Howard Hughes

Howard Hughes as child (4729132038)

Howard Hughes House

Howard-Hughes-TIME-1948

Janet Leigh and John Wayne in 'Jet Pilot', 1957

Howard Hughes

Howard Hughes (December 24, 1905 – April 5, 1976) was an American business magnate, investor, record-setting pilot, engineer, film director, and philanthropist, known during his lifetime as one of the most financially successful individuals in the world. He first became prominent as a film producer, and then as an influential figure in the aviation industry. Later in life, he became known for his eccentric behavior and reclusive lifestyle—oddities that were caused in part by a worsening obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), chronic pain from a near-fatal plane crash, and increasing deafness.

Early Life

Hughes was born in Houston, Texas, on December 24, 1905, to Howard R. Hughes Sr. and Allene Gano Hughes. His father was a successful inventor and businessman who founded the Hughes Tool Company, which invented the two-cone roller bit, revolutionizing oil drilling and securing the Hughes family's fortune. Hughes showed an early interest in science and technology, and after his father's death, he took control of the family business at the age of 19.

Career

Film Industry

Hughes entered the film industry in 1926 by financing the film Hell's Angels. The film took three years to complete and was most notable for its aerial fight scenes, an interest that reflected Hughes's love for aviation. He went on to produce and direct several other films, including The Outlaw, which was controversial for its time due to its portrayal of sexuality.

Aviation

Hughes formed the Hughes Aircraft Company in 1932, initially as a division of the Hughes Tool Company. He set multiple world air speed records and built the Hughes H-1 Racer and Hughes H-4 Hercules, also known as the Spruce Goose, although the latter flew only once. Hughes Aircraft became a major defense contractor during World War II, and Hughes's contributions to aviation led to numerous advancements in technology and performance.

Business Ventures

Beyond film and aviation, Hughes was involved in numerous business ventures, including the acquisition of RKO Pictures, a major stake in Trans World Airlines (TWA), and various real estate investments in Las Vegas, contributing significantly to the development of the city.

Personal Life and Legacy

Hughes was known for his reclusiveness and eccentricities, which increased later in life. He spent his final years living in hotels in various cities, with few personal contacts and under extensive care due to his deteriorating health.

Hughes died on April 5, 1976, aboard an airplane en route from Acapulco to Houston. His legacy is maintained through the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, which he established in 1953. The institute is now one of the wealthiest and most influential biomedical research organizations in the world.

In Popular Culture

Hughes has been depicted in numerous films and books, reflecting his complex persona and significant impact on American culture and industry. His life story has fascinated the public and scholars alike, making him a subject of enduring interest and speculation.