RIP John Clarke

The SMH reports:

One of Australia’s best-known satirists, John Clarke, has died at the age of 68. 

An ABC spokesman has confirmed John Clarke passed away Sunday while hiking in the Grampians National Park in Victoria. He died from natural causes. ​

The New Zealand-born comedian and writer regularly appeared on Australian television from the late 1970s onwards, starring in everything from Kath and Kim to The Lano and Woodly Show.

Along with Bryan Dawe, he wrote and performed satirical interviews on Channel Nine’s A Current Affair and later the ABC’s 7.30 program, mocking everyone from Paul Keating to George Bush.

We remember John Clarke as Fred Dagg, who was an iconic NZ figure. But he was also a great satirist in Australia. My favourite clip is the one below of Clarke and Dawe on quantitative easing.

In memory of a great New Zealander and a great Australian. Rest in Peace and thanks for the many laughs. We are sadder for your passing.