Inside the life of eccentric billionaire Howard Hughes, a playboy aviator who died a germaphobic recluse

James PasleyMar 4, 2023, 22:02 IST

Three views of American industrialist, aviator, and film producer Howard Hughes as he speaks with journalists during a Senate hearing to determine whether Hughes misused funds from a government defense contract in August 1947.Hulton Archive/Getty Images

In his life, Howard Hughes broke aviation records, produced several iconic films, and dated Hollywood stars.
But he also was in three plane crashes, killed a pedestrian while drunk driving, and later became a recluse.

Not long before he died, Howard Hughes told a friend he hoped to be remembered exclusively for his contribution to aviation.

Though he was remembered for his record-breaking flights, it was not exclusively his legacy. It's hard to forget everything else — the filmmaking, the womanizing, the political-maneuvering, his reclusive years, his drug addiction, and after his death, the strange and lengthy struggle for his money.

It's been almost 50 years since he died, but according to cinema historian David Thomson, Hughes remains fascinating today because he lived many people's guiltiest adolescent fantasies.

"He is the fan who walked in off the street, who made movies and bossed a studio, and who was crazy and hopeful enough to think of having Jean Harlow, Jane Russell, Katharine Hepburn, Ida Lupino... and so on, into the night," Thomson wrote in "The New Biographical Dictionary of Film."

Thomson added: "Hughes did what every shy, lonely moviegoer dreams of doing."

Howard Robard Hughes Jr. was born in Houston, Texas, on December 24, 1905. He was the only child of Allene and Howard Hughes Sr.

Howard Hughes in 1930.Universal History Archive/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

The Hughes were wealthy after Howard Sr. invented a popular drill bit that could grind through granite so oilers could access Texan oil, which he licensed out.

The Hughes Tool Company has grown from this 1909 building to a billion dollar business with factory facilities spread over a 90-acre area, all owned by Howard Hughes Jr.Bettmann/Getty Images

Hughes Jr., a shy boy, inherited his father's inventiveness. From a young age, he liked to tinker with mechanics. At 11, he built the first wireless radio in Houston. The next year, he built a motorbike.

Howard Hughes, record-smashing world flyer, as he appeared at the age of 21Bettmann/Getty Images

Hughes Jr., a shy boy, inherited his father's inventiveness. From a young age, he liked to tinker with mechanics. At 11, he built the first wireless radio in Houston. The next year, he built a motorbike.

From his mother, he developed an aversion to germs. Every day, she washed him with antiseptic scrubs. She taught him that germs were dangerous and had to be fought. This obsession would take over his life in the later years.

Howard Hughes when he was a young man in an undated photograph.Bettmann/Contributor/Getty Images

From his mother, he developed an aversion to germs. Every day, she washed him with antiseptic scrubs. She taught him that germs were dangerous and had to be fought. This obsession would take over his life in the later years.

Both of Hughes' parents died within two years of each other, and at 19, he inherited his father's company and 75% of his fortune. His aunt arranged a marriage for him to Ella Botts Rice, a daughter from another respected Texan family, hoping it would keep him steady after the loss of his parents.

Ella Rice in 1938.Bettmann/Getty Images

Both of Hughes' parents died within two years of each other, and at 19, he inherited his father's company and 75% of his fortune. His aunt arranged a marriage for him to Ella Botts Rice, a daughter from another respected Texan family, hoping it would keep him steady after the loss of his parents.

But it didn't. Instead Hughes, who was not interested in running his father's company, dropped out of university and moved to Los Angeles with Rice so he could chase his two dreams — directing cinema and flying planes.

Howard Hughes in 1938.Hulton Archive/Getty Images

But it didn't. Instead Hughes, who was not interested in running his father's company, dropped out of university and moved to Los Angeles with Rice so he could chase his two dreams — directing cinema and flying planes.

The movies came first. After his first movie "Swell Hogan" flopped in 1926, he produced two respectable hits, including "Two Arabian Knights," which won an Academy Award.

Howard Hughes with actress Peggy Cummins and others in 1930.Bettmann/Getty Images

The movies came first. After his first movie "Swell Hogan" flopped in 1926, he produced two respectable hits, including "Two Arabian Knights," which won an Academy Award.

