Comedian John Clarke Passes Away at Age 68

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One of the most famous comedians, writers, and satirists in the history of New Zealand and Australia passed away over the weekend at the age of 68.

John Clarke was a household name in Australia, appearing regularly as a television actor and writer.

From USA Today:

After Australia’s then-Prime Minister John Howard refused to formally apologize to indigenous Aboriginal people for past atrocities, an actor who happened to have the same name as the nation’s leader read out a moving apology on a television show.

The 2000 skit on The Games was one of many culturally iconic moments dreamed up by John Clarke, a comedian and political satirist beloved in Australia and New Zealand.

Clarke’s family said the 68-year-old died Sunday of natural causes while taking photographs of birds in the Grampians National Park, a three-hour drive from his home in Melbourne, Australia. Friend and former colleague Ross Stevenson said Clarke died from a heart attack.

His death had people from both countries reminiscing about the skits and songs Clarke performed that often touched on the essence of life Down Under. The apology in The Games, a mock documentary about the 2000 Sydney Olympics, resonated and was later read out in Parliament, becoming part of the official record.

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Clarke was perhaps best known for his 27-year collaboration with Bryan Dawe producing weekly satirical political interviews. Born in Palmerston North, New Zealand, Clarke achieved fame in his home country before moving to Australia in the 1970s. He created the persona Fred Dagg, a gumboot-wearing farmer, and archetypal good bloke.

Check out this interview Clarke gave back in 2010:

Many people took to Twitter after Clarke’s death was announced to express their condolences:

Do you have a favorite moment from Clarke’s career? Share them with us below!  Our thoughts and prayers go out to Clarke’s entire family during this difficult time! 

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