Rise to Success: Career Highlights of John Hughes (filmmaker)
How John Hughes (filmmaker) built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.
John Hughes was an influential American filmmaker, celebrated for his coming-of-age films that captured the teenage experience of the 1980s. As a writer, director, and producer, he created iconic movies like 'Sixteen Candles,' 'The Breakfast Club,' 'Weird Science,' 'Ferris Bueller's Day Off,' 'Planes, Trains and Automobiles,' and 'Uncle Buck.' He also wrote beloved films such as 'Pretty in Pink' and 'Home Alone,' solidifying his impact on pop culture and the teen movie genre.
1970: Advertising Career at Needham, Harper & Steers
In 1970, after dropping out of college, John Hughes began working at Needham, Harper & Steers as an advertising copywriter in Chicago. This role marked his entry into the advertising world.
1974: Joins Leo Burnett Worldwide
In 1974, John Hughes joined Leo Burnett Worldwide and during this period, he created the famous Edge "Credit Card Shaving Test" ad campaign.
1983: John Candy's Role in National Lampoon's Vacation
In 1983, John Candy played a role in National Lampoon's Vacation which was written, directed or produced by Hughes.
1983: Success with National Lampoon's Vacation and Mr. Mom
In 1983, John Hughes experienced significant success with his screenplay for 'National Lampoon's Vacation' and another script for 'Mr. Mom', which led to a three-film deal with Universal Pictures.
1984: Sixteen Candles Release
In 1984, John Hughes's directorial debut, 'Sixteen Candles,' was released, garnering widespread praise for its authentic portrayal of adolescence and high school social dynamics.
1985: Releases of The Breakfast Club and Weird Science
In 1985, John Hughes released both 'The Breakfast Club' and 'Weird Science', both of which he wrote and directed. These films further solidified his reputation for capturing the teenage experience.
1986: Releases of Ferris Bueller's Day Off and Pretty in Pink
In 1986, John Hughes released 'Ferris Bueller's Day Off', which he wrote and directed, and 'Pretty in Pink', which he wrote and produced, continuing his exploration of teenage life.
1987: John Candy's Role in Planes, Trains and Automobiles
In 1987, John Candy played a role in Planes, Trains and Automobiles which was written, directed or produced by Hughes.
1987: Release of Planes, Trains and Automobiles
In 1987, John Hughes branched out by writing, directing, and producing the hit comedy 'Planes, Trains and Automobiles,' starring Steve Martin and John Candy.
1987: Release of Some Kind of Wonderful
In 1987, John Hughes wrote and produced 'Some Kind of Wonderful', adding to his collection of films centered around high school experiences.
1988: John Candy's Role in The Great Outdoors
In 1988, John Candy played a role in The Great Outdoors which was written, directed or produced by Hughes.
1989: John Candy's Role in Uncle Buck
In 1989, John Candy played a role in Uncle Buck which was written, directed or produced by Hughes.
1990: Release and Success of Home Alone
In 1990, 'Home Alone', written and produced by Hughes, achieved immense commercial success, becoming the top-grossing film of the year and the most successful live-action family comedy ever.
1990: John Candy's Role in Home Alone
In 1990, John Candy played a role in Home Alone which was written, directed or produced by Hughes.
1991: John Candy's Roles in Career Opportunities and Only the Lonely
In 1991, John Candy played roles in Career Opportunities and Only the Lonely which was written, directed or produced by Hughes.
1991: Directorial work for Curly Sue and Deals with 20th Century Fox and Warner Bros.
In 1991, John Hughes directed his final film, 'Curly Sue'. By that time, his John Hughes Entertainment production company had signed deals with 20th Century Fox and Warner Bros.
1992: Release of Home Alone 2: Lost in New York
In 1992, Hughes followed up the success of 'Home Alone' with the release of 'Home Alone 2: Lost in New York', continuing the adventures of Kevin McCallister.
1993: Release of Dennis the Menace
In 1993, Hughes released Dennis the Menace, which he wrote and produced. It contained elements of the Home Alone formula, and was a success.
1994: Release of Baby's Day Out
In 1994, Hughes released Baby's Day Out, which he wrote and produced. It contained elements of the Home Alone formula, but was a box office flop.
1994: Retirement from Public Eye
In 1994, John Hughes retired from the public eye and moved back to the Chicago area, marking a significant change in his career and lifestyle.
1997: Release of Home Alone 3
In 1997, 'Home Alone 3' was released, further extending the 'Home Alone' series, which Hughes wrote and produced.
1997: End of Great Oaks Entertainment Collaboration
In 1997, John Hughes and Ricardo Mestres ended their collaboration with Great Oaks Entertainment. Hughes worked in Chicago, while Mestres was based in Los Angeles.
1998: Release of Reach the Rock
In 1998, the film 'Reach the Rock', produced as part of the collaboration between Hughes and Mestres, was released and credited as "a Gramercy Pictures release of a John Hughes and Ricardo Mestres production".
1999: Promotion of Reach the Rock Soundtrack and DVD Commentary
In 1999, John Hughes selectively granted interviews to promote the soundtrack album of 'Reach the Rock'. He also recorded an audio commentary for the 1999 DVD release of 'Ferris Bueller's Day Off'.
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