‘Classic Australian character’ John Cornell dies at 80

In 1971, while working for Mike Willesee on A Current Affair, Mr Cornell met Hogan, who had been interviewed on the program, and the pair quickly became close.

John Cornell and Paul Hogan in 1975. SMH Archives

Mr Cornell became Hogan’s manager and would appear often on The Paul Hogan Show as Strop, a grimacing, monosyllabic character who always wore a surf lifesaver’s skull cap.

“John was seeking the equivalent for A Current Affair of a newspaper cartoonist, and recognized the quintessential larrikin qualities in Paul Hogan. The two teamed on the bond of a handshake, creating a 16-year run of the highest rating comedy specials, The Paul Hogan Shows,” his family said in a statement.

In 1986, the duo produced the most profitable Australian movie of all time, Crocodile Dundee.

Alongside his work in comedy and TV, Mr Cornell also left his mark on Australian sport, taking the concept of World Series Cricket to Packer in 1976.

“John’s acute instincts and sharp intelligence drove his rebellious push of World Series Cricket against the establishment for higher recognition and bigger salaries for the world’s players of his favourite game, re-imagining, marketing and capturing it in a brand-new form,” his family said.

Cornell was media magnate Kerry Packer’s confidante during World Series Cricket in the late 1970s. Fairfax Photographic

In 1980, Mr Cornell moved his family to a 48-hectare farm in Byron Bay, buying the historic Hotel Brunswick and building the Beach Hotel in 1991.

After he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2001, Mr Cornell concentrated his efforts on philanthropy.

“A classic Australian character, John Cornell made the lives he touched much richer, not only through donations, but also through his generosity of spirit, humour, humility and honour. A true egalitarian, John sought equity and equality, and fought for a fair go,” his family said.