“Crocodile Dundee” is an Australian-American collaboration of sheer greatness. The action films, that are based off Rod Ansell’s real-life experiences, take place in the Australian Outback, New York City, and Los Angeles. The producers of Crocodile Dundee had a budget of under 10 million dollars. Their goal was to make a mainstream movie that Australians would love, and Americans would be interested in. They had no idea, however, that the film would eventually turn into a worldwide sensation.
The movie was released in 1986 and became the highest grossing film of all time in Australia and the second highest in the U.S. It’s success lead to a sequel, Crocodile Dundee II, which had a $15 million budget and was just as successful as the first movie. It brought in $239 million! The movie’s success was so unexpected, but it sparked up some serious careers in Hollywood, that’s for sure. Take a look at which celebrities took part in these American-Australian adventure films, and what the stars are up to today.
Nancy Mette Then
Nancy Mette played in the movie “Crocodile Dundee” as a beautiful woman, working the streets. She has a great sense of humor with one of the most memorable lines in the movie; “he’s cute, maybe we should give him a free one.”
Unlike several actors in these movies, Nancy Mette’s acting career didn’t take off after this role. However, she did continue to act here and there. For example, she appeared in the movie “Passion Fish.” In short, she landed many small roles but did not land anything big. Here’s what she was up to today.
Nancy Mette Now
Mette’s acting career faded out in the early ’90s. We haven’t seen much of this beautiful actress since those days. Back in 1989, Nancy Mette acted in “Meet the Hollow Heads,” starring Juliette Lewis.
Many feel that it’s a shame not see Mette on the screens today. She has a real talent of being able to take on small characters and make them memorable. Her hilarious lines and loud attitude added to every film she was in. She may have had only small parts, but she made each and every one of them pop! Let’s see what the other characters are up to…
Terry Gill Then
Terry Gill’s character is the leader of a gang of hard-core Kangaroo killers. Mick winds up fighting his character at a bar in one of the more interesting action scenes in the movie.
The producers of the movies made expressed that working with Terry Gill was a pleasure. Dundee was not the first time Terry had his handsome face on the big screen. By the time he appeared in the “Crocodile Dundee” film, he was already one of Australia’s best actors.
Terry Gill Now
Gill starred as Santa Claus on “Carlos by Candlelight” for more than 27 years straight! The actor and his wife Carol worked together and started their own business. Together they spent many years running the Tivoli Theatre Restaurant in Melbourne.
The pair produced a variety of parodies, and shows featuring A-List Australian actors. He and his wife were married for 52 years. Together they had two beautiful children. Unfortunately, Terry passed away while he was battling cancer. “Crocodile Dundee” fans will always know him as Duffy, the kangaroo shooter.
Carlos Carrasco Then
The role of Garcia in the movie “Crocodile Dundee II” is an example of a small role in an actors career that leads to fame and fortune. Carlos Carrasco took on this role in Dundee and, as a result, his career skyrocketed.
Most of the people who recognize his name and his face have no idea that he took part in a Dundee film. His role in the down under movies was just a starting point for him.
Carlos Carrasco Now
Carrasco certainly didn’t leave the spotlight after his role in “Crocodile Dundee II.” He continued to act for years after the movie was released. As a matter of fact, he secured a permanent place for himself in Hollywood.
He went from one adventure movie to the next; Carrasco even starred in “Jurassic Park,” and “Star Wars.” He also acted in the TV shows “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation,” “Parks and Recreation,” and “Insecure.” Pretty much, everything he acts in turns to gold! Maybe it’s luck or maybe its just his talents. Who knows? Today, everyone knows who he is.
Barry Kivel Then
If you paid very close attention to the Dundee movies, you probably recall the fact that Kivel played a drug addict. His role was pretty small, but his talents and skills as an actor made the role one of the more memorable ones.
He made a pretty big impact in Hollywood and in the acting world with this tiny role. Before Crocodile Dundee, he acted in the movie “Turk 182!” starring Kim Cattrall. He also appeared in the movie “The Natural.”
After Dundee, he landed multiple different roles.
Barry Kivel Now
Kivel’s acting career seriously took off in the years following his appearance in “Crocodile Dundee.” He landed roles in multiple movies and TV shows, which helped show off the versatility of his skills.
