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The Eccentric Life of Billionaire Howard Hughes

Ever wondered what it’s like to be a billionaire with a wild imagination and zero inhibitions? Meet Howard Hughes, the man who lived that dream to the extreme. From Hollywood mogul to aviation pioneer, Hughes left an indelible mark on American culture. You’ve probably heard of his epic war film “Hell’s Angels,” but that’s just the tip of the iceberg. This larger-than-life figure’s journey from Texas oil heir to reclusive germaphobe is a rollercoaster ride you won’t want to miss. As Andrew Schneider puts it, “Hughes was a visionary who pushed boundaries in every field he touched.” So buckle up, because we’re about to dive into the eccentric world of Howard Hughes.

Early Life of Howard Hughes: The Formative Years of the Eccentric Billionaire

You might think you know Howard Hughes, the eccentric aviation pioneer and film maker, but his early years shaped the man he’d become. Born on Christmas Eve, 1905, in Houston, Texas, Hughes was the only child of a wealthy family. His father’s success in the oil industry set the stage for young Howard’s future endeavors.

A Budding Inventor

Even as a kid, Hughes showed an uncanny knack for engineering. When his mom said no to a motorcycle, he didn’t pout – he motorized his bicycle using a car starter and batteries. Talk about determination! At just 11 years old, he built Houston’s first “wireless” radio transmitter, becoming one of the city’s first licensed ham-radio operators.

Tragedy and Inheritance

Tragedy struck when Hughes lost both parents during his college years. At 19, he inherited 75% of the family fortune and took control of the Hughes Tool Company. With newfound freedom and wealth, he moved to Los Angeles in 1925, diving headfirst into the glitz and glamour of Hollywood. Little did anyone know, this was just the beginning of Hughes’ larger-than-life story.

Hollywood: Hughes’ Filmmaking Career and Hell’s Angels Movie

Howard Hughes made a splash in Hollywood, producing classics like “Scarface” and “The Front Page”. But it was “Hell’s Angels” that truly showcased his eccentric genius and obsessive nature.

 

The Making of a Masterpiece

You wouldn’t believe the lengths Hughes went to for this film. It took three years and a whopping $4 million to complete, making it the most expensive Hollywood production at the time. Hughes’ perfectionism led to constant rewrites, fired directors, and multiple reshoots.

Pushing Boundaries

“Hell’s Angels” wasn’t just a movie – it was a spectacle. Hughes assembled the largest private air force in the world for those jaw-dropping aerial sequences. Sadly, the pursuit of realism cost lives, with two pilots and a mechanic losing their lives during filming.

Despite the hefty price tag, “Hell’s Angels” was a hit. It launched Jean Harlow to stardom and influenced war films for generations. Talk about leaving your mark on Tinseltown!

Aviation: Hughes the Pioneer and His Innovations in Flight

You might know Howard Hughes as a film mogul, but his true passion lay in the skies. As an aviation pioneer, Hughes made groundbreaking contributions that shaped the industry we know today.

Record-Breaking Achievements

Hughes set multiple world air speed records in the 1930s, including a transcontinental dash from Los Angeles to Newark in 1937. But he didn’t stop there – in 1938, he circled the globe in just 3 days, 19 hours, and 14 minutes, shattering the previous record.

Revolutionary Aircraft Designs

Your commercial flight experience today owes a lot to Hughes. He designed the H-1 Racer, which hit a blistering 352 mph in 1935. Hughes also pioneered innovations like retractable landing gear and streamlined fuselages, features that became standard in modern aircraft. His most ambitious project? The massive H-4 Hercules, nicknamed the “Spruce Goose” – the largest flying boat ever built.

Business Ventures: Hughes’ Diverse Investments Over the Years

From Oil to Hollywood

You might think Howard Hughes was just an aviator, but his business acumen stretched far beyond the skies. Hughes inherited his father’s tool company at 18 and quickly diversified into oil drilling, making millions. But he didn’t stop there. Hughes dove headfirst into Hollywood, producing hit films like “Hell’s Angels” and even buying a major movie studio.

