John Cornell

John Cornell, born on February 2, 1941, in Kalgoorlie, Western Australia, is celebrated as a film producer, actor, and businessman, embodying the spirit of Australian entertainment. He gained fame for his role as Strop, a lovable yet simple-minded surf lifesaver, on the widely acclaimed television series, The Paul Hogan Show, where he frequently collaborated with the show's star, Paul Hogan.

Cornell's most significant achievement came in 1986 when he co-wrote and produced the screenplay for Crocodile Dundee, which set a record as the highest-grossing Australian film of all time. He later produced and directed its successful sequel, Crocodile Dundee II, released in 1988, further cementing his legacy in the film industry.

In addition to his film work, Cornell played a pivotal role in the formation of World Series Cricket, collaborating closely with media mogul Kerry Packer and Austin Robertson to revolutionize the sport in Australia.

His personal life includes a marriage to Australian television personality Delvene Delaney, with whom he shares two daughters, Allira and Liana, in addition to his daughter Melissa from a previous relationship. Until 2007, Cornell was the owner of the Beach Hotel in Byron Bay, a landmark pub he constructed in 1990 for $9 million, which he sold for a remarkable $65 million, marking a significant milestone in his business endeavors.