From Sydney Bridge Painter to Global Star: the Full Timeline of Mick Dundee's Paul Hogan
By James H. Sterling
Q1: Who was the original actor who played Mick Dundee?
A1: Michael J. "Mick" Dundee was portrayed by Australian comic actor and writer Paul Hogan, who originated, co-wrote, and starred in the original 1986 film and its two sequels.
Q2: Is the story of Crocodile Dundee based on a real person?
A2: The character was inspired by Australian bushman Rod Ansell, who survived 56 days stranded in remote Northern Territory wetlands in 1977. However, the film's plot, comedic tone, and Manhattan settings were invented by Hogan and his writing team.
Q3: Why doesn't Paul Hogan return to live in Australia permanently?
A3: While Hogan has expressed a strong desire to return to his home country, his chronic health condition (retroperitoneal fibrosis) and his commitment to living near his son Chance in California have prevented him from making the long transpacific move.
James Sterling reports on renewable energy developments, climate policy, ecological conservation, and green tech innovations around the globe.
