Australian actor, director, and producer behind iconic films and TV shows, including "The Paul Hogan Show" and "Crocodile Dundee", which showcased Australian culture to a global audience.
John Cornell, the Australian actor, director, producer, writer, and businessman, left an indelible mark on the entertainment and sports industries. He is best known for his instrumental role in introducing World Series Cricket in 1977 and for his work on the iconic film franchise, Crocodile Dundee, which catapulted Paul Hogan to international stardom.
Born on March 2, 1941, in Kalgoorlie, Western Australia, Cornell was raised in Bunbury. Despite being labeled a "ratbag" at school, he excelled in English and Economics, topping his class at Bunbury High. Cornell's interest in journalism led him to pursue a cadetship at the Daily News in Perth, where he reported on local events and eventually became the editor at just 26 years old.
Cornell's entrepreneurial spirit and passion for cricket converged when he recognized the need for better financial rewards for players. In 1976, he presented the idea of World Series Cricket (WSC) to Kerry Packer, which revolutionized the sport. Cornell was instrumental in recruiting players, including Doug Walters, and engaging the Mojo agency to produce radio and television advertisements.
Cornell's collaboration with Paul Hogan led to the creation of the character Strop, a lovable but dim-witted Australian surf lifesaver, on The Paul Hogan Show. He co-wrote and produced the screenplay for Hogans' 1986 film Crocodile Dundee, which became the highest-grossing Australian film of all time. Cornell went on to produce and direct the successful 1988 sequel, Crocodile Dundee II.
Cornell's contributions to the entertainment industry earned him numerous awards and honors, including the Australian Film Institute's Raymond Longford Award for outstanding contribution to the film industry.
Cornell's life was marked by significant milestones, including his marriage to actress, Delvene Delaney, and his passing on July 23, 2021. Despite his many accomplishments, Cornell remained humble and grounded, crediting his success to his passion and dedication.
John Cornell's innovative spirit, entrepreneurial drive, and creative vision left an indelible mark on the entertainment and sports industries. His introduction of World Series Cricket paved the way for changes in the sport, while his work on Crocodile Dundee helped to cement Paul Hogan's status as a international superstar. Cornell's legacy serves as a testament to the power of creativity, perseverance, and innovation.
"Possibly the most impressive thing about John Cornell is that he's a ratbag who's been lucky enough to make a living out of ratbaggery." - Paul Hogan
John Cornell's remarkable journey serves as a reminder that with passion, dedication, and a willingness to take risks, even the most ambitious dreams can become a reality.
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