You probably recognize him from “Memoirs of an Invisible Man,” “One Fine Day,” and “Scrubs.” Not only is he a well-known actor, but he’s also an editor, director, and producer. In the year 2011, he filmed and produced the drama “Three Sides,” which is about a woman who embarks on a journey to find her real mother.
Reginald VelJohnson Then
After making a name for himself in the classic film, “Ghostbusters,” VelJhonson played the charming limo driver in “Crocodile Dundee.” Although this part was pretty small, it still helped out his career.
Reginald went on to play a variety of roles. He is most famous for his ability to fully commit to every character he gets cast as. Most people can name a few movies he’s starred in off the top of his head… how many can you name?
Reginald VelJohnson Now
Reginald Veljohnson’s career was pretty much unstoppable after the “Crocodile Dundee” movies came out. In the years following the movie’s release, Reginald starred in several different TV shows and movies. You’ll find him acting in movies such as Die Hard, Heart of Dixie, and Die Hard 2.
He played so many roles as a cop that it’s hard not to imagine him out of uniform. No matter what he does, viewers love him, and there is no doubt that he contributed to the high ratings of the show “Family Matters.”
Hechter Ubarry Then
Hector showed off his acting skills in the Dundee films, but his real passion is actually singing and dancing. He has made a name for himself on the Broadway scene. He said that growing up with music playing non-stop in his house helped inspire his love for singing and music. He took the opportunity to act in the Dundee films to get his foot in Hollywood’s door.
It worked, he didn’t get the boot for a long time after this role. He made a name for himself in the music world and the acting world as well. Here’s what he was up to after the films.
Hechter Ubarry Now
After Dundee, Hector Ubrarry managed to find a way to stay in the limelight. He appeared in several different films. He even made his way to the stages and performed in several Broadway shows. Ubarry starred in the movies“16 Blocks,” and “Major Payne.”
You also might recognize him from the hit TV show “Kings.” His success took him to the small screen, the big screen, and the big stages. Believe it or not, he’s better known for his singing than his acting. Over the years he’s proven that he can find success in all forms of the performing arts.
David Gulpilil Then
No one can forget David Gulpilil’s unique character in the movies. He was one of the most favored characters of all. David played Neville Bell, Mick Dundee’s close friend. Although the actor starred in several other movies as an Aborigine character before Dundee, this role brought him the most fame.
His portrayal of the Aborigine people was so important to society’s understanding of them that he was awarded the Member of the Order of Australia. It’s safe to say he was a huge success. After all, his acting made an impact inside and outside of Hollywood.
David Gulpilil Now
David Gulpilil’s acting career didn’t end after the Dundee movies. His career as an actor took off ever since the movies came out. David found himself landing roles in extremely successful films including “The Proposition,” “Rabbit-Proof Fence,” “Charlie’s Country,” “The Tracker,” and “Australia.”
Hector Gulpilil had his fair share of media scandals and run-ins with the law. There was a court dispute that caused him some problems with the authorities. The issues lead to a minor setback in his acting career. However, once all was sorted out, he was back to acting and continues to act to this day.
John Snyder Then
Every actor starts somewhere. Most of the time an acting career starts out with a lot of hopes and dreams and a small acting role. This is the process that John Snyder went through.
He accepted the small and seemingly insignificant role as a pimp in “Crocodile Dundee.” It’s true that we did not see much of his character in the movie, but his role was one of the more memorable ones. The movies would not be the same without Snyder’s contribution. Let’s take a look at the next steps of his career after the Dundee movies.
John Snyder Now
You know what they say; “with a bit of hard work and perseverance, anything is possible.” John Snyder lived and breathed this saying. His small role in the Dundee films was the beginning of a very successful career.
He landed roles in almost all the most famous adventure movies out there. You may recognize him from “Star Trek: The Next Generation,” and “Love Sick Diaries.” Snyder pretty much got involved in anything pop culture during the peak of his career. He also used his unique and funny voice to voiceover characters in several video games and anime as well.
Anne Carlisle Then
Many people are surprised that Anne played a part in the “Crocodile Dundee” movies. They may not remember her being in these films, and that’s because her role was so small.
