John Hughes was an American filmmaker who created some of the most iconic and influential comedy films of the 1980s and 1990s.
His realistic and humorous portrayal of teenage life, culture, and issues made him famous.
He wrote, produced, and directed classics such as Sixteen Candles, The Breakfast Club, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, Home Alone, and many more.
In this article, we will explore the life and career of John Hughes, from his early beginnings to his untimely death, and reveal some interesting facts about him that you might not know.
John Hughes Young
John Hughes was born on February 18, 1950, in Lansing, Michigan.
His father was a salesman and his mother was a charity volunteer.
He had three sisters and no brothers.
John Hughes moved frequently as a child, living in Grosse Pointe, Michigan, and Northbrook, Illinois.
He attended Glenbrook North High School, where he was a loner and an avid film fan.
John Hughes was inspired by the Rat Pack and the Beatles.
He dropped out of the University of Arizona and started his career as a comedy writer for National Lampoon magazine.
How Tall is John Hughes
John Hughes was 6 feet 1 inch (1.85 meters) tall.
He had a distinctive style of dressing, often wearing jeans, sneakers, plaid shirts, and baseball caps.
His friends and colleagues described him as a shy, gentle, and kind person who had a great sense of humor.
John Hughes Net Worth
John Hughes had an estimated net worth of $150 million at the time of his death.
He earned his fortune from his successful career as a filmmaker.
He wrote, produced, and directed over 30 films that grossed over $1 billion at the box office worldwide.
Some of his most popular films include Sixteen Candles (1984), The Breakfast Club (1985), Weird Science (1985), Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986), Planes, Trains & Automobiles (1987), Uncle Buck (1989), Home Alone (1990), Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992), Beethoven (1992), 101 Dalmatians (1996), Flubber (1997), and many more.
John Hughes Wife
Hughes married Nancy Ludwig in 1970.
She was his high school sweetheart and the only woman he ever dated.
They had a happy and stable marriage that lasted until his death.
They lived in Lake Forest, Illinois, where they raised their two sons.
Nancy was a supportive and loving wife who encouraged John to pursue his passion for filmmaking.
John Hughes Children
John Hughes had two sons: John Hughes III and James Hughes.
They were born in 1976 and 1979 respectively.
They followed their father’s footsteps and became involved in the film industry.
John Hughes III is a musician and a film producer who founded the record label Hefty Records.
James Hughes is a screenwriter and a film director who worked on some of his father’s projects such as Drillbit Taylor (2008) and Vacation (2015).
They both inherited their father’s talent for comedy and storytelling.
John Hughes Movies
John Hughes movies are considered to be some of the best comedy films ever made.
They are known for their witty dialogue, memorable characters, catchy soundtracks, and relatable themes.
They captured the essence of the 1980s and 1990s culture and society.
Some of the most famous John Hughes movies are:
- Sixteen Candles (1984): A romantic comedy about a girl who suffers from various mishaps on her 16th birthday while trying to get the attention of her crush.
- The Breakfast Club (1985): A drama-comedy about five high school students who bond during a Saturday detention while revealing their secrets and problems.
- Weird Science (1985): A sci-fi comedy about two nerdy boys who create a beautiful woman using a computer program and a Barbie doll.
- Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986): A comedy about a charismatic teenager who skips school with his friends and has an adventurous day in Chicago while avoiding his principal.
- Planes, Trains & Automobiles (1987): A road comedy about two mismatched travelers who try to get home for Thanksgiving while facing various obstacles and annoyances.
- Uncle Buck (1989): A comedy about a lazy and irresponsible bachelor who takes care of his brother’s three children while they are away.
- Home Alone (1990): A family comedy about a boy who is accidentally left behind by his family during a Christmas vacation and has to defend his house from two burglars.
- Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992): A sequel to Home Alone, where the boy gets separated from his family again and ends up in New York City, where he faces the same burglars and new challenges.
- Beethoven (1992): A comedy about a family who adopts a St. Bernard puppy who grows up to be a giant and chaotic dog.
- 101 Dalmatians (1996): A live-action adaptation of the Disney animated film, where a couple and their 15 Dalmatian puppies are pursued by a cruel fashion designer who wants to make coats out of them.
- Flubber (1997): A remake of the 1961 film The Absent-Minded Professor, where a scientist invents a rubber-like substance that causes havoc and hilarity.
John Hughes Death
John Hughes died on August 6, 2009, at the age of 59.
He suffered a heart attack while walking in Manhattan, New York City.
The Roosevelt Hospital received him and pronounced him dead.
His death shocked and saddened his fans, friends, and colleagues, who paid tribute to him and his legacy.
They buried him in Lake Forest Cemetery, Illinois.
Conclusion
John Hughes was one of the most influential and beloved filmmakers of all time.
He was a master of storytelling, humor, and emotion.
His legacy will keep entertaining and touching millions.
John Hughes was truly the master of teen comedy.