At the same time, he learned how to fly. In 1928, he earned his pilot's license.

Howard Hughes in the cockpit of an airplane in a leather flight helmet and goggles in 1935.Bettmann/Getty Images

In 1930, his two passions came together when he directed and produced "Hell's Angels," a film about fighter pilots during World War I. Hughes took over directing after firing the first two directors.

An exterior view of a West End cinema and its neon sign showing the Howard Hughes production "Hell's Angels."Sasha/Hulton Archive/Getty Images

In 1930, his two passions came together when he directed and produced "Hell's Angels," a film about fighter pilots during World War I. Hughes took over directing after firing the first two directors.

He didn't worry about costs — it would be one of the most expensive films ever made thus far at a price point of $3.8 million. Hughes' focus was on authenticity, and he used about 150 planes and hired stunt pilots to fly them. Three pilots died during filming.

An explosion occurs below an airplane on the set of Hell's Angels, directed and produced by Howard Hughes.United Artists/Sunset Boulevard/Corbis/Getty Images

He didn't worry about costs — it would be one of the most expensive films ever made thus far at a price point of $3.8 million. Hughes' focus was on authenticity, and he used about 150 planes and hired stunt pilots to fly them. Three pilots died during filming.

Hughes made other films, most notably "Scarface," based on gangster Al Capone's life, but in 1932, his focus was still on flying. He launched the Hughes Aircraft Company and began developing and flying modern planes.

Howard Hughes, motion picture producer, shown after a test hop in his new high powered plane, a Boeing Army pursuit ship.Bettmann/Getty Images

Hughes made other films, most notably "Scarface," based on gangster Al Capone's life, but in 1932, his focus was still on flying. He launched the Hughes Aircraft Company and began developing and flying modern planes.

In 1935, he broke the record for cross-country flying. He flew from Los Angeles to New York in 7 hours, 28 minutes, and 25 seconds.

Howard Hughes standing in front of a plane wearing aviator goggles.NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images

In 1936, then-President Theodore Roosevelt invited him to the White House to receive a special award for his flying.

President Roosevelt holds the hand of Howard Hughes, motion picture producer and famous flyer, as the president hands him the Harmon International Trophy, in Washington, D.C., on March 2, 1937.Bettmann/Getty Images

But that same year, Hughes was booked for negligent homicide after he hit and killed a 59-year-old pedestrian named Gabe S. Meyer in his car after a night drinking with a 21-year-old woman named Nancy Bayly.

Howard Hughes is shown here as he was booked on a suspicion of negligent homicide by Det. Lieut. Tom Sketchley, following a traffic accident in which Gabe S. Meyer, a pedestrian, was allegedly struck and killed by Hughes' automobile.Bettmann/Getty Images

But that same year, Hughes was booked for negligent homicide after he hit and killed a 59-year-old pedestrian named Gabe S. Meyer in his car after a night drinking with a 21-year-old woman named Nancy Bayly.

In 1938, he broke another flying record — this time for flying around the world in three days, 19 hours, and 17 minutes. He was so much quicker than expected that when he landed there were no photographers ready to take his photo.

Howard Hughes during a parade in New York to honor the record he’d just broken in 1938.Bettmann/Getty Images

In 1938, he broke another flying record — this time for flying around the world in three days, 19 hours, and 17 minutes. He was so much quicker than expected that when he landed there were no photographers ready to take his photo.

His flights weren't always smooth. He had his first plane crash in 1928 and his second in 1943 when he crashed into Lake Mead. But the crashes didn't stop him, and with all of the press around his record-breaking flights, his popularity soared.

Howard Hughes celebrates his success in a parade in 1938.Ullstein Bild/Getty Images

His flights weren't always smooth. He had his first plane crash in 1928 and his second in 1943 when he crashed into Lake Mead. But the crashes didn't stop him, and with all of the press around his record-breaking flights, his popularity soared.

Alongside movies and planes, he had a third focus — women. After Rice divorced him in 1929, he dated a number of movie stars, including Rita Hayworth and Ava Gardner. There were two versions to his dating life. One was romantic, while later records have shown a darker side to it.

