It is with much sadness Film Victoria acknowledges the passing of actor, writer, satirist, raconteur and former Film Victoria Board member, John Clarke.
A brilliant comedian and satirist, John was renowned for setting the bar when it came to political comedy writing in Australia.
His weekly ‘interviews’ with Bryan Dawe entertained audiences for more than 25 years starting as a popular segment on nine’s A Current Affair before appearing on The 7.30 Report and, later, on Clarke and Dawe.
John was also well known for his screenwriting talent including Lonely Hearts, The Man Who Sued God, The Games, The Fast Lane, the mini-series Anzacs and the iconic documentary series Sporting Nation. His performances in Death in Brunswick and A Month of Sundays typified his laconic style, but none so much as the classic character of Fred Dagg.
Highly respected and adored by his industry colleagues John was equally loved by audiences across Australia who responded to his razor sharp wit and straight-faced comedic reporting.
Film Victoria’s CEO, Jenni Tosi said “John was an amazing talent, no matter what he turned his hand to, and more importantly also a wonderful, warm and lovely human being with a love for life and so many more stories he was planning to tell us. His passing is an enormous loss to our industry, leaving all of those who knew and worked with him stunned and saddened”.
John was an influential member of the Film Victoria Board from 1982-1985 and the recipient of the 2004 Bryon Kennedy Award. His enormous contribution to the Australian Screen Industry will be a lasting legacy.
Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this very sad time.