Anne Carlisle played Gwendoline, a transvestite that Paul Hogan’s character took a liking to. The beautiful actress has taken up enough roles to keep her schedule busy in the years following her work in “Crocodile Dundee.” Her beauty was so striking that producers were calling to book her in their next movies and TV shows. Once you read what she’s up to now, you’ll see just how talented she is.
Anne Carlisle Now
A lot of time passed since the “Crocodile Dundee” movies came out, and because Anne’s part was so small in these movies, people already forgot that she even took part in them. During these past years, Anne kept quite busy. She had loads of bookings and jobs to do as her fame was rising.
The actress developed her career as a model, actress, acting coach, performance artist, and author. Carlisle wrote a novel called “Liquid Sky.” The book gained enough popularity for her to turn it into a movie. Now that is what we call true talent!
Steve Rackman Then
Steve Rackman is a fan favorite. Everyone remembers his toothless smile that should have been scary but ended up being sweet. Rackman played Donk, who is the man that was lucky enough to kiss Paul Hogan. In addition to being an actor, Steve Rackman is also a professional wrestler.
In the ring, he is known as Steve Crusher Rackman. Common sense will help you figure out why he got that scary nickname. He landed the role when producers called his manager asking if they knew of a strong, loudmouthed man who would take the job. Steve’s manager immediately knew he was a perfect fit.
Steve Rackman Now
Steve Rackman made quite the impression when he played Donk in the movie “Crocodile Dundee.” His character worked so well that they asked him to partake in the sequel. However, Rackman’s acting career did not take off after he appeared in the Dundee movies.
Rackman’s heart is in the world of sports, so he dropped everything to do what he loves. Rackman decided to become a personal trainer. Eventually, he wound up opening two gyms in Sydney. Once Steve felt he fulfilled his dreams he retired. Steve Crusher Rackman will always be Donk to us.
Maggie Blinco Then
Maggie Blinco plays the character Ida in both of the Dundee movies. However, this was not her first rodeo! She’s acted for years before starring in these movies. Blinco’s name was in lights before she found herself in the land down under! You may recognize her from several movies like “A Country Practice,” “Return to Eden” and even the old classic movie “Flirting.”
But most people have no idea what she did after the Dundee films, and they’re surprised when they find out! Just because she was famous before, doesn’t mean she gave up on acting after these movies came out.
Maggie Blinco Now
Many people suspected Maggie would quit acting after this movie. However, her career actually blossomed in the following years. Blinco landed roles in a few different TV shows and movies. As a matter of fact, Maggie is still acting to this day. The girl has still got it.
She starred in the movie “Cheek to Cheek” and the movie “Doctor, Doctor.” Her most recent role was in a short film called “BABA,” released in 2017. Maggie still plans on continuing her acting career. It’s what she loves, and she won’t stop until she has to.
Jere Burns Then
Every “Crocodile Dundee” fan loves Jere Burns character in the movies. He was another bad guy who had a special charm on viewers. We wanted not to love him but could not help thinking he was great!
His role as Arnan Rothman is what pushed his career into a full-on skyrocket mode! His face looks familiar because he’s been in so many movies. He even has a recurring role in one of the most famous TV shows from the past ten years.
Jere Burns Now
Jere Burns had no issues with finding a job after he starred in the Dundee movie. He was simply irresistible to casting directors, and his current track record proves that to be true! Burns went on to star in a long list of movies and TV shows.
You might recognize him from the show “Justified,” or from the film “From Dusk Until Dawn: The Series, Angie Tribeca.” His latest roles were in “Breaking Bad,” “Dear John” and the Broadway play, “Hairspray.” He’s extremely talented, and his career never had a dull moment since he starred in the down under films.
John Meillon Then
Everyone loves John Meillon in the “Crocodile Dundee” movies. He’s one of the most unforgettable and famous characters. Meillon played Walter Reilly in the movie and was a huge hit. The producers loved him and his talents so much after watching him in the first movie that they asked him to be in the sequel.
He starred in many films before appearing in the Dundee movies, but soon after, his career came to an unexpected halt. His life after the movie was quite different.
