The story of Paul Hogan, the loveable larrikin who became Crocodile Dundee, is a tale known around the world.
Yet, behind the global icon was a woman whose life was just as compelling: Noelene Edwards.
Her story is not just a footnote in Australian pop culture history; it’s a powerful narrative of love, resilience, and the immense pressure that fame can exert on a family.
Noelene’s life became public property through her turbulent relationship with Hogan, which saw them marry and divorce twice.
While many celebrity stories fade, hers continues to resonate, offering a glimpse into the private heartbreaks that often accompany public success.
Who Was Noelene Edwards?
Before her life was intertwined with one of Australia’s biggest stars, Noelene Edwards lived a modest life.
Born in Sydney in 1940, her world was far from the glamour of Hollywood. She was a grounded, family-oriented woman whose early years were shaped by traditional working-class
Quick Bio
| Full Name | Noelene Edwards |
| Date of Birth | 1940s (Exact date unknown) |
| Birthplace | Sydney, Australia |
| Nationality | Australian |
| Occupation | Former Waitress, Homemaker |
| Famous For | Being the first and second wife of Australian actor Paul Hogan |
| Spouse(s) | Paul Hogan (m. 1958–1981; remarried 1982–1986), Reg Stretton (m. 2000–present) |
| Children | Five, including Brett Hogan |
| Current Status | Living a private life in Australia |
A Working Class Love Story
Noelene met Paul Hogan in the mid-1950s, long before his iconic character was even a thought.
At the time, Hogan was working as a painter on the Sydney Harbour Bridge, and some accounts say he was also a lifeguard at a local pool Noelene frequented.
Their romance was simple and genuine, a connection between two young people from similar backgrounds.
They married in 1958, both still teenagers. Their early years were spent building a family and a life together, far from the public eye.
Noelene was Hogan’s anchor, supporting his comedic ambitions as he began to make a name for himself.
Together, they had five children, and Noelene dedicated herself to raising them while Paul’s career began to take off on shows like The Paul Hogan Show.
The Strain of Stardom
As Paul Hogan’s fame exploded in the 1970s and 80s, the pressures on their marriage grew immense. Hogan was now an international star, traveling the world and surrounded by the temptations of celebrity life.
Noelene, however, remained at home, a devoted mother who preferred privacy over the spotlight. This growing distance created a rift between them.
The simple life that had once united them was replaced by a world of cameras, fans, and constant public scrutiny.
The strain became too much to bear, and in 1981, after 23 years of marriage, Noelene and Paul divorced for the first time.
The split was described as painful but amicable, a quiet end to a long-standing partnership. For a moment, it seemed their story was over.
A Second Chance and a Final Heartbreak
In a surprising turn, the couple reconciled and remarried in 1982, less than a year after their divorce. This second marriage signaled a deep, lingering bond and a hope to rebuild what fame had broken.
During this time, Hogan was on the cusp of his greatest success with the film Crocodile Dundee (1986).
However, the very thing that made him a global phenomenon would also be the final undoing of his relationship with Noelene.
During the filming, Hogan developed a close relationship with his American co-star, Linda Kozlowski. Their on-screen chemistry was palpable, and it soon blossomed into an off-screen romance.
By 1989, Noelene and Paul divorced for the second and final time. The split was far more public and acrimonious than the first, fueled by media speculation about Hogan’s affair.
It was a heartbreaking end to a three-decade-long love story, and Noelene found herself at the center of a media storm.
Life Beyond Hogan
After the final, painful divorce, Noelene Edwards made a deliberate choice to retreat from public life.
While Hogan went on to marry Linda Kozlowski in 1990, Noelene focused on her family and finding peace away from the headlines.
Her journey to personal happiness continued, and in 2000, she found love again. Noelene married Reg Stretton, a businessman, in a ceremony at the Manly Pacific Parkroyal Hotel in Sydney.
This marriage offered her the stability and privacy she had long craved. They remained happily together until Stretton’s passing in 2017.
Noelene’s decision to step away from the limelight and build a quiet, fulfilling life on her own terms speaks volumes about her character.
She demonstrated immense resilience, refusing to be defined solely by her famous ex-husband or the public narrative of their relationship.
Noelene’s Enduring Legacy
Though Noelene Edwards never sought the spotlight, her story has become an enduring part of Australian cultural history.
It serves as a poignant reminder of the personal cost that often accompanies great fame. Her life highlighted the struggles of maintaining a private, family-focused existence when one partner is thrust onto the world stage.
Her legacy is one of quiet strength and dignity. In an age where celebrity splits often play out messily in public, Noelene chose a different path.
She prioritized her well-being and that of her children, finding happiness and contentment far from the world that had caused her so much pain.
She is remembered not just as Paul Hogan’s former wife, but as a resilient woman who weathered immense public scrutiny and emerged with her grace intact.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Paul Hogan and Noelene Edwards marry twice?
The couple’s first marriage lasted 23 years before ending in 1981. They remarried in 1982, suggesting a strong underlying connection and a desire to make their relationship work despite the pressures of fame. However, the reconciliation was short-lived.
What was the main reason for their final divorce?
The final divorce in 1989 was widely attributed to Paul Hogan’s affair with his Crocodile Dundee co-star, Linda Kozlowski, whom he later married.
How many children did Noelene Edwards have with Paul Hogan?
They had five children together: Scott, Clay, Todd, Lauren, and Brett. Their son, Brett Hogan, followed in his father’s footsteps, becoming a screenwriter who contributed to the Crocodile Dundee films.
What did Noelene Edwards do after her divorce from Paul Hogan?
Noelene Edwards chose to live a private life away from the media. She remarried in 2000 to Reg Stretton and focused on her family until her passing.
A Story of Strength and Self Respect
Her legacy is a testament to the fact that true fulfillment is not found in the spotlight, but in living a life of authenticity and self-respect.
Maya Collins is a writer at WorthAura.com with over 3 years of experience researching celebrity lifestyles and net worth facts. She enjoys sharing clear and trustworthy information about how famous athletes and sports stars earn and grow their money. Maya makes sure every article is accurate and easy to understand for readers.