Movie producer and aviation executive Howard Hughes and Ava Gardner are shown at ringside during the title bout between Heavyweight champion Joe Louis and Tami Mauriello in Yankee Stadium in 1946.Bettmann/Getty Images

Alongside movies and planes, he had a third focus — women. After Rice divorced him in 1929, he dated a number of movie stars, including Rita Hayworth and Ava Gardner. There were two versions to his dating life. One was romantic, while later records have shown a darker side to it.

Hughes used his money to woo women. For instance, while chasing Ingrid Bergman, he paid $250,000 to buy every seat on a flight so she had to let him fly her to her destination.

A portrait of Ingrid Bergman.Bettmann/Getty Images

Hughes used his money to woo women. For instance, while chasing Ingrid Bergman, he paid $250,000 to buy every seat on a flight so she had to let him fly her to her destination.

When he was courting Katharine Hepburn, he landed on her movie set in his plane. Hepburn thought it was a cheap move and got angry with Cary Grant, her co-star, for inviting Hughes onto the set.

Katharine Hepburn wearing a beret photographed in 1937.Bettmann/Getty Images

When he was courting Katharine Hepburn, he landed on her movie set in his plane. Hepburn thought it was a cheap move and got angry with Cary Grant, her co-star, for inviting Hughes onto the set.

Sex appeal played a role in his films, too. In 1943, he made a critically panned film called "The Outlaw," featuring Jane Russell. The film ended up a hit despite the negative reviews because the movie poster showed off the leading lady's body.

American actress Jane Russell on the set of The Outlaw, directed by Howard Hughes.Sunset Boulevard/Corbis via Getty Images

Sex appeal played a role in his films, too. In 1943, he made a critically panned film called "The Outlaw," featuring Jane Russell. The film ended up a hit despite the negative reviews because the movie poster showed off the leading lady's body.

During World War II, Hughes' focus turned to military planes and government contracts. He built planes for the war, including the XF-11.

Howard Hughes sitting in the cockpit of an XF-11 in 1947.Keystone-France/Gamma-Keystone via Getty Images

Another project of his was "The Spruce Goose," a H-4 Hercules built out of wood that was designed to carry troops across the Atlantic Ocean. To this day, it has the largest wingspan of a plane in history. But it wasn't finished until after the war and only made one flight.

The Spruce Goose flying boat, designed by Howard Hughes, is towed to a temporary site at Long Beach before being exhibited to the public beside the Queen Mary liner.Hulton-Deutsch Collection/CORBIS/Corbis via Getty Images

Another project of his was "The Spruce Goose," a H-4 Hercules built out of wood that was designed to carry troops across the Atlantic Ocean. To this day, it has the largest wingspan of a plane in history. But it wasn't finished until after the war and only made one flight.

In 1946, while testing one of his planes, he crash landed into three houses in Beverly Hills.

The remains of one of the houses Howard Hughes crashed into in 1946.Bettmann/Getty Images

He was lucky to get out alive, but he was badly injured — he had a crushed collar bone, a collapsed lung, cracked ribs, his heart had been pushed to the right from the violent impact, and 75% of his body was covered in burns.

Howard Hughes is shown being loaded into an ambulance shortly after his newest plane, the XF-11, crashed into three homes in fashionable Beverly Hills in 1946.Bettmann/Getty Images

He was lucky to get out alive, but he was badly injured — he had a crushed collar bone, a collapsed lung, cracked ribs, his heart had been pushed to the right from the violent impact, and 75% of his body was covered in burns.

During his hospital stay, he got fed up with the bed and designed a bed with a motor — this would be what future hospital beds were based on.

Howard Hughes resting on a bed in 1936.Bettmann/Getty Images

In 1947, Hughes went before the Senate to explain why the government had invested $18 million in his Spruce Goose when it had never gotten off the ground and had been of no use during the war.

Howard Hughes on the witness stand before the Senate War Investigating Committee today to answer questions relating to his wartime plane building contracts.Bettmann/Getty Images

In 1947, Hughes went before the Senate to explain why the government had invested $18 million in his Spruce Goose when it had never gotten off the ground and had been of no use during the war.

Hughes was meant to be held accountable, but he fought back. He accused Sen. Owen Brewster of attempting to do backroom dealings by getting him to merge Trans World Airlines, an airline he had owned half of since 1939, with another airline in return for calling off the hearings.

