John Cornell

Biography: John Cornell (born 2 February 1941) a film producer, actor and businessman. An Australian icon, he was born in Kalgoorlie, Western Australia. Cornell once managed Paul Hogan and often appeared alongside Hogan in his popular television show The Paul Hogan Show as Strop, a dim-witted dinkum Aussie surf lifesaver. He produced and co-wrote the screenplay for Hogan's 1986 film, Crocodile Dundee that became the highest grossing Australian film ever. He also produced and directed the successful 1988 sequel, Crocodile Dundee II. Cornell was also involved in the initial stages of World Series Cricket. He was, in fact, one of the prime-movers in the setting up of WSC, working closely with Kerry Packer and Austin Robertson. Cornell married Australian television personality Delvene Delaney with two children together, Allira and Liana. His daughter Melissa was from a previous marriage. Until its sale for a record price of $65 million in 2007, Cornell owned the Beach Hotel, the most recognised pub in Byron Bay. He had built it for $9 million in 1990.