In a rare interview on May 7, 2025, Paul Hogan, the iconic star of the beloved 1986 film Crocodile Dundee, reflected on the film's enduring legacy and his personal challenges, particularly regarding his troubled son, Chance. As the film marks its 40th anniversary, Hogan, now 85, discussed a newly remastered version of the classic movie during his appearance on the Today Show Australia.
Hogan, who has become a household name for his role as the rugged Mick Dundee, expressed his longing to return to Australia permanently. "I'd move back to Australia 'tomorrow,'" he stated, but cited business commitments and his son as reasons for staying in the United States. "It’s where I belong," he added, emphasizing his deep connection to his homeland.
Throughout the interview, Hogan opened up about Chance, 27, who has been in the spotlight for troubling reasons. The actor described his son as a "terrible person" due to his behavior, particularly in light of the negative attention Chance has received from tabloids. Hogan's candid remarks came after a series of public incidents involving Chance, including a troubling Instagram video shared in January 2025. In that video, Chance appeared to be slurring his words while drinking wine, stating, "This is my life. This is what it's been reduced to. Please kill me. I’m begging you." He later retracted his statement in a follow-up video, saying, "I take it all back. I am living the dream... I never want to leave this table."
Hogan's concern for his son is evident; he revealed that he remains in Los Angeles primarily because Chance is not ready for him to leave. "I’m only living in Los Angeles because he’s not ready for me to leave," Hogan told ABC Australia in 2019. He shared that the family resides in a $3.5 million house in Venice Beach, California, where Chance grew up. This close proximity allows Hogan to support his son as he navigates his struggles.
The actor's relationship with Chance has been complicated by the pressures of fame. "He gets a lot of tabloid stuff, but he's a terrible person because he knows they're watching him, and he puts something on for them," Hogan explained during his interview. This statement underscores the challenges of growing up in the public eye and the impact it has had on Chance’s behavior.
Reflecting on his own career, Hogan recalled the phenomenon that Crocodile Dundee became, noting how lines from the film, such as "That's not a knife... THAT's a knife," have become part of popular culture. He reminisced about a dinner with Hollywood legends Liz Taylor and Clint Eastwood, where Eastwood humorously referenced the iconic line by picking up Hogan's table knife and asking, "How many times have you heard it?"
Hogan's portrayal of Mick Dundee, a character who seamlessly blends the ruggedness of the Australian outback with the charm of the big city, resonated with audiences around the world. The film not only became a box office success but was also nominated for Best Original Screenplay at the 1986 Academy Awards. The trilogy, which included two sequels released between 1988 and 2001, solidified Hogan's status as a comedic icon.
Despite the film's success, Hogan has turned down numerous offers for further sequels, preferring to maintain the integrity of the original story. Instead, he has focused on other projects, including Australian comedies such as Charlie & Boots (2009) and Strange Bedfellows (2004), as well as a cameo as himself in the 2020 film The Very Excellent Mr Dundee.
As the 40th anniversary of Crocodile Dundee approaches, Hogan's reflections on the film and his life reveal a complex interplay between nostalgia and present-day challenges. While he cherishes the memories associated with the film, his primary concern remains his son, Chance, and the hope that he can navigate his difficulties.
In conclusion, Paul Hogan's journey from a beloved film star to a concerned father illustrates the multifaceted nature of life in the public eye. As he celebrates the legacy of Crocodile Dundee, he also grapples with the realities of family and the personal struggles that come with it.
