The world of Australian television known to friends and colleagues as JC today mourns the accidental death of John Clabburn.
On Tuesday, Mr Clabburn was cutting a hedge at his Sydney home when he cut his hand with a chainsaw. The shock of the accident dropped the director ten feet from a ladder and was tragically pronounced dead later that evening.
Alison Bell, star of , said “The movie / television industry has lost one of our nicest. JC was our gentle, patient 1st AD and kept mumbling something funny to himself.”
An unthinkable tragedy. The film / television industry has lost one of our nicest. JC was our gentle, patient 1st AD and always mumbled something funny to himself. A valued part of the #TheLetdown team. Help John Clabburn’s (JC) family. https://t.co/lndtE0uM51
– Alison Bell (@Alison_M_Bell) April 8, 2021
Actor, writer and director Hunter Page-Lochard said, “It’s been an honor to work with you on Les Norton. I’ll never forget when he got me Visine drops because I was called on the set at the last minute . ” I had already ‘unsubscribed’. He had my back and was super humble about everything. “
“Timed”. He had my back and was super humble about everything. I felt less paranoid lol. Such a tragedy and what a huge loss this industry is having. I give my love to his wife and sons, God bless and RIP John Clabburn, you beautiful person. May you boss everyone around in heaven
– Hunter Page-Lochard (@hunterpage) April 8, 2021
The people who pay tribute to John include Denise Roberts – she played Nola Dibble on Home and Away in 1989 and Valerie Squires on the show in 2004. She said, “RIP to the best 1st AD I’ve ever worked with. A beautiful spirit, humble with a heart of gold and an evil sense of humor. Sleep well JC my friend, the world is a much sadder place without you. “
And Susan Prior, who played Margaret Henderson on Home and Away, said, “JC John Clabburn I can’t stop thinking about you today. I send all of my love to your family and the myriad of people you’ve been in film and with Television worked together. You made your job so easy. You are fortunate enough to work with you recently on Les Norton. You will be missed very much by so many people in this industry and beyond. “
John is survived by Melissa, his 27-year-old wife, and their two sons Josh (23) and Lewis (21).
