History of John Hughes (filmmaker) in Timeline
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.
February 18, 1950: John Hughes' Birth
On February 18, 1950, John Wilden Hughes Jr. was born. He later became a famous American filmmaker and producer, known for movies like 'Sixteen Candles' and 'Home Alone'.
1970: Marriage to Nancy Ludwig
In 1970, John Hughes, then 20 years old, married Nancy Ludwig, whom he had met in high school. This marked the beginning of their long-lasting relationship.
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.
1976: Birth of Son John Hughes III
In 1976, John Hughes and his wife, Nancy, welcomed their first child, a son named John Hughes III.
1979: Birth of Son James Hughes
In 1979, John Hughes and his wife, Nancy, had their second child, a son named James Hughes.
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.
1986: Ferris Bueller's Day Off Release
In 1986, one of Gordie Howe's #9 Detroit Red Wings jerseys, sent by Howe himself, was prominently featured in Hughes's film Ferris Bueller's Day Off.
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: John Candy's Death
In 1994, John Candy's sudden death from a heart attack deeply affected John Hughes, with Vince Vaughn noting that Hughes might have directed more films if Candy had lived longer.
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'.
August 5, 2009: Visit to Son in New York City
On August 5, 2009, John Hughes and his wife traveled to New York City to visit their son James and their new grandson. Hughes appeared to be in good health that night.
August 6, 2009: John Hughes' Death
August 6, 2009, marked the death of John Hughes, a renowned American filmmaker and producer celebrated for his contributions to cinema with films like 'The Breakfast Club' and 'Ferris Bueller's Day Off'.
2009: Death of John Hughes
In 2009, John Hughes passed away, marking the end of his life and career. He remained married to Nancy Ludwig until his death.
February 1, 2010: One Tree Hill Episode Tribute to Hughes
On February 1, 2010, the One Tree Hill episode "Don't You Forget About Me" paid tribute to John Hughes with a scene similar to the ending of Sixteen Candles and references to other Hughes movies like Home Alone.
2010: Tribute at the 82nd Academy Awards
In 2010, the 82nd Academy Awards included a tribute to John Hughes's work, featuring clips from his films and appearances by cast members from several of them, commemorating his contributions to the film industry.
2021: Release of "John Hughes Movie" by Maisie Peters
In 2021, Maisie Peters released a song called "John Hughes Movie".
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