John Cornell


John Cornell is an Australian film producer, writer, actor, and businessman who was born in Kalgoorlie, Western Australia. He is best known for his role as "Strop" in The Paul Hogan Show, and he was instrumental in the introduction of World Series Cricket in 1977.

Career

As a journalist, Cornell reported on local events in Perth for The Daily News.
In 1971, while working as a producer for the television show A Current Affair, Cornell recognized the talents of a Sydney Harbour Bridge rigger, Paul Hogan. Cornell became Hogan's manager and often appeared alongside him in his popular television show, The Paul Hogan Show, as a character called "Strop". 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.
Cornell worked closely with Kerry Packer and Austin Robertson in setting up World Series Cricket in 1977. Based on a suggestion in 1976 by Dennis Lillee, Cornell presented the idea to Kerry Packer—primarily with the aim of providing better financial rewards to the players. Cornell was actively involved in the recruitment of players for WSC, for example travelling to New Zealand to sign players. Cornell engaged the Mojo agency to produce radio and television advertisements to promote WSC—including the production of the jingle "C'mon Aussie C'mon".

Personal life

Cornell was born in Kalgoorlie, but grew up in Bunbury in Western Australia. He states that he was considered a "ratbag" at school, but he topped the class in both English and economics at Bunbury High.
Cornell married Australian television personality Delvene Delaney in 1977, and they have two children: Allira and Liana. He was married twice before, and has a daughter from one of those marriages.
Until its sale for a record price of $65 million in 2007, Cornell owned the Beach Hotel in Byron Bay.
Cornell suffers from Parkinson's disease and has undergone deep brain stimulation to alleviate the symptoms. The disease had rendered Cornell largely immobile; however, treatment by Peter Silburn at St Andrew's War Memorial Hospital in Brisbane enabled him to "enjoy 2km walks with his wife".
Cornell and Paul Hogan were investigated for alleged tax evasion as part of the Australian Taxation Office's Project Wickenby which commenced in 2004. They were also investigated by the Australian Crime Commission "over the use of offshore accounts to bank royalties from the Crocodile Dundee films". They were later cleared of any wrongdoing by the ACC. In 2012 Hogan and Cornell confirmed that they had settled the eight-year dispute with the ATO.

Filmography

Cornell has been involved in various roles in the following projects: