The Tap-Dancing Knife Thrower: My Life

by Paul Hogan

The icon and legend at last tells his story his way - without the boring bitsPaul Hogan first appeared on Australia's screens in 1971 as a 'tap-dancing knife thrower' on TV talent show New Faces . The then father of four and Sydney Harbour Bridge rigger from Granville did it as a dare, but when the network's switchboard lit up, he was invited back. So popular was he with viewers, Hogan became a regular on Mike Willesee's A Current Affair .The rest, as they say, is history. In collaboration with his business partner and best friend, John Cornell (who played his sidekick, Strop), 'Hoges' went on to become Australia's favourite TV comedian. His hugely popular comedy shows and appearances in unforgettable and ground-breaking ads for cigarettes, beer and tourism, came to personify Australia and Australians here and overseas, helping to change the perception of who we are as people and as a nation.Then, in 1986, Crocodile Dundee , the movie he conceived, co-wrote and starred in, became an international smash hit and earned its star a Golden Globe Award, as well as Oscar and BAFTA nominations. Despite the fact that Hoges claimed to have retired, many more successful movies followed. Yet even as his star rose ever higher, he always expected someone to grab him by the arm and say, 'What are you doing here? You're just a bloody rigger!'The Tap-Dancing Knife Thrower is a funny and candid account of the astonishing life of this 'lucky bastard', as Hoges describes himself. Full of stories never previously shared, and recounted in the comedian's inimitable, funny and self-deprecating style, The Tap-Dancing Knife Thrower is Paul Hogan's story told his way - 'without the boring bits'.

Genres: Biography, Australia, Nonfiction

384 pages, Hardcover

Published January 1, 2020

Reviews

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

With quite an amazing and unexpected trajectory to fame, having left school aged 15, Paul Hogan had never set out to be an actor or a movie star. Most people know he was a rigger on the ‘coat hanger’, better known as the Sydney Harbour Bridge, he knew every inch of it, and spent ten years crawling all over it.

So, one day, back in 1971, Paul Hogan decides to appear on a TV talent show, ‘New Faces’ for a ‘bit of a lark’, as a ‘Tap-Dancing Knife Thrower’, and the switchboard lit up like a Christmas tree. His next act (a winner) was as a “shovelist” banging two shovels together on the final note of the ‘William Tell Overture”, played by the Geoff Harvey Orchestra. Hard to believe, but Paul made it into the finals in Melbourne, where his pièce de resistance was his ‘Thunder Box’ act, running across the stage as fast as he could and driving his head right into the thunder box. He then claimed the sound it made was in ‘A flat’. He didn’t win (not surprisingly) but claimed second place (surprisingly) to the cello player. The viewers absolutely loved Paul, he was so different to anything they had seen before, dare I say they were rofl (rolling on floor laughing).

Up to the 1970s there was almost no Australian comedy on television. We had British and American comedy but nothing much homegrown.

Paul was quickly approached by ‘A Current Affair’ then hosted by the late Mike Willesee, to appear on his new show in November 1971 to give his opinion, “words of wisdom” on current affairs. Paul’s comedy spots were known as ‘The Man on the Street’, and they worked extremely well for Paul and the show’s ratings.

A very talented man, and together with the management, confidence and foresight of the late John Cornell, better known as Strop on the Paul Hogan Show, Paul, “a proud westie”, went from being “this weird comedy guy” to becoming a household name, not only in Australia but around the world. He made his first movie ‘Crocodile Dundee’ at age 46.

‘The Paul Hogan Show’ went to air in November 1973, rating extremely well and drawing encouraging reviews. Paul wrote the majority of the scripts, and when the last show was aired in 1984, Paul had written four or five hundred sketches.

‘Crocodile Dundee’ became the most successful Australian movie ever (a position it still holds) and the most successful independent movie of all time. It finished up reaching number one in approximately twenty-seven countries. The original ‘Crocodile Dundee’ became the second most successful movie of all time in the UK, after ‘The Sound of Music’.

Paul Hogan did not grow up in Lightning Ridge as many people believe, Paul just thought it sounded more interesting than growing up in Granville, a suburb of Western Sydney.

Paul considered showbiz to be the “gift of his life”.

“That’s not a knife…That’s a knife” became one of the most quoted lines of all time.

From late 1981 Paul made about 24 hugely successful commercials in the UK, promoting the Australian beer Foster’s. Foster’s beer was described as ‘The Amber Nectar’, ‘The Golden Throat Charmer’, and ‘The Liquid Lifesaver’. You’ve got to love these terms, very Paul Hogan.

One of Paul’s proudest accomplishments is the part he played in getting ‘Variety Australia’ off the ground in Australia with the help of Lord Mountbatten at a charity dinner in 1975.

In 1985, Paul Hogan is named ‘Australian of the Year’.

In 1986, Paul Hogan is appointed a ‘Member of the Order of Australia’ (AM) ‘for service to tourism and entertainment’.

In 1987, Paul Hogan won a Golden Globe Award for ‘Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy’ for ‘Crocodile Dundee’.

Paul Hogan co-hosts the 59th Academy Awards with Goldie Hawn and Chevy Chase in Los Angeles, 30 March 1987.

Although Paul misses Australia, he now lives near the beach in Los Angeles, California. He likes it that way, enjoying anonymity, strolling along the boardwalk, and doing the New York Times crosswords.

Well worth reading, especially if you were a Paul Hogan fan. Sometimes it’s just something about a person that clicks with an audience, and that’s how it all began for the wonderful Paul Hogan.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Paul Hogan, AKA Mick "Crocodile" Dundee, sure knows how to spin a yarn. From cover to cover, the tap-dancing knife thrower details all that has happened in his life - and what a life! From working on the Sydney Harbour Bridge, to appearing on a talent show, then on into stand-up comedy, television and movies - Paul Hogan has lived life to the max. Hugely funny and very entertaining, this book is a must-read. Lots of laugh-out-loud moments. I loved him in the Crocodile Dundee movies - but you know what - he wasn't acting, he was just being himself - having fun and enjoying life. A great read.

[Tracy · Rating 4 out of 5]

What's not to like about this down to earth life story of Australian comedian Paul Hogan? Absolutely nothing. I enjoyed every minute of this book and particularly liked how it was written. No frills, exactly how Paul Hogan speaks. He's not lost his Australian accent and writes as he would have a verbal conversation.

I did watch a few interviews on YouTube whilst reading Paul's story and noticed some of the narrative was told verbatim from over the years. No harm in that, it's an accurate way to put spoken words onto paper.

Growing up watching the Paul Hogan show, this autobiography brought back memories of how simple life was in the 1970s. The story tells of how luck played a major part in this man's extraordinary fortunate life.

It's refreshing to think how unaffected Paul is by the fame and fortune and he's still a loyal Australian through and through. I had quite a few laugh out loud moments. Thank you Hoges.

[Jo Rushby · Rating 5 out of 5]

So many great memories of the 1960's and 1970's. Life seemed to be so much simpler then.
Australia 1970's television was really taking off and Paul Hogan's comedy always what we turned to watch. So much Political Correction that wouldn't be seen today.

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very entertaining story! I've always loved Hoges' brand of comedy and he really has done a lot to raise Australia's profile abroad. Well worth a read.

[Lorraine Lipman · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wouldn’t say this book is well written but it is very honest and entertaining. Full of anecdotes, many of which are very funny. It’s like sitting down and having a chat with Paul Hogan. Definitely worth a read.

[Tracy Mackay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very entertaining, very funny and very Australian.
This covers all aspects of Paul's life, from his childhood, family, career and how he stumbled into television.

