The 1986 film Crocodile Dundee catapulted its cast to international fame. Actors such as Paul Hogan, Linda Kozlowski, David Gulpilil, and Mark Blum embarked on diverse paths after the movie. While some continued acting for decades, others left Hollywood, faced personal struggles, or reinvented themselves in new careers.
Key Takeaways
- Crocodile Dundee launched the global careers of Paul Hogan and Linda Kozlowski.
- Linda Kozlowski transitioned from acting to becoming a successful entrepreneur.
- David Gulpilil and Mark Blum are among the notable cast members who have died.
Paul Hogan (Mick 'Crocodile' Dundee)
Paul Nolan Hogan, born 8 October 1939, is an Australian actor and comedian. He became a household name for his portrayal of Mick Dundee. Before the film, Hogan was known in Australia for television comedy. The success of Crocodile Dundee made him an international star and earned him a Golden Globe Award.
One notable moment in his career was turning down the lead role in the 1990 film Ghost. The role went to Patrick Swayze, who became a global star. Hogan has approximately 14 acting credits, including Almost an Angel, Lightning Jack, and Charlie & Boots.
In recent years, he has lived primarily in the United States and occasionally returned to Australia. He reportedly experiences health issues, including arthritis and a broken knee. In a July 2025 interview with Channel Seven's Sally Bowrey, Hogan said, 'Well, I have arthritis, and I have a knee, which, much to my embarrassment, I injured skateboarding. I'm an 80-plus skateboarder.'
Linda Kozlowski (Sue Charlton)
Linda Kozlowski, born 7 January 1958, played journalist Sue Charlton. Her on-screen chemistry with Hogan extended off-screen, and they married after working on the franchise. She received a Golden Globe nomination for her performance in the original film.
After Crocodile Dundee, she appeared in Pass the Ammo, Backstreet Justice, Village of the Damned, and The Neighbor. However, she grew frustrated with limited roles and gradually left acting, with her last role in 2001.
Following her divorce from Hogan in 2013, Kozlowski moved to Marrakesh, Morocco. There, she met tour guide Moulay Hafid Baba and married him in 2017. The couple co-founded a luxury travel company, Dream My Destiny, shifting her focus from acting to the travel business.
Mark Blum (Richard Mason)
Mark Jeffrey Blum, born 14 May 1950, portrayed Richard Mason, Sue Charlton's ambitious boyfriend. Although overshadowed by the film's romance, Blum built an impressive career. He appeared in numerous television series, films, and stage productions, with approximately 88 acting credits. Notable works include Desperately Seeking Susan, Blind Date, The Sopranos, Human Capital, and Love Is Blind. He won the Best Actor Award for Audition in Hell.
Blum married American actress Janet Zarish in 2005. He died on 25 March 2020 at New York–Presbyterian Hospital due to complications from COVID-19.
David Gulpilil (Neville Bell)
David Dhalatnghu Gulpilil, born 1 July 1953, was an acclaimed Indigenous Australian actor and dancer. He played Neville Bell, one of Dundee's trusted friends. Before Crocodile Dundee, he gained recognition for performances in Walkabout and Storm Boy. His career spanned over five decades, bringing Indigenous Australian stories to international audiences. After Crocodile Dundee, he appeared in Australia, Rabbit-Proof Fence, Dead Heart, The Proposition, Goldstone, and Faraway Downs.
Gulpilil died on 29 November 2021 after battling lung cancer. Despite personal struggles, he remained one of Australia's most respected actors.
John Meillon (Walter Reilly)
John Meillon, born 1 May 1934, played Walter Reilly, Dundee's mentor and friend. By 1986, Meillon was already a respected figure in Australian cinema and theatre. He also appeared in Bullseye, Frenchman's Farm, Outback Bound, and Tripe. He died on 11 August 1989 in Neutral Bay, Sydney, due to complications from cirrhosis of the liver. He was posthumously awarded the Raymond Longford Lifetime Achievement Award.
Michael Lombard (Sam Charlton)
Michael LaBombarda, born 8 August 1934, played Sam Charlton, Sue's wealthy father. He continued acting after Crocodile Dundee, appearing in Once Again, Blood Money, Miami Vice, Second Sight, and The Devil's Advocate. After a career spanning nearly seven decades, he quit acting in 2013. He died on 13 August 2020 at age 86.
Steve Rackman (Donk)
Donald Kerr, known professionally as Steve Rackman, was born in 1942. He was a doorman before becoming a professional wrestler from 1973 to 1978. He transitioned to acting, appearing in Turkey Shoot, The Gift, The Fighter, and Outback Bound. After his acting career slowed, he focused on the fitness industry, operating gyms before retiring.
Gerry Skilton (Nugget)
Gerry Skilton, born 12 March 1945, played Nugget, a member of Dundee's Outback circle. He had a long association with Paul Hogan and appeared in A Country Practice, Grievous Bodily Harm, Rough Diamonds, and The Entire Life. Beyond acting, he worked extensively as a stunt performer.
Reginald VelJohnson (Gus)
Reginald VelJohnson, born 16 August 1952, appeared as Gus. His role was small, but his career exploded afterward. He became famous for Die Hard and the sitcom Family Matters. He remains active in entertainment and has appeared in over 100 films and television series since 1979.
Caitlin Clarke (Simone)
Katherine Anne Clarke, born 3 May 1952, played Simone, one of Sue Charlton's New York friends. After Crocodile Dundee, she continued acting on stage and screen, with roles in Once a Hero, Blown Away, Kiss and Tell, and Never Again. Later, she taught theatre at the University of Pittsburgh and the Pittsburgh Musical Theatre's Rauh Conservatory. She died on 9 September 2004 after battling ovarian cancer.
Is Paul Hogan still married to Linda Kozlowski?
No, Paul Hogan and Linda Kozlowski are no longer married. They married in 1990 after falling in love on the film franchise. Kozlowski filed for divorce in 2013, citing irreconcilable differences, and the marriage ended that year.
Where is Linda Kozlowski now?
Linda Kozlowski lives in Marrakesh, Morocco. After leaving acting, she co-founded a luxury travel company specializing in personalized tours across Morocco.
Who from Crocodile Dundee has passed away?
Several cast members have died, including David Gulpilil (2021), Mark Blum (2020), John Meillon (1989), and Caitlin Clarke (2004).
How much was Paul Hogan paid for Crocodile Dundee?
Paul Hogan earned far more than a traditional salary because he co-wrote and produced the film. He reportedly made hundreds of millions of dollars from his ownership stake. Hogan independently raised $8.8 million for the budget, resulting in a 60% ownership stake.
Did Paul Hogan really turn down the film Ghost?
Yes, Paul Hogan has said he turned down the lead role in Ghost. The role went to Patrick Swayze, whose performance became iconic. Hogan later acknowledged that passing on the project was one of several major opportunities he chose not to pursue.
Why did Linda Kozlowski quit acting?
Linda Kozlowski quit acting because she became dissatisfied with the limited roles offered after Crocodile Dundee. She explained that many available parts were not creatively fulfilling, so she left the industry rather than accept roles she did not enjoy.
The cast of Crocodile Dundee followed remarkably different paths after the film's success. Some thrived in entertainment, while others found success in entirely different careers and lifestyles. Decades later, their stories remain as fascinating as the movie that first brought them together.