Howard Hughes speaks into microphones as he testifies that he did not offer to pay $100,000 if he could persuade New York officials to relax their ban against the motion picture The Outlaw.Bettmann/Getty Images

Hughes was meant to be held accountable, but he fought back. He accused Sen. Owen Brewster of attempting to do backroom dealings by getting him to merge Trans World Airlines, an airline he had owned half of since 1939, with another airline in return for calling off the hearings.

In 1948, Hughes bought the movie studio RKO Pictures for $24 million. This made him then the only solo Hollywood studio owner. He used a familiar formula for success for his movies — sex.

Actress Jane Russell stands before a surplus 167-foot Navy blimp that reads "Howard Hughes Daring Production The Outlaw" all over the sides in twenty-foot letters.Bettmann/Getty Images

In 1948, Hughes bought the movie studio RKO Pictures for $24 million. This made him then the only solo Hollywood studio owner. He used a familiar formula for success for his movies — sex.

But this time he took it further. He signed with beautiful actresses — at one point, he had more than 150 on payroll — and kept them under his control, often moving them into bugged apartments where their phones were tapped.

Actress Gail Ganley sued Howard Hughes for failing to make her a star like he had promised.Bettmann/Getty Images

But this time he took it further. He signed with beautiful actresses — at one point, he had more than 150 on payroll — and kept them under his control, often moving them into bugged apartments where their phones were tapped.

He hired assistants specifically from the Mormon Church to keep these actresses locked up. He trusted these men because they didn't smoke or drink.

Howard Hughes seated in an automobile in 1940.Bettmann/Getty Images

In 1957, Hughes married actress Jean Peters, who according to some sources was the "only woman he'd ever loved." But according to others, Peters was a cover to stop Hughes from being sectioned, and they didn't touch and only talked on the phone.

Head and shoulders portrait of Jean Peters, wife of Howard Hughes.John Springer Collection/Corbis/Getty Images

In 1957, Hughes married actress Jean Peters, who according to some sources was the "only woman he'd ever loved." But according to others, Peters was a cover to stop Hughes from being sectioned, and they didn't touch and only talked on the phone.

Along with buying planes and movies, Hughes also used his fortune to buy power. He contributed up to $400,000 a year in political donations for all sorts of public figures, from local tax assessors to vice presidents.

Setting at a bank of microphones, multi-millionaire, aviator, film producer and director Howard Hughes answers questions before Congress, Washington DC, August 1947.Alan Band/Keystone/Getty Images

Along with buying planes and movies, Hughes also used his fortune to buy power. He contributed up to $400,000 a year in political donations for all sorts of public figures, from local tax assessors to vice presidents.

In 1956, his political donations came under scrutiny when then-Vice President Richard Nixon asked Hughes for a $205,000 loan for his brother Donald's burger chain. Hughes agreed.

Donald Nixon, nephew of former US President Richard Nixon, speaks to the media on July 5, 1995.Sam Mircovich/Reuters

In 1956, his political donations came under scrutiny when then-Vice President Richard Nixon asked Hughes for a $205,000 loan for his brother Donald's burger chain. Hughes agreed.

As he aged, Hughes' behavior became increasingly eccentric. For instance, a report said he spent four months in a dark screening room, often naked, watching films and eating nothing but chicken, chocolate, and milk.

Howard Hughes in 1938.Bettman/Getty Images

As he aged, Hughes' behavior became increasingly eccentric. For instance, a report said he spent four months in a dark screening room, often naked, watching films and eating nothing but chicken, chocolate, and milk.

In 1966, he checked into the top floor of the Desert Inn in Las Vegas. When he was asked to leave on New Year's Eve, he responded by purchasing the hotel. This was the beginning of his erratic spending spree across the city.

The exterior of the Desert Inn in Las Vegas, Nevada, in 1967.Bettmann/Getty Images

In 1966, he checked into the top floor of the Desert Inn in Las Vegas. When he was asked to leave on New Year's Eve, he responded by purchasing the hotel. This was the beginning of his erratic spending spree across the city.

But Hughes wasn't visiting any of the places he was buying because he had become a recluse. Hereditary deafness made socializing difficult for him, and he had a growing paranoia that germs were going to kill him.

