John Clarke dies age 68

Celebrated satirist and comedian John Clarke has died suddenly, aged 68.

An ABC spokesman confirmed John died on Sunday while hiking in the Grampians National Park in Victoria. He died from natural causes.

John Clarke - Photo: ABC

For 27 years, he has appeared on Australian television conducting mock interviews and skewering politicians with his comedy partner, Bryan Dawe.

The pair was renowned for the Clarke and Dawe sketches, which appeared on ABC TV and, before that Channel Nine's 'A Current Affair'.

The man was a true slashie: a comedian, actor and writer of television, film and stage musicals.

He came to the attention in his native New Zealand in the 1970s with the TV series 'Fred Dagg', a satirical take on the country bloke.

He co-wrote the multi-award winning mockumentary 'The Games', which was a cuttingly good series about the Sydney Organising Committee for the Olympic Games - it aired in 1999 and 2000.

He also co-wrote stage musicals The Adventures of Snugglepot and Cuddlepie and Little Ragged Blossom.

His books included 'A Dagg at My Table', 'The Howard Miracle', and 'The 7.56 Report'.

Politicians, sportspeople and members of the public have already used social media to pay tribute to his contribution to Australia.

Federal Opposition Leader Bill Shorten said Clarke was the "sharpest, driest wit on Aussie TV", and Greens leader Richard Di Natale called him a leading light of satire.

New Zealand Prime Minister Bill English tweeted his sorrow at the loss.

'7.30' host Leigh Sales said Clarke was respected by his peers and adored by the public.

"Sad to hear of the death of John Clarke, aka Fred Dagg. His humour captured the experience of life in NZ and Australia," he said.

Here are some gem clips: