‘It wasn’t by choice’: ‘Crocodile Dundee’ star opens up about health struggles on return to Australia
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Paul Hogan, the beloved Aussie icon best known for his role as Mick ‘Crocodile’ Dundee, has always been full of surprises—and his latest health update is no exception!
The 85-year-old actor recently set the record straight about why he was spotted using a wheelchair during his much-anticipated return to Australia in May, and the real story is as cheeky as the man himself.
Forget what you’ve heard about slowing down in your golden years.
Hogan revealed to 7NEWS that his wheelchair stint wasn’t due to any dramatic decline in health, but rather a rather unexpected (and, dare we say, youthful) accident: skateboarding! ‘They got me in a wheelchair,’ he laughed, while assuring that he’s in good health.
Yes, you read that right. The Crocodile Dundee star admitted, with his trademark grin, ‘I have arthritis. And I have a knee, which, much to my embarrassment, I injured skateboarding.’
He went on to joke, ‘I was an 80-plus skateboarder. I’m not proud, I’ll get in the wheelchair every time.’
When he was asked why he decided to take up skateboarding at his age, he jokingly said, ‘Well, I’ve always been a late starter.’
When Hogan first touched down in Sydney from the US in May, fans were understandably concerned. He looked frail and tired, needing the help of airport staff and a wheelchair to get through the terminal.
But fast forward to July, and the transformation was remarkable. Hogan was seen leaving Sydney Airport looking much healthier, walking unaided and with a spring in his step.
It seems a bit of time back on home soil—and perhaps a break from skateboarding—did wonders for his recovery.
Hogan’s trip Down Under wasn’t just about catching up with mates and enjoying the Aussie sunshine.
Rumours have been swirling that the star is considering a permanent move back to Australia after decades in Los Angeles. He stayed there to take care of his troubled son, Chance, 27.
According to sources close to the family, his son Chance—who has lived with Hogan in LA since his parents’ divorce—was struck by how much better his dad felt in Australia.
‘Paul felt healthier than he had in months, and even Chance agreed that Australia had been good for them both,’ a family friend reportedly told New Idea. ‘Chance has long known he’s the reason why Paul remains in the States. But this recent trip was a wake-up call. He can see how important it is for his dad to spend his twilight years on home turf. He now believes it will extend his life.’
Paul Hogan’s journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. From humble beginnings to international stardom, he’s entertained millions and put Australia on the map with his iconic Crocodile Dundee films.
He’s also a proud father, with several children from his marriages to Noelene Edwards (sons Brett, Clay, Scott, and daughter Lauren) and Linda Kozlowski. He shares Chance with Linda, his Crocodile Dundee co-star.
Despite the challenges of arthritis and the odd skateboarding mishap, Hogan’s sense of humour and zest for life remain undimmed. His willingness to poke fun at himself—‘I’m not proud, I’ll get in the wheelchair every time’—is a lesson in resilience and positivity for us all.
Paul’s claim to fame started in the ‘80s when he portrayed Mick ‘Crocodile’ Dundee in the classic adventure franchise which lasted three films. He was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay and won the Golden Globe Award for Best Actor.
Read more: Actor leaves his groundbreaking legacy in the Australian television industry
Have you ever surprised yourself (or your family) by taking up a new activity or hobby later in life? Maybe you’ve had a funny mishap or a heartwarming experience to share. Or perhaps you have thoughts on the importance of coming home and reconnecting with your roots as you get older. Share your stories and comments below!
The 85-year-old actor recently set the record straight about why he was spotted using a wheelchair during his much-anticipated return to Australia in May, and the real story is as cheeky as the man himself.
Forget what you’ve heard about slowing down in your golden years.
Hogan revealed to 7NEWS that his wheelchair stint wasn’t due to any dramatic decline in health, but rather a rather unexpected (and, dare we say, youthful) accident: skateboarding! ‘They got me in a wheelchair,’ he laughed, while assuring that he’s in good health.
Paul Hogan revealed he used a wheelchair during his recent trip to Australia due to a skateboarding accident that aggravated his arthritis. Image source: 7NEWS Australia / Youtube.
Yes, you read that right. The Crocodile Dundee star admitted, with his trademark grin, ‘I have arthritis. And I have a knee, which, much to my embarrassment, I injured skateboarding.’
He went on to joke, ‘I was an 80-plus skateboarder. I’m not proud, I’ll get in the wheelchair every time.’
When he was asked why he decided to take up skateboarding at his age, he jokingly said, ‘Well, I’ve always been a late starter.’
When Hogan first touched down in Sydney from the US in May, fans were understandably concerned. He looked frail and tired, needing the help of airport staff and a wheelchair to get through the terminal.
Hogan maintains a positive outlook about his health and ageing, openly joking about taking up skateboarding in his eighties and his willingness to use a wheelchair when needed. Image source: 7NEWS Australia / Youtube.
But fast forward to July, and the transformation was remarkable. Hogan was seen leaving Sydney Airport looking much healthier, walking unaided and with a spring in his step.
It seems a bit of time back on home soil—and perhaps a break from skateboarding—did wonders for his recovery.
Hogan’s trip Down Under wasn’t just about catching up with mates and enjoying the Aussie sunshine.
Rumours have been swirling that the star is considering a permanent move back to Australia after decades in Los Angeles. He stayed there to take care of his troubled son, Chance, 27.
According to sources close to the family, his son Chance—who has lived with Hogan in LA since his parents’ divorce—was struck by how much better his dad felt in Australia.
‘Paul felt healthier than he had in months, and even Chance agreed that Australia had been good for them both,’ a family friend reportedly told New Idea. ‘Chance has long known he’s the reason why Paul remains in the States. But this recent trip was a wake-up call. He can see how important it is for his dad to spend his twilight years on home turf. He now believes it will extend his life.’
Paul Hogan’s journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. From humble beginnings to international stardom, he’s entertained millions and put Australia on the map with his iconic Crocodile Dundee films.
He’s also a proud father, with several children from his marriages to Noelene Edwards (sons Brett, Clay, Scott, and daughter Lauren) and Linda Kozlowski. He shares Chance with Linda, his Crocodile Dundee co-star.
Despite the challenges of arthritis and the odd skateboarding mishap, Hogan’s sense of humour and zest for life remain undimmed. His willingness to poke fun at himself—‘I’m not proud, I’ll get in the wheelchair every time’—is a lesson in resilience and positivity for us all.
Paul’s claim to fame started in the ‘80s when he portrayed Mick ‘Crocodile’ Dundee in the classic adventure franchise which lasted three films. He was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay and won the Golden Globe Award for Best Actor.
Read more: Actor leaves his groundbreaking legacy in the Australian television industry
Have you ever surprised yourself (or your family) by taking up a new activity or hobby later in life? Maybe you’ve had a funny mishap or a heartwarming experience to share. Or perhaps you have thoughts on the importance of coming home and reconnecting with your roots as you get older. Share your stories and comments below!
