Considered the richest man in the world during the mid 20th century, he was a man of many talents (and eccentricities!). Starting out with his father's company, Hughes Tool Company (which he inherited when he was orphaned at age 18), he moved on to making movies in the late 1920's and then founded Hughes Aircraft Company in 1932. He became a pilot (and set many world speed records) and built the "Spruce Goose" - a plane made of wood because of WW2 metal restrictions and only flown once (by him). He died in 1976 at age 70, alone, with only employees around him. (The song on the video "Howard Hughes" is written and performed by Leadbelly.)
Interesting facts:
- At a time when airplanes were uncommon, he took his first flying lesson at age 14.
- He designed a special bra for Jane Russell to wear in his film, The Outlaw.
- He dated numerous Hollywood actresses, including sisters Olivia de Havilland and Joan Fontaine.
- When the term "millionaire" meant something, he was worth an estimated $546 million (about $3.8 billion today), thought by some to have been about 1/3 of his net worth.
- He left no will and had no family - much of his estate went to Howard Hughes Medical Institute and distant relatives.
- He suffered from OCD and persistent pain due to an airplane accident, probably leading to his eccentric behavior later in life.
Click "next page" to see more magnificent men and their flying machines.
Interesting facts:
- At a time when airplanes were uncommon, he took his first flying lesson at age 14.
- He designed a special bra for Jane Russell to wear in his film, The Outlaw.
- He dated numerous Hollywood actresses, including sisters Olivia de Havilland and Joan Fontaine.
- When the term "millionaire" meant something, he was worth an estimated $546 million (about $3.8 billion today), thought by some to have been about 1/3 of his net worth.
- He left no will and had no family - much of his estate went to Howard Hughes Medical Institute and distant relatives.
- He suffered from OCD and persistent pain due to an airplane accident, probably leading to his eccentric behavior later in life.
Click "next page" to see more magnificent men and their flying machines.
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