Howard Hughes blocks a camera in 1952.Bettmann/Getty Images

But Hughes wasn't visiting any of the places he was buying because he had become a recluse. Hereditary deafness made socializing difficult for him, and he had a growing paranoia that germs were going to kill him.

He cut himself off from the world, rarely leaving the top floor of the Desert Inn. From 1966 on, less than half a dozen people other than his staff ever saw him.

Howard Hughes is shown here seated alone in the normally jam-packed Senate caucus room.Bettmann/Getty Images

During this period, he faced lawsuits from his airline TWA. He was accused of hiring a CEO to basically do what he wanted, including making purchase orders from his other company, Hughes Tool Company.

Howard Hughes poses at entry hatch of one of his airplanes in 1947.Bettmann/Getty Images

During this period, he faced lawsuits from his airline TWA. He was accused of hiring a CEO to basically do what he wanted, including making purchase orders from his other company, Hughes Tool Company.

Due to the chronic pain from his plane crash injuries, he became increasingly addicted to Valium and codeine. His mental state deteriorated. He saved his urine and stopped cutting his hair. Some reports said he let his toenails grow so long he was unable to walk.

Howard Hughes smiled wanly for the camera in Kansas City in 1946.Bettmann/Getty Images

Due to the chronic pain from his plane crash injuries, he became increasingly addicted to Valium and codeine. His mental state deteriorated. He saved his urine and stopped cutting his hair. Some reports said he let his toenails grow so long he was unable to walk.

The public spotlight on Hughes began to fade as time went on. A publicist named Mike Watson offered a $5,000 reward for any photos of Hughes taken after 1968. Watson didn't clarify who the photo was for or why they wanted it.

Mike Watson, described as an industrialist-publicist, is offering a $5,000 reward for any photograph of billionaire Howard Hughes made after August 1, 1968.Bettmann/Getty Images

The public spotlight on Hughes began to fade as time went on. A publicist named Mike Watson offered a $5,000 reward for any photos of Hughes taken after 1968. Watson didn't clarify who the photo was for or why they wanted it.

But there would be no more photos of Hughes alive. On April 5, 1976, he died of renal failure on a chartered flight to Houston from his Mexico penthouse.

The body of billionaire Howard Hughes is wheeled out of the pathology department of Methodist Hospital where an autopsy disclosed kidney failure as the cause of death.Bettmann/Getty Images

But for a man as wealthy as Hughes — who had no will nor children — that wasn't the end of the story.

Mourners gather for graveside services for recluse billionaire Howard Hughes. Hughes was buried alongside his mother and father in a private sunrise service at a century old cemetery near downtown Houston.Bettmann/Getty Images

About 600 people came forward with claims on his fortune. There were 40 fake wills as well, including one that would have given the majority of his estate to the Mormon Church, along with a portion to a young gas attendant Hughes had reportedly met years earlier.

An attorney holds a copy of one of the wills purportedly made by Howard Hughes.Bettmann/Getty Images

About 600 people came forward with claims on his fortune. There were 40 fake wills as well, including one that would have given the majority of his estate to the Mormon Church, along with a portion to a young gas attendant Hughes had reportedly met years earlier.

An old wife of Hughes even came forward. Actress Terry Moore claimed she married Hughes in 1949 when she was 18 and he had been 43 and that it was never annulled. Moore later settled with the estate in 1983 for an undisclosed amount.

Actress Terry Moore stands before a giant poster of the late billionaire Howard Hughes during a press conference in May 1983 at which she again claims she was married to him in 1949 and the marriage was never dissolved by either party.Bettmann/Getty Images

An old wife of Hughes even came forward. Actress Terry Moore claimed she married Hughes in 1949 when she was 18 and he had been 43 and that it was never annulled. Moore later settled with the estate in 1983 for an undisclosed amount.

In the end, the US government — via inheritance taxes going to Texas and California — received $169 million of the estate that was conservatively estimated to be worth $500 million at the time.

Howard Hughes at the controls of an airplane in 1940.Bettmann/Getty Images

In the end, the US government — via inheritance taxes going to Texas and California — received $169 million of the estate that was conservatively estimated to be worth $500 million at the time.

