John Cornell has died at the age of 80 following a two-decade battle with Parkinson’s disease.
His family released a statement following his passing, describing the devoted husband, father and grandfather as someone who made lives richer through his spirit and humour.
“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,” the statement read.
“A true egalitarian, John sought equity and equality, and fought for a fair go.”
Mr Cornell passed away surrounded by family – and wife of 44 years, TV personality Delvene Delaney – at his Byron Bay home.
In an interview last year about her husband’s condition, Delvene said, “John is the bravest man I know”.
While he had a varied career, it’s his on-screen partnership with comedian Paul Hogan that he will perhaps be best remembered for. While working as Hogan’s manager, he appeared on The Paul Hogan Show as the lifesaver character ‘Strop’ – a nickname that stood the test of time.
In 1986, the pair produced Australia’s highest ever grossing movie – Crocodile Dundee.
