John Cornell

John Cornell (2 March 1941 – 23 July 2021) was an Australian actor, director, producer, writer, and businessman. He was best known for his role as "Strop" on The Paul Hogan Show, and he was instrumental in the introduction of World Series Cricket in 1977. Early life Cornell was born in Kalgoorlie, Western Australia, on 2 March 1941. He was raised in Bunbury. He stated that he was considered a "ratbag" at school, but he topped the class in both English and Economics at Bunbury High. Although he contemplated a career in pharmacy, it was his interest in journalism that saw him gain a cadetship at the Daily News in Perth. Career As a journalist, Cornell reported on local events in Perth for The Daily News (a publication of West Australian Newspapers), becoming editor of that paper at 26 years of age. In 1971, while working as a producer for the television show A Current Affair, Cornell recognised the talents of a Sydney Harbour Bridge rigger, Paul Hogan (who had been the subject of an interview by the station). Cornell became Hogan's manager and often appeared alongside him in his popular television show, The Paul Hogan Show, as a character called "Strop" (a dim-witted dinkum Australian surf lifesaver). He produced and co-wrote the screenplay for Hogan's 1986 film Crocodile Dundee which became the highest grossing Australian film. He also produced and directed the successful 1988 sequel, Crocodile Dundee II.