Though Hughes had told his friend he only wanted to be remembered for his contribution to aviation, it was not to be. As impressive as his records were, they were overshadowed by everything else that happened during his checkered life.

Reclusive billionaire industrialist Howard Hughes in a 1947 photo (left) and in 1972 (right), which was taken in Vancouver, British Columbia, and is believed to be Howard Hughes but is unconfirmed.Bettman/Getty Images

Though Hughes had told his friend he only wanted to be remembered for his contribution to aviation, it was not to be. As impressive as his records were, they were overshadowed by everything else that happened during his checkered life.

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Inside the life of eccentric billionaire Howard Hughes, a playboy aviator who died a germaphobic recluse

Howard Robard Hughes Jr. was born in Houston, Texas, on December 24, 1905. He was the only child of Allene and Howard Hughes Sr.

The Hughes were wealthy after Howard Sr. invented a popular drill bit that could grind through granite so oilers could access Texan oil, which he licensed out.

Hughes Jr., a shy boy, inherited his father's inventiveness. From a young age, he liked to tinker with mechanics. At 11, he built the first wireless radio in Houston. The next year, he built a motorbike.

From his mother, he developed an aversion to germs. Every day, she washed him with antiseptic scrubs. She taught him that germs were dangerous and had to be fought. This obsession would take over his life in the later years.

Both of Hughes' parents died within two years of each other, and at 19, he inherited his father's company and 75% of his fortune. His aunt arranged a marriage for him to Ella Botts Rice, a daughter from another respected Texan family, hoping it would keep him steady after the loss of his parents.

But it didn't. Instead Hughes, who was not interested in running his father's company, dropped out of university and moved to Los Angeles with Rice so he could chase his two dreams — directing cinema and flying planes.

The movies came first. After his first movie "Swell Hogan" flopped in 1926, he produced two respectable hits, including "Two Arabian Knights," which won an Academy Award.

At the same time, he learned how to fly. In 1928, he earned his pilot's license.

In 1930, his two passions came together when he directed and produced "Hell's Angels," a film about fighter pilots during World War I. Hughes took over directing after firing the first two directors.

He didn't worry about costs — it would be one of the most expensive films ever made thus far at a price point of $3.8 million. Hughes' focus was on authenticity, and he used about 150 planes and hired stunt pilots to fly them. Three pilots died during filming.

Hughes made other films, most notably "Scarface," based on gangster Al Capone's life, but in 1932, his focus was still on flying. He launched the Hughes Aircraft Company and began developing and flying modern planes.

In 1935, he broke the record for cross-country flying. He flew from Los Angeles to New York in 7 hours, 28 minutes, and 25 seconds.

In 1936, then-President Theodore Roosevelt invited him to the White House to receive a special award for his flying.

But that same year, Hughes was booked for negligent homicide after he hit and killed a 59-year-old pedestrian named Gabe S. Meyer in his car after a night drinking with a 21-year-old woman named Nancy Bayly.

In 1938, he broke another flying record — this time for flying around the world in three days, 19 hours, and 17 minutes. He was so much quicker than expected that when he landed there were no photographers ready to take his photo.

His flights weren't always smooth. He had his first plane crash in 1928 and his second in 1943 when he crashed into Lake Mead. But the crashes didn't stop him, and with all of the press around his record-breaking flights, his popularity soared.

Alongside movies and planes, he had a third focus — women. After Rice divorced him in 1929, he dated a number of movie stars, including Rita Hayworth and Ava Gardner. There were two versions to his dating life. One was romantic, while later records have shown a darker side to it.

Hughes used his money to woo women. For instance, while chasing Ingrid Bergman, he paid $250,000 to buy every seat on a flight so she had to let him fly her to her destination.

When he was courting Katharine Hepburn, he landed on her movie set in his plane. Hepburn thought it was a cheap move and got angry with Cary Grant, her co-star, for inviting Hughes onto the set.

Sex appeal played a role in his films, too. In 1943, he made a critically panned film called "The Outlaw," featuring Jane Russell. The film ended up a hit despite the negative reviews because the movie poster showed off the leading lady's body.

During World War II, Hughes' focus turned to military planes and government contracts. He built planes for the war, including the XF-11.

