges outlines how he’d run Australia if elected
October 22 1980
H.O.G. 1
with Christie Allen, Air Supply, Karen West, Phillip Brady
Hoges starts his own television network with shows like Sale
Of The Week, Benny Five 0 and In Search Of The Great Grey
Wino plus cookery and exercise programmes
# Nine also screened highlights shows on October 29 and November
5, l2 and 15 1980
September 22 1981
The Hoges Report
with Australian Crawl, Billy Field, Karen West Rudolpho
Majinski—ballet dancer/George Fungus exposes a menace
on Australian beaches/Leo Wanker/Superdag
June 8 1982
Hoges ‘82
with Split Enz, Moving Pictures
SWATT Squadron with Leo Wanker/Raiders Of The Lost Ark/bio-chemical
age/armchair sportsmen
September 21 1982
An Evening With Hoges
with The Little River Band, Vince Jones, Bobby Limb, Dawn
Lake
Werewolf/Superquiz/security systems
Paul Hogan appeared in the Royal Gala Concert on April 14
1983
Paul Hogan appeared in Australia‘s Entertainment Spectacular
on May 1 1983
October 10 1983 (CH4 November 4 1983)
Paul Hogan’s England
with Buck’s Fizz, Dexy’s Midnight Runners
Kung-fu restaurant/Perc the wino/World Series Executions/Norm’s
trip through Europe
November 1 1983 (CH4 December 30 1983)
Paul Hogan’s England #2
with Tim Brooke-Taylor, Peter Cleall, Dire Straits, Paul Young
Harry Butler/dangerous London bobby/Conan the Barbarian/Charles
Bronson
FILMS
ANZACs: The War Down Under (1985) (telemovie)
Crocodile Dundee (1986)
Crocodile Dundee 2 (1988)
Almost An Angel (1990)
Lightning Jack (1994)
Flipper (1996)
Crocodile Dundee In Los Angeles (2003)
Strange Bedfellows (2004)
RECORDINGS
A Concert For Darwin
2LP set produced as a joint fundraising venture by the major
Australian record companies (1975)
comprises the soundtrack of the all-star Seven Network TV
special of January 1975 which featured a five-minute Paul
Hogan monologue
Paul Hogan Narrates Peter And The Wolf
E.M.I. LP SCA 011 (1976)
Paul Hogan Narrates Peter And The Wolf
The Young Person’s Guide To The Orchestra
BOOKS
Hogan — The Story Of A Son Of Oz
by James Oram
(Columbus Books, London and Hutchinson, Australia. paperback
1987)
Paul Hogan — The Real Life Crocodile Dundee
by Sandra Jobson
(St. Martin’s Press, New York 1987 and W.H. Allen, London
1988)
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