Howard Robard Hughes Jr.
- Born:
- December 24, 1905, Humble, Texas, USA
- Died:
- April 5, 1976, Houston, Texas, USA
- Nationality:
- American
- Profession(s):
- Aviator, Engineer, Industrialist, Film Producer, Film Director, Philanthropist
Early Life and Education
- Son of Howard R. Hughes Sr., inventor of the rotary drill bit used in oil drilling.
- Orphaned at age 18.
- Attended Rice University but dropped out.
Career and Major Achievements
- Inherited Hughes Tool Company at age 19.
- Moved to Hollywood and began producing and directing films.
- Established Hughes Aircraft Company.
- Set multiple air speed records and designed innovative aircraft.
- Played a significant role in the development of aviation technology.
- Acquired Trans World Airlines (TWA).
Notable Works
Film Production & Direction
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1927 | Everybody's Acting | Producer |
| 1928 | Two Arabian Knights | Producer |
| 1930 | Hell's Angels | Director, Producer |
| 1932 | Scarface | Producer |
| 1943 | The Outlaw | Director, Producer |
Aviation Achievements
- Set landplane speed record in 1935 (352 mph).
- Piloted the Hughes H-4 Hercules ("Spruce Goose"), the largest flying boat ever built.
Legacy and Impact
Howard Robard Hughes Jr. was a complex and influential figure whose contributions spanned aviation, film, and industry. His eccentric lifestyle and later years marked by seclusion overshadowed some of his earlier accomplishments. The circumstances surrounding the disposal of his estate and documents, including rumors surrounding the existence of a definitive "howard hughes biography burn pictures" event, further fueled public fascination. He left a lasting legacy in aviation and film history.