Satirist John Clarke dead at 68
Satirist, comedian and TV stalwart John Clarke has died at the age of 68.
According to the ABC, the satirist died when he was bushwalking in Victoria over the weekend.
ABC managing director Michelle Guthrie said the unexpected loss of Clarke would be felt by everyone at the ABC.
“Australian audiences have relied on John Clarke for always getting to the heart of how many Australians felt about the politics of the day and tearing down the hypocrisy and at times absurdity of elements of our national debate,” she said.
“We have lost a giant presence on our screens. Our hearts go to John’s family, his wife Helen and two daughters, Lorin and Lucia.”
While Clarke was born in New Zealand, he made his name as a comedian and satirist in Australia after arriving in the 1970s.
He appeared on Australian TV conducting mock interviews and poking fun at politicians with his comedy partner Bryan Dawe with the duo best known for the Clarke and Dawe segment on the ABC’s 7.30 program.
Clarke also appeared in a 1980s ad for Qantas as his Kiwi character Fred Dagg.
A statement from Clarke’s family said the satirist will remain forever in their hearts.
“John died doing one of the things he loved the most in the world, taking photos of birds in beautiful bushland with his wife and friends. He is forever in our hearts,” it said.
“We are aware of what he has meant to so many for so many years, throughout the world but especially in Australia and New Zealand. We are very grateful for all expressions of sympathy and love which John would have greatly appreciated.”
Clarke’s family has asked that their privacy be respected at this sad time.
Tributes have been pouring in across social media this morning.
John Clarke was B&J’s original choice for the NZ Prime Minister in Conchords.
— Taika Waititi (@TaikaWaititi) April 10, 2017
Still going strong right until the end. From only days ago: https://t.co/AB2iG0QJ4Y #JohnClarke
— Wil Anderson (@Wil_Anderson) April 10, 2017
Vale John Clarke. As quick and dry a wit as there has ever been. Enormous contribution to Australian life & culture #JohnClarke
— Peter Helliar (@pjhelliar) April 10, 2017
John Clarke: respected by his peers, adored by his fans, loved by his colleagues with a reputation as a one of the nicest blokes. RIP.
— Leigh Sales (@leighsales) April 10, 2017
