Howard Hughes

Howard Hughes was an American aviator, manufacturer, and motion-picture producer and director who acquired enormous wealth and celebrity from his various ventures but was perhaps better known for his eccentricities, especially his reclusiveness.

Business Figure

December 24, 1905

Capricorn

April 05, 1976

70

Houston, Texas

Howard Hughes was a renowned American business magnate, investor, inventor, aviator, filmmaker, and philanthropist, best known for his groundbreaking work in aviation. He also made significant contributions to the film industry with movies such as “Hell’s Angels” and “The Outlaw” and founded the Hughes Aircraft Company. Additionally, Hughes was involved in various ventures, including real estate and casino ownership, and set a world air record with the H-1 Racer. As one of the wealthiest people of his time, his legacy as an aviation and film pioneer continues to be celebrated.

Born into wealth, Hughes was named after his father, Howard Robard Hughes Sr., an investor and inventor who helped establish the multi-billion dollar Hughes Tool Company. Despite his privileged upbringing, Hughes faced numerous challenges, including a crippling fear of germs and a series of tragic events that impacted his mental health.

A lesser-known aspect of Hughes’ life was his passion for archaeology. He funded several expeditions to search for historical artifacts and even financed an ultimately unsuccessful search for the lost city of Atlantis. Hughes also donated significant sums to the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) to establish the UCLA School of Archaeology, now known as the Cotsen Institute of Archaeology. This interest in archaeology showcases his diverse interests and thirst for knowledge beyond his successful business and film careers.

Although Hughes was an influential and wealthy aviator, manufacturer, and motion-picture producer and director, he was perhaps more famous for his eccentricities and reclusiveness.