Another project of his was "The Spruce Goose," a H-4 Hercules built out of wood that was designed to carry troops across the Atlantic Ocean. To this day, it has the largest wingspan of a plane in history. But it wasn't finished until after the war and only made one flight.

In 1946, while testing one of his planes, he crash landed into three houses in Beverly Hills.

He was lucky to get out alive, but he was badly injured — he had a crushed collar bone, a collapsed lung, cracked ribs, his heart had been pushed to the right from the violent impact, and 75% of his body was covered in burns.

During his hospital stay, he got fed up with the bed and designed a bed with a motor — this would be what future hospital beds were based on.

In 1947, Hughes went before the Senate to explain why the government had invested $18 million in his Spruce Goose when it had never gotten off the ground and had been of no use during the war.

Hughes was meant to be held accountable, but he fought back. He accused Sen. Owen Brewster of attempting to do backroom dealings by getting him to merge Trans World Airlines, an airline he had owned half of since 1939, with another airline in return for calling off the hearings.

In 1948, Hughes bought the movie studio RKO Pictures for $24 million. This made him then the only solo Hollywood studio owner. He used a familiar formula for success for his movies — sex.

But this time he took it further. He signed with beautiful actresses — at one point, he had more than 150 on payroll — and kept them under his control, often moving them into bugged apartments where their phones were tapped.

He hired assistants specifically from the Mormon Church to keep these actresses locked up. He trusted these men because they didn't smoke or drink.

In 1957, Hughes married actress Jean Peters, who according to some sources was the "only woman he'd ever loved." But according to others, Peters was a cover to stop Hughes from being sectioned, and they didn't touch and only talked on the phone.

Along with buying planes and movies, Hughes also used his fortune to buy power. He contributed up to $400,000 a year in political donations for all sorts of public figures, from local tax assessors to vice presidents.

In 1956, his political donations came under scrutiny when then-Vice President Richard Nixon asked Hughes for a $205,000 loan for his brother Donald's burger chain. Hughes agreed.

As he aged, Hughes' behavior became increasingly eccentric. For instance, a report said he spent four months in a dark screening room, often naked, watching films and eating nothing but chicken, chocolate, and milk.

In 1966, he checked into the top floor of the Desert Inn in Las Vegas. When he was asked to leave on New Year's Eve, he responded by purchasing the hotel. This was the beginning of his erratic spending spree across the city.

But Hughes wasn't visiting any of the places he was buying because he had become a recluse. Hereditary deafness made socializing difficult for him, and he had a growing paranoia that germs were going to kill him.

He cut himself off from the world, rarely leaving the top floor of the Desert Inn. From 1966 on, less than half a dozen people other than his staff ever saw him.

During this period, he faced lawsuits from his airline TWA. He was accused of hiring a CEO to basically do what he wanted, including making purchase orders from his other company, Hughes Tool Company.

Due to the chronic pain from his plane crash injuries, he became increasingly addicted to Valium and codeine. His mental state deteriorated. He saved his urine and stopped cutting his hair. Some reports said he let his toenails grow so long he was unable to walk.

The public spotlight on Hughes began to fade as time went on. A publicist named Mike Watson offered a $5,000 reward for any photos of Hughes taken after 1968. Watson didn't clarify who the photo was for or why they wanted it.

But there would be no more photos of Hughes alive. On April 5, 1976, he died of renal failure on a chartered flight to Houston from his Mexico penthouse.

But for a man as wealthy as Hughes — who had no will nor children — that wasn't the end of the story.

About 600 people came forward with claims on his fortune. There were 40 fake wills as well, including one that would have given the majority of his estate to the Mormon Church, along with a portion to a young gas attendant Hughes had reportedly met years earlier.

An old wife of Hughes even came forward. Actress Terry Moore claimed she married Hughes in 1949 when she was 18 and he had been 43 and that it was never annulled. Moore later settled with the estate in 1983 for an undisclosed amount.

In the end, the US government — via inheritance taxes going to Texas and California — received $169 million of the estate that was conservatively estimated to be worth $500 million at the time.

Though Hughes had told his friend he only wanted to be remembered for his contribution to aviation, it was not to be. As impressive as his records were, they were overshadowed by everything else that happened during his checkered life.