John Meillon Now
Australian actor John Meillon landed multiple acting roles after Crocodile Dundee. His work was so impressive that he went on to receive an OBE for his services to the theater back in 1979. Unfortunately, “Crocodile Dundee II” was Meillon’s last ever performance.
After the movies came out, Mellion began to feel ill. He was diagnosed with cirrhosis. Meillon passed away from the disease shortly after the famous movies came out. It was sad to see him go so soon, but we will always remember his performance on stage and on the big screen.
Mark Blum Then
Mark Blum is a “Crocodile Dundee” character we just cannot forget. He landed himself the role of the charming bad guy that people just love to hate. His character, Richard Mason, was an evil guy who was very tough and pretty full of himself. His cocky attitude even had him purposing to Sue, who was totally out of his league!
Although his character was not considered a fan favorite, he was extremely crucial to the plot. Without his contribution, the movie would not have been such a hit. Here’s what happened to our favorite antagonist.
Mark Blum Now
Mark Blum, like most of the actors in the Dundee movies, took advantage of the film’s success and went on to pursue an impressive acting career. Mark Blum landed multiple roles in successful movies and TV shows. Blum appears in the dram and crime film “Coin Heist.” You might also recognize him in the movie “Mozart in the Jungle.”
He also acted in the famous play “Gus and Al” which people loved! His performance was so good that it attracted many viewers and helped the play gain popularity. He looks a lot different today, but he’s not the only Dundee actor who’s changed.
Jonathan Banks Then
Here is a face that’s impossible not to recognize. Banks appeared in so many movies, and TV shows that people eventually forgot he landed the role of Milos in “Crocodile Dundee.”
You probably recognize his face from the movies “Gremlins,” “Flipper,” “Airplane” and “Beverly Hills Cops.” These are all major acting gigs he got before he starred in the Dundee films. There’s also a good chance you’ve seen him recently… the name is on the tip of your tongue. Here’s where you’ve seen him.
Jonathan Banks Now
Jonathan Banks did not change so much over the past years. He almost looks the same way he did years ago. Good genes aside, it’s extremely important to mention what a talented actor he is.
You’ll probably recognize him from his role as Mike Ehrmantraut in the hit series “Breaking Bad.” His skills are so outstanding he even won an academy award. It’s safe to say Jonathan Bank’s career didn’t slow down at all after the Dundee movies.
Aida Turturro Then
We bet you forgot that Aida Turturro was actually a character in “Crocodile Dundee Los Angeles.” She’s most famous for her role on the show “Sopranos” however she did have a role in the down under movies. When Dundee went to LA, Aida took on a very small role.
It takes a good actor or actress to make a small role count, and that’s exactly what Aida Turturro did. She got to play the role of a receptionist during Dundee’s time in Los Angeles.
Aida Turturro Now
The talented actress has not changed much over the years. She’s still got that lovely charm she had back in the day that people love so much. She made significant appearances in several movies and TV shows including “The Sopranos,” “Law and Order,” “Criminal Minds,” “Greys Anatomy,” and “Curb Your Enthusiasm.”
You’ll also find her in the movie “Making a Killing,” coming out in 2019. Aida Turturro’s talent helped her stay relevant in the acting world for so many years. The woman has got skills!
Paul Hogan Then
The main character himself, Paul Hogan! He played the leading role of Michael Dundee in all of the “Crocodile Dundee” films. These movies were highly successful and created a huge fan base that could not get enough.
His career was clearly headed for excellence. Paul’s acting career skyrocketed as he landed one role after the other. His outstanding work got him named a Member of the Order of Australia. What an honor! But whatever happened to this big star?
Paul Hogan Now
Paul Hogan’s schedule was filling up like crazy after everyone fell in love with him in the Dundee movies. The Australian actor was Hollywood’s most wanted. Before we get into his career, there’s a crazy fact to consider. Paul Hogan divorced his wife so that he could marry his co-star Linda Kozlowski in 1990.
Unfortunately, that relationship did not work out as well as we thought, and the two divorced in 2013. Hogan starred in multiple films, but he turned down a role in one of the most famous movies; “Ghost.” Hogan even had his own comedy show. In addition to his lucrative acting career, Hogan also took on writing and producing. What a talented man!
