Tributes flow for renowned satirist John Clarke

Popular New Zealand-born comedian John Clarke has been remembered by a slew of prominent politicians, radio hosts and media personalities.

Clarke, 68, best known for his satirical interviews on Channel Nine's A Current Affair and the ABC, died from natural causes while on a hike yesterday in the Grampians National Park in Victoria.

He introduced the satirical mock interviews to Australian television alongside his collaborator Bryan Dawe from 1989 to 1997.

The pair famously satirised a range of prominent world figures on the show, including George Bush, Paul Keating, and Alan Bond.

Clarke and Dawe then moved on to work for ABC’s The 7.30 Report, where they continued to focus on satirical content.

"We are saddened to hear of the passing of John Clarke today," Nine's Director of News and Current Affairs Darren Wick said.

"John along with his partner in satire Bryan Dawe entertained audiences on A Current Affair between 1989 to 1997, in the days of Mike Willesee and Jana Wendt hosting the program.

"Our sincere condolences go to his family at this time, John was truly one of the most memorable and much loved people on Australian television and at Nine we will remember him fondly, his commentary and wit on political matters will be missed greatly by audiences across the country."

Clarke was born in Palmerston North, New Zealand in 1948, but resided in Australia full time from the 1970s.

Prime Minster Malcolm Turnbull posted a touching tribute to Clarke on Facebook this afternoon.

“His laconic wit was rarely wide of the mark. I should know. With lethal accuracy he made politicians and prime ministers his prey.

“We’ll wait a long time to find another John Clarke.

“In fact, we never will.”

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