Up Close with Actor Paul Hogan

He broke through the Iron Curtain as “Mick Dundee” – but what if the Australian larrikin could have a one on one with the Russian president?

What is your greatest strength?

My ability to make people laugh. It’s a great gift for me to be able to make people forget their woes.

What is your greatest weakness?

I still think I’m 30 but my body doesn’t think so.

What scares you?

Nothing really. I take life as it comes. When performing live, if a joke dies, you act as if it wasn’t supposed to be funny. 

What virtue do you most admire in people?

Honesty and humility. I like people who are true-blue and tell it how it is.

What’s one thing about you that would surprise people? 

Sorry viewers, I’m not dating Kim Kardashian or any of the Kardashians or Terri Irwin. But I’m sure if I met them, I’d find them to be lovely people. 

What’s your most treasured possession?

My family and my dog, Henry, a golden retriever who’s eight years old.

What is your idea of absolute happiness?

Good health is absolute happiness. Nothing else is worth worrying about. 

If you could have dinner with a famous person, who would you choose?

I’ve never been overawed or impressed by people because they’re famous. If I had to choose someone, it would be Vladimir Putin. He’s in a position where he could change everything. I’d like to persuade him and make him see sense.

What travel experience is on your bucket list? 

Travelling the world first-class with Qantas and not paying for it. I’d also like lifetime membership to the Chairman’s Lounge.

What’s your guilty pleasure?

This is a family magazine so you’re unable to print it.

If you could turn back time, what would you change in your life?

Nothing. You can’t change the past. If anyone says I’ve had two failed marriages then I would say that Noelene [Hogan] and I share five children and 10 grandchildren and Linda [Kozlowski] and I have a son. That’s the greatest gift of all.

What’s your greatest achievement?

Crocodile Dundee was the No. 1 selling film on the black market in China and Russia so [it’s] knowing that people behind the Iron Curtain were laughing. 

Who is your personal hero?

Leonardo da Vinci – a genius. And to think he did art as a hobby. 

What’s the most Australian thing about you?

My attitude. Having a go at anything and taking what comes – that’s very Australian. If you don’t like it, you can lump it. Otherwise I would never have made it.

Where would we find you at a party?

Standing around the barbie, having a beer and grovelling to the cook because I won’t be cooking.

If you were an animal, what would you be?

Believe it or not, I’ve always been fascinated by crocodiles.

If you were down to your last $20, what would you spend it on?

I’d call my family and mates in Australia.

How would you like to be remembered?

For making people laugh and playing my small part in helping our brilliant young scientists find a cure for cancer. 

SEE ALSO: Up Close with Australian Author Tim Winton