Anthony Crivello Then
Anthony Crivello played another criminal that Mick got the better of in the “Crocodile Dundee” movies. Crivello starred as a subway hitman in the second film. Two Japanese tourists unexpectedly help Mick take down this criminal after they had mistaken him for the handsome Clint Eastwood.
Mick captured the subway hitman and, as a result, made New York a safer place. It’s in this scene that Mick notices that he always winds up in these types of predicaments. “I keep getting mugged. I must look rich,” he says in the movie. Here’s what happened to Crivello after the world saw him play an NYC villain.
Anthony Crivello Now
Anthony Crivello has won several awards for his skills as an actor and singer. The successful performer recently starred in a one-man play called “McGuire” at the Stackner Cabaret in Milwaukee Repertory Theater. For those of you who are not familiar with the play and the stage… its a huge deal! In addition to wowing people on stage, Anthony also works as a writer.
He’s currently working on a one-man show of his own called “The King of Sciliy.” Crivello also went on to win a Tony Award for Best Supporting Actor in the musical “The Kiss of Spiderwoman.” Overall he’s been in 20 films and over 50 plays.
Dennis Boutsikaris Then
Can you recognize this actor? There is a good chance that you know his face from movies other than “Crocodile Dundee II.” We hardly saw Dennis Boutsikaris in this movie, but he was there! This was actually one of the actors first-ever roles.
We saw him peak his head and camera between branches in one scene, but then we didn’t see much of him later on. It must have been sheer luck for his first role to be in a movie that gained mega success. We’re pretty sure this movie sparked his career.
Dennis Boutsikaris Now
“Crocodile Dundee II” is not the only iconic movie that Dennis Boutsikaris shows his face in. You can also find the actor in the movies “Batteries Not Included” The Bourne Legacy,” “The Dream Team,” and “Boys on the Side.” He also starred in many successful TV shows.
Dennis is in “Shameless,” “Breaking Bad,” “Law & Order,” and “ER.” We are not sure if the producers chose incredible actors for the Dundee films or if the cast members just happen to be super lucky.
Doug Yasuda Then
Let’s take it back to the scene in the movie “Crocodile Dundee II” when the brave Mick takes on the slimy subway hitman played by Anthony Crivello. One of the Japanese tourists who happened to be there when it all went down ended up helping Mick take down the bad guy. These funny characters also thought Mick was Clint Eastwood.
One of the men playing a tourist who helped Mick clean up the streets of New York is named Doug Yasuda. He may have seemed like a random guy who earned his five minutes of fame, but he’s actually way more relevant than you think. Don’t let his nerdy character fool you.
Doug Yasuda Now
The year after the movie “Crocodile Dundee II” came out, the Japanese-American actor, Doug Yasuda, landed a role in the Ridley Scott action thriller, “Black Rain.” Yasuda had a great and funny role in the Dundee film but he is most famous for his small roll in the third “Robocop” movie. He also had a recurring role in the TV series, “Fringe.”
The science fiction series had a spot-on TV for five straight years. His character focused on the FBI agents in the Fringe department who investigated unsolved cases and mysteries occurring in a parallel universe. Their actions were all overseen by a group named the Observers. The show is excellent, so if you’ve run out of shows to watch we recommend this one.
Linda Kozlowski Then
Linda Kozlowski played the female lead in “Crocodile Dundee.” She worked very closely with Paul Hogan throughout the films. It didn’t take long for these two to be hit by Cupid’s bow and arrow. They quickly developed some romantic feelings and it can be seen throughout the movies.
Everyone loved their on-screen chemistry, but no one thought that the two would wind up getting married in real life! This wildly successful movie is what sparked Linda’s life as a celebrity actress. The movie led her down the aisle at her wedding and down the red carpet for years to follow.
Linda Kozlowski Now
Unfortunately, Linda Kozlowski and Paul Hogan’s marriage did not last as long as their fans wish they would. What we thought was true love ended in divorce. Linda and Paul got a divorce in the year 2013. They were married for a total of twenty-three years. Linda recently had a chance to find love again and remarried.
After she starred in the Dundee movies, the actress starred in “Village of the Damned,” “Almost Angel,” and “The Neighbor.” Although her career was on a great path, she wound up quitting acting. She did not love the roles she was being offered.