Paul Hogan's longtime best mate and manager John 'Strop' Cornell dies at 80 after helping Crocodile Dundee become a worldwide sensation and changing the game of cricket forever
John 'Strop' Cornell has died aged 80.
Cornell is best known for discovering Paul Hogan while working as a producer on TV show A Current Affair in 1971, before later becoming the legendary Australian actor's manager.
He and Hogan also produced Crocodile Dundee together in 1986, which remains the most profitable Australian film of all time.
According to the Sydney Morning Herald, he passed at his home in Byron Bay while surrounded by his family and children, including his wife Delvene Delaney.
Farewell: Paul Hogan's best mate and longtime manager John 'Strop' Cornell has died aged 80 (pictured together)
'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,' his family said in a statement.
'A true egalitarian, John sought equity and equality, and fought for a fair go.'
Cornell was fundamental to the establishment of World Series Cricket, which created the one-day form of the game.
He worked closely with media mogul Kerry Packer to begin the rebel competition, which sent shockwaves through the cricket establishment.
The pair launched daring raids to sign the best players in the world and Cornell played a huge role in the marketing of the breakaway comp as it rose from early struggles to become a landmark in Australia’s sporting history.
Cornell is pictured with his wife Delvene Delaney in Sydney in 2006
Comments 0
Share what you think
No comments have so far been submitted. Why not be the first to send us your thoughts, or debate this issue live on our message boards.