[Carmel Audsley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Australian comedian, and international movie star, Paul Hogan kept me entertained over a couple of rainy days recently. While most people will know him as Crocodile Dundee, the man with ‘the knife’, he had a successful career in the 1970s as a tongue-in-cheek commentator, comedian, skit writer and actor. He was living a happy life in a rented house with ‘a tribe of kids’ and working as a rigger on the Sydney Harbour Bridge when he was goaded into appearing on a program called ‘New Faces’ (the forerunner to the ‘Got Talent’ shows). The judges on that program were particularly fierce and condescending to contestants, and ‘Hoges’ decided they needed some of their own medicine. He didn’t have an act, or a costume, but turned up to the television studio in his work clothes – hobnail boots, footy socks, short shorts and a shirt with the sleeves ripped out. He made up a story about being a tap-dancing knife thrower, but when it was his turn to appear in front of the judges he proceeded to rip into them. The studio switchboard lit up and soon he had TV producers wanting him to comment on local events in that laconic Aussie way of taking the mickey out of people. There were also a few complaints about letting someone with such an okker accent on TV, but the broader community couldn’t get enough of him. His comedy routine included pretending to be an axe thrower and quipping to his audience ‘I was doing a bit of practice back stage and unfortunately contestant number three won’t be appearing tonight’ – corny by today’s standards, but still funny. This is an easy-to-read romp through the life of an ordinary man who went on to be recognised around the world. It’s not a great literary work, but it raised a few chuckles and I found it entertaining, hence the five stars.

[Kerry Cashman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Think I'm a bit of a fan and have been for a while dating back to the early 70's and watching him on our screens. He was a real breakthrough for Australian comedy then, as we basically just had British humour only.

His story reads like fiction, how can one guy be so fortunate in everything he did, but it happened and he knows he's had luck and the right people around him to get him to those stages throughout his life.

He's a humble larrikin of a guy who found fame and his story is laid out bare, unapologetically, honest and sincere. If you're in the mood to be lifted up, his spirit will shine through the pages and have you giggling and a smile on your face until you turn the last page.

[Mediaman · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not bad when Hogan talks about things we're familiar with but the first half of the book is about his Australian years and how he stumbled into the TV business with no training or ambition. I didn't understand a lot of what he was talking about since I never lived there. There is too much inside Australia talk without defining or explaining, and there were portions that lacked credulity.

Once he got to the big movie things were more interesting, but there could have been more details. Too much of his life seems like it was just a lark and he did nothing more than go where the wind blew. My recommendation is to read the first few chapters about his bridge work, glance through the Australian TV stuff, then get to the good stories about movies you're familiar with.

[Michelle O'Meara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've always been fond of Hoges, and know that he's often been given a raw deal by what passes for the Press here in Australia. Lovely to finally hear his side of the story, and he tells it in such a dry, self-effacing way, it's like he's spinning yarns around the kitchen table just like my dad used to do. Laughed out loud SO many times, cheered him on other times, and it was a thoroughly enjoyable read. Explained a lot of things I didn't know about him career-wise but it only added to my respect of him, and it was absolutely heartwarming to read his descriptions of his loving friendships/business relationships with John and Delvene. Aussie legends all.

[Tony · Rating 2 out of 5]

Everyone in Australia knew Paul Hogan from the 1970's onwards. As a result, we have read about him, watched his movies, watched his life story mini-series and generally followed his life. As a result there isn't too much about him that we don't already know. Then when it came to reading his book, it felt like, yeah I have already read or seen that before. I had even heard some of the jokes before! This impacted on my enjoyment of the book and I still don't feel like that the 'real' Paul Hogan was revealed to us. He seemed to want to maintain his image and there were no real controversial or revealing stories recounted. The book is OK but I was a little disappointed.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you’ve an interest in reading a favourable account of an Aussie legend, this is a book for you. There are a few laughs and some interesting anecdotes. Very Easy to read and some great photos.

I’ve introduced my sons to Crocodile Dundee and they absolutely love it even though its over 30 years old. They then watched The Very Excellent Mr Dundee and thought it was a hoot.

In my opinion, the funniest part was the dedication.

[Aileen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This would have to be one of the best biographys I have read, I had plenty of giggles and a few wow moments too. Growing up in the 70s and 80s I remember sitting in front of the TV watching the Paul Hogan Show with my parents and laughing at the skits. I remember going to the movies to see Crocodile Dundee when it was first released. Thanks for the laughs over the years Paul Hogan and for this book to let us all know how you became who you are today, by being a Tap Dancing Knife Thrower!

[Avalon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely brilliant. You will cry tears of laughter through this book. Paul Hogan talks about his life - his movies, his wife's and everything in between. It's no holds barred and he got many accolades for that famous line he penned You call that a knife? This is a knife! that still has people repeating it. Not bad for a fair dinkum good looking Aussie bloke. He's crammed a lot of living and humour into his life and his greatest assets are his kids. Good on ya mate!

[Stephen Ormsby · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is like having a chat with Paul Hogan. Light and fluffy, there’s little substance to the book in reality. Hogan apologizes a couple of times for being Hogan, which I found annoying.

It’s not going to tell you much about the man behind Crocodile Dundee and it’s not lifting the lid on any secrets. It’s just another yarn by a man who has told yarns all his life.

Happy to have my copy signed, though.

[Brad · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am old enough to remember “The Paul Hogan Show” on tv so a lot of what I read was a trip down memory lane rather than new information. But it was refreshing to read that he doesn’t take himself seriously and realises that a lot of that material has dated and he wouldn’t be able to do that now as society takes offence to so many things. But as he said, he always made himself the butt of the joke as he is not in the business of upsetting someone just to make someone else laugh.

[Dennis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although I knew the Paul Hogan story pretty well, there are some things in this book that were new to me. Like the man himself the book is highly entertaining and the background to making Crocodile Dundee and the subsequent stunning worldwide success is worth reading. This is a very entertaining read.

[Yvonne Larkin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Telling it like it is

Easy enjoyable read for a hot summer in Cairns. As a 75 year old, I have enjoyed Hoges from the beginning, always entertaining many laugh out loud moments and just a decent bloke with no spite in sight. As a woman I enjoyed the company of such blokes in my day, hopefully there are some young ones of his ilk around today.

[Peter Langston · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s a light read. Nothing startling or great reveals, just the story of a rigger who made Australia’s most successful movie. His take on fame is interesting and if you were expecting some deep and meaningful commentary on his marriages you are judging the man wrongly. He’s a simple bloke with a simple outlook so it’s a simple book ... but immensely readable.

[Jay Dwight · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great fun. A light and entertaining read, lots of laughs. Hoges' voice shines through in the writing. In my head, it was all his voice telling the story of his life. A knockabout bloke done good that we all can relate to.

[Kay Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this book felt just like I image it would be like if I was just sitting talking to Hoges. There are laughs on every page, lots of incredible stories and I could hear his voice in my head reading every word. Loved it ❤️

[Aussie54 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an easy to read, humorous and interesting account of Paul Hogan’s life. I remember the Winfield ads, and the “shrimp on the barbie” campaign, but don’t think I watched many of his TV specials, as I’m not a fan of stand up comedy. But of course, I saw both movies, and liked them.

[BirnitaB · Rating 4 out of 5]

An entertaining read, written the way Hoges talks. Tongue in cheek, doesn’t take himself too seriously and calls out the bullish!t. Setting his own story straight after all the rubbish in the trash mags. 3.75 stars

[Peter Griffin · Rating 4 out of 5]

More like a conversation with Mr Hogan rather than a deep biography. Very enjoyable. Probably appeal to readers who are familiar with the man and his work. I have always liked Paul Hogan and his - dare I say it - larrikin humour. Too little of it these days I reckon. Great fun!

[Paul Dow · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this story. Hoges is a true one of a kind Aussie larrikin. He has brought so much joy to generations and his book reads like he talks. He’s a straight shooter and very funny.

Well worth the read if you are a fan.

[Lee Belbin · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a good read. I enjoyed it. I leant quite a bit about Paul. I have a lot of respect for his hard work and positive attitude to a range of issues (e.g., tax). He has done well and deserves it. I guess the ‘name droping’ is an inevitable part of stardom, and I can live with that.

[Alana Clough · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is a laugh on every page! Absolutely loved it. On ya, Hoges.

[Kim Clayton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although it was just like watching Paul Hogan on stage live, this was a fascinating book. A must read for all his fans, and it makes me want to go back and watch the old Paul Hogan show!

[Sally Antcliff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hilarious in parts , especially his early life. Easy to read. Really enjoyable. The only other book I’ve laughed this hard with was Ahn Do The Happiest Refugee.