Contributed by Joe Montero

John Clarke was one of Australia’s best satirists, whose grasp of national affairs was best known as part of the Clarke and Dawe satire team. No politician escaped the lampooning. The comedy has a serious side in that it contributed to raising a range of issues to the public light.

Having had the privilege of speaking to him in the past, it did not take long to realise that the character on the screen was in many ways the real person. His sense of humour was infectious and behind it there was a deep humanity.

John did much more than make us laugh. He helped us to think and by doing this he stood above the ordinary.

Dave was born in New Zealand and became an icon of Australia. Those who are old enough might remember him as the Kiwi farmer Fred Dagg. He was also an actor and a writer for television, film and stage musicals.

John Clarke died of natural causes at the young age of 68, while in the Grampians National Park, taking photos of birds.

Australia has lost a great man. He will be missed, but also remembered.

 

The most recent episode of Clarke and Dawe