Aviation and Beyond

Hughes’ passion for flying led him to invest heavily in aviation. He founded Hughes Aircraft Company, which became a major defense contractor. But his interests weren’t limited to the air. Hughes also dabbled in real estate, buying up large swaths of Las Vegas and investing in hotels and casinos.

Legacy of Innovation

Despite his later reclusive years, Hughes’ business legacy lives on. The Howard Hughes Medical Institute, founded with his wealth, continues to make significant contributions to biomedical research. His diverse portfolio of investments shaped industries and left an indelible mark on American business history.

 

The Recluse: Hughes’ Eccentric Lifestyle in His Later Years

 

As Howard Hughes aged, his behavior became increasingly eccentric and reclusive. You might be surprised to learn that this once-charismatic film producer and aviator transformed into a virtual shut-in, isolating himself from the world he once conquered.

The Desert Inn Fortress

In 1966, Hughes took over an entire floor of the Desert Inn in Las Vegas. Instead of checking out after a few weeks, he bought the entire hotel for $13.2 million. You can imagine the shock of the hotel management! Hughes turned his suite into a secluded fortress, taping windows and doors shut for complete privacy.

Obsessive Behaviors

Hughes developed an intense fear of germs, leading to elaborate cleaning rituals. He’d require staff to follow complex procedures when handling everyday objects. Imagine wrapping a simple spoon in multiple layers of tissue paper! Despite his wealth, Hughes neglected his personal hygiene, often going days without bathing or sleeping.

This reclusive lifestyle continued until his death in 1976, leaving behind a legacy as complex as the man himself.

Death and Legacy: The Impact of the Billionaire Howard Hughes

Howard Hughes’ final years were marked by extreme reclusion and declining health. When he died in 1976 at age 70, the eccentric billionaire was barely recognizable, weighing just 90 pounds. But his impact lived on long after his passing.

A Fortune That Fueled Progress

Hughes’ $2.5 billion estate sparked a complex legal battle, eventually benefiting 22 cousins and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. Today, that institute is a powerhouse in biomedical research, with an endowment topping $20 billion. Talk about a lasting legacy!

Shaping Multiple Industries

You can’t deny Hughes’ influence across aviation, film, and business. His record-breaking flights and innovative aircraft designs pushed the boundaries of what was possible in the skies. In Hollywood, he produced hits like “Hell’s Angels,” though often butting heads with censors. And let’s not forget how he transformed Las Vegas by snatching up casinos left and right.

Despite his eccentricities, Howard Hughes left an indelible mark on American industry and philanthropy. His larger-than-life persona continues to captivate our imagination decades later.

FAQ on Howard Hughes: Answering Common Questions About the Eccentric Billionaire

Was Howard Hughes really as eccentric as people say?

Yes, Hughes was known for some truly outlandish behaviors. His extreme germaphobia led him to take measures like walking around with Kleenex boxes on his feet. He also became increasingly reclusive, rarely leaving his hotel suites in Las Vegas.

What were some of Howard Hughes’ major achievements?

Despite his eccentricities, Hughes was a talented aviator and filmmaker. He directed the hit film “Hell’s Angels” and set numerous aviation records, including a world landplane speed record. His company, Hughes Aircraft, also had major government contracts during World War II.

How did Howard Hughes die?

Hughes died at age 70, with his 6’4″ frame weighing only about 90 pounds. Long-term drug abuse and poor nutrition led to kidney failure. His death sparked a massive legal battle over his $1.5 billion estate, with hundreds of people coming forward with claims and fake wills.

Conclusion

So there you have it, folks – the wild ride that was Howard Hughes’ life. From Hollywood hotshot to aviation pioneer to paranoid recluse, this guy packed more living into his 70 years than most of us could in ten lifetimes. As Andrew Schneider put it, “Hughes was a man of extremes in everything he did.” And boy, did our FON+ members have opinions! Whether you admire his ambition or shake your head at his eccentricities, there’s no denying Hughes left an indelible mark on American culture. His larger-than-life persona and “Hell’s Angels” continue to fascinate us decades later. Love him or hate him, Howard Hughes was truly one of a kind.