Yet another Kiwi icon passes. But his legend will live on.
John Clarke is someone many of us remember. For me it was as Fred Dagg, singing the immortal song "If it weren't for your gumboots" played on National Radio storytime. For others it was his incredible skits on farming life and economics.
In later life in Australia, Clarke tried to shed the Fred Dagg persona. He made an indelible mark there with his scathing and incredibly intelligent political satire.
Also claimed by the Manawatu, Clarke was the voice of Wal Footrot in Murrray Ball's Footrot Flats: The Dog's Tale. I'd go as far to say John Clarke was Wal Footrot.
He died doing what he loved. And I bet his sharp wit never deserted him.
We didn't know how lucky we were.
Find out more:
- John Clarke in the library catalogue
- John Clarke, the man behind New Zealand cultural icon Fred Dagg, has died - Stuff
- Tributes flow for John Clarke - Radio New Zealand (video)
What are your favourite John Clarke memories?
Add a comment to: Haere ra, John (and Fred)