If you’ve ever spent a late night in Memphis or followed the city's chaotic political history, you know the name. You probably also know the goggles, the long silver wig, and the rubber chicken often dangling from his neck. But lately, things have been quiet on the Zambodian front. It’s led a lot of people to pull up Google and ask the same question: is Prince Mongo still alive?
The short answer is yes. Robert "Prince Mongo" Hodges is very much alive, though these days he’s more of a ghost in the city he once tried to "save" from impending doom. As of early 2026, the man who claims to be 333 years old (give or take a century depending on the day) is still kicking, likely splitting his time between the Florida coast and his various properties.
Why the World Obsesses Over Prince Mongo
Memphis is a city built on grit and soul, but Mongo brought the weird. For decades, he wasn't just a local character; he was an institution. He didn't just run for mayor; he turned the entire electoral process into a piece of performance art. We’re talking about a man who showed up to court in a loincloth and green body paint. He didn't just walk the streets; he patrolled them barefoot, claiming to be an ambassador from the planet Zambodia sent to protect Earthlings from self-destruction.
He wasn't just some guy with a costume. He was—and is—reportedly quite wealthy. That’s the part that always trips people up. He owned Ashlar Hall, a massive, aging stone castle in Memphis that became a legendary (and legally troubled) nightclub. He’s got homes in Fort Lauderdale and North Carolina. This isn't a story of a man lost to the streets; it's the story of a millionaire who simply decided that reality was optional.
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Is Prince Mongo Still Alive and Where Is He Now?
Most recent sightings and public records place Robert Hodges in his late 70s. While he hasn't been as visible on the Memphis campaign trail recently—much to the disappointment of those who loved seeing his name on the ballot alongside "serious" politicians—he hasn't vanished.
Local reports from late 2025 and early 2026 suggest he spends a significant amount of his time in Florida, specifically around Fort Lauderdale. You’ll still hear whispers of him being spotted at a "Kosher Kroger" or driving one of his eccentric vehicles downtown, but the high-energy public spectacles have definitely slowed down.
- The Age Factor: He was born Robert Hodges around 1946 or 1947. That makes him roughly 78 or 79 years old today.
- The Health Rumors: Like any local legend who hits their late 70s, the "death hoaxes" pop up on Reddit every few months. There is no factual evidence to support these. No obituary has been filed, and family members or close associates haven't released any statements suggesting he’s passed.
- The Zambodian Timeline: If you ask Mongo himself, he’s hundreds of years old, so a few decades on Earth is basically a weekend trip.
The Legacy of Ashlar Hall and the "Castle"
You can’t talk about whether Prince Mongo is still around without talking about his "Castle." Ashlar Hall is a piece of Memphis history that Mongo essentially turned into a battleground. For years, he fought the city over code violations, beer licenses, and "environmental issues." At one point, he even quit-claimed the property to a local repairman just to spite the city officials who were breathing down his neck.
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The building is currently in a state of flux. It’s been on and off the market for millions, with various nonprofits and developers trying to figure out what to do with a stone fortress that once hosted some of the wildest parties in Tennessee history. The fact that the castle is still standing—barely—is a fitting metaphor for Mongo himself. Weathered, controversial, and refusing to be ignored.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Prince
People often dismiss him as "the crazy guy who runs for mayor." That’s a massive oversimplification. Honestly, if you look at the 1991 mayoral election, some political analysts argue he actually changed the course of the city's history. By pulling thousands of votes as a fringe candidate, he shifted the math in a way that helped Willie Herenton become the first elected African-American mayor of Memphis.
He’s a philanthropist, too. He’s donated to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and has been known to be surprisingly generous when he isn't busy barking at judges or "cleansing" spirits in his nightclubs.
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Why We Still Care in 2026
We live in a world that feels increasingly corporate and "filtered." Prince Mongo is the opposite of that. He’s the raw, unfiltered, barefoot spirit of eccentricity. Even if he’s retired to a quieter life in Florida, the myth of the man remains a staple of Memphis lore.
If you’re looking for a definitive "where is he this second," he’s likely enjoying the Florida sun or tending to his "moon mobile." He’s a survivor. He’s outlasted many of the politicians who tried to shut him down in the 80s and 90s.
To keep tabs on any potential Zambodian sightings, you’re best off following local Memphis community boards or checking the Shelby County property records, where his name still pops up occasionally. But for now, rest easy: the Prince hasn't returned to his home planet just yet.
Actionable Insights for the Curious:
- Check the Ballotpedia: Robert Hodges usually has a page there during election cycles; if he’s running, he’s active.
- Visit Ashlar Hall: If you're in Memphis, drive by 1397 Central Avenue. You won't see Mongo, but you’ll feel the energy of the chaos he created.
- YouTube Archives: Search for "Prince Mongo Memphis interview" to see his 80s and 90s peaks—it’s the best way to understand why the city is still obsessed with him.