Howard Hughes

Profession: Aviator and Businessman

Nationality:

Biography: Howard Hughes is known for his eccentricities as much as for his achievements, which were many. Hughes was a Hollywood filmmaker, an aviator, real estate mogul and philanthropist.

Hughes' enormous wealth originated from his father's invention of a drill bit used in oil drilling. Arriving in Hollywood in 1926 he funded and produced such films as Hell's Angels (1927), Scarface (1934) and The Outlaws (1943), which made a star out of Jane Russell. Hughes even designed a bra for Russell to wear in the film.

In 1932 he entered the aviation industry founding Hughes Aircraft Company. As a pilot, Hughes personally set a number of flight records. Hughes also bought a controlling interest in the airline TWA.

Hughes famously built an eight engine wooden flying boat, nicknamed the "Spruce Goose" and piloted it on its only voyage in 1947.

During the 1950s Hughes was a major figure in the development of Las Vegas, buying land and lessening its association with the Mafia.

From this period Hughes became increasing reclusive moving around the world to locations that offered him the seclusion he craved. By the time he died in 1976 Hughes appeared to be showing signs of mental illness. He was thin through an extreme diet, addicted to pain killers and with an obsessive-compulsive disorder, that led to him reputedly keeping his urine in jars.

Born: December 24, 1905
Birthplace: Humble, Texas, USA

Generation: Greatest Generation
Chinese Zodiac: Snake
Star Sign: Capricorn

Died: April 5, 1976 (aged 70)
Cause of Death: Kidney failure