John Hughes Net Worth as Filmmaker and Screenwriter

John Hughes is one of the filmmakers whose film legacy continues. He has left the world, but his fans recall his memories and stand-out personality even today. Do you know how much he earned in his life? If not, dive into the journey of exploring John Hughes's net worth and finding his sources of income.

In this guide, you will learn about John Hughes's net worth, get a sneak peek into his early and personal life, and discover the reasons that caused his career transition from advertising to filmmaking.

John Hughes Net Worth

John Wilden Hughes Jr., popularly known as John Hughes, is an American filmmaker, director, and screenwriter. Because his films focus on teenagers and glorify their personalities, he is considered a renowned personality in the Hollywood entertainment industry. 

Hughes's significant income came from his films and advertisements when he was alive. Even today, his revenue does not pause; it expands through syndication and royalties. His net worth was $150 million at the time of his death in 2009.

Sources of Income

As you know, the late filmmaker and screenwriter earned money through serving directing skills in advertisement companies and filmmaking in the Hollywood industry. Please look at his strong income sources, contribute immensely to his net worth.

Advertising Career

John Hughes developed his creative mind during his early adolescence. His innovative vision forced him to turn to movies and scriptwriting. After dropping out of college, John Hughes began as a copywriter and started his career by selling jokes to famous comedians Rodney Dangerfield and Joan Rivers.

John also joined an advertising agency, Needham, Harper & Steers, and marked his skills and talents. He left the agency in 1974 and became associated with the international advertising firm Leo Burnett Worldwide.

During this time, his work started gaining popularity, increasing his revenue. John Hughes's famous commercial advertisement, which people like and appreciate, is the Credit Card Shaving Test for the Razor Company, The Edge.

John Hughes also contributed to the magazine National Lampoon, which led him to screenwriting. His first credited screenplay, National Lampoon's Class Reunion, was a big success.

Hollywood Career

John Hughes entered the film industry in 1979. At that time, he was busy writing the episodes of Delta House. However, he officially stepped in as a talented director in 1984. Since his primary concern was with teenagers, he began his filmmaking career by directing and screenwriting movies that highlight young people, their routine while living in the suburbs, and self-discoveries.

John Hughes's teenage movies era continued until 1982-1986. He produced films like:

1. National Lampoon's Class Reunion
2. National Lampoon's Animal House
3. National Lampoon's Vacation
4. Mom
5. Sixteen Candles (1984)
6. The Breakfast Club (1985)
7. Weird Science (1985)
8. Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986)
9. Pretty in Pink (1986)
10. Some Kind of Wonderful (1987)

John Hughes did not stop and broke the stereotype of writing for teenage movies. He moved on to direct iconic films of the 80’s (1987-2008). John Hughes's movies reflect his inner personality, including:

1. National Lampoon's European Vacation
2. National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation
3. Planes, Trains, and Automobiles
4. Home Alone
5. Home Alone 2: Lost in New York
6. Home Alone 3
7. Dennis the Menace
8. Baby's Day Out
9. Miracle on 34^thStreet
10. 101 Dalmatians
11. Flubber

Early Life

John Hughes was born to Marion Crawford and John Hughes Sr. in Lansing, Michigan, on February 18, 1950. He spent his life 12 years at Pointe Grosse. Hughes's father was a salesman, and his mother was an enthusiastic community volunteer. Hughes had three sisters and no brother.

When John was 13, his family migrated to Northbrook, Illinois. He was admitted to Grove Middle School and later enrolled in Glenbrook North High School, where he made few friends. Throughout his childhood, Hughes had no one to befriend; he found solace in creating his imagination and perceptions.

Northbrook John Hughes liked the personalities of Bob Dylan, John Lennon, Picasso, and The Beatles. Hughes was caught in his passion for music and art during his adolescence. After graduating high school, he earned a degree from the University of Arizona.

Personal Life and Death

John Hughes was not touchy about his personal life. He used to keep it regular, like all people do. In 1970, he married his high school classmate when he was 20. The couple had two children, John Hughes III (1976) and James Hughes (1979).

The family was together when John suffered from cardiac arrest and died on August 5, 2009, in Manhattan. After 10 years, John’s wife also died on September 15, 2019.

Achievements and Awards

Throughout his life, John Hughes did not receive the fame he deserved. His renowned movie Ferris Bueller’s Day Off was honored by being preserved in the National Film Registry.

It highlights how much John Hughes influenced American Cinema through his breakthrough films. Community's comedic television series dedicated its debut episode to him at his death.

However, his achievement is a testament to his guest appearances on TV and acting in famous movies.

John Hughes's television appearances are:

John Hughes made his debut as an actor in the Hollywood industry. Though he is not credited, he has worked exceptionally well. Here are a few films he starred in.

Wrapping Up

Throughout his career, he was uncredited. He leaves no significant assets except his family. After his death, his contemporaries complimented him and offered kind words. They say that John's life has positively impacted their lives and the film industry. The 82nd Academy Awards collected snippets of his movies and their actors to honor Hughes and his contributions.

This guide includes information on how John Hughes’s written movies contributed enormously to his net worth, increasing John’s value as a great director and screenwriter.

FAQs

How did John Hughes wife died?

John Hughes’ wife died of complications of a blood infection from a perforated ulcer at Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital.

Does John Hughes have a family? 

John Hughes left a widow, Nancy, and two sons, John III and James.

Did John Hughes have health problems?

No, John Hughes had no health problems. The heart attack was the first symptom that took the director’s life.