Howard Hughes

Who was Howard Hughes?

Howard Robard Hughes, Jr. was an American business tycoon, investor, aviator, aerospace engineer, inventor, filmmaker and philanthropist. He was one of the wealthiest people in the world. As a maverick film tycoon, Hughes gained prominence in Hollywood from the late 1920s, making big-budget and often controversial films like The Racket, Hell's Angels, Scarface, and The Outlaw.

Hughes was also one of the most influential aviators and aviation tycoons in history: he set multiple world air speed records, built the Hughes H-1 Racer and H-4 "Hercules", and acquired and expanded Trans World Airlines, which later merged with American Airlines. He was included in the Flying magazine list of the 51 Heroes of Aviation, ranking at No. 25. Hughes is also remembered for his eccentric behavior and reclusive lifestyle in later life, caused in part by a worsening obsessive–compulsive disorder and chronic pain. His legacy is maintained through the Howard Hughes Medical Institute.