‘Don’t be sad. I’ve had a great life’: John Shakespeare on the art of living

The beloved Herald artist John Shakespeare left the paper last year after four decades, just before being diagnosed with a terminal cancer. As he can no longer speak, I interviewed him by text message over the course of Thursday.

Fitz: Johnny, there was a lot of love in the room for you last Friday evening, when Herald people from about five generations, stretching back 40 years, gathered in a room at the Shelbourne Hotel to – I hate to say it – fare thee well. Can we start with what ails you?

John Shakespeare at the farewell last week, with fellow Herald artist Cathy Wilcox. Credit: Steven Siewert

JS: I have aggressive tongue cancer, that unfortunately has not responded to post-op treatment. It’s weird, as you would think having my tongue removed – leaving me with no ability to swallow food and unable to talk properly – would have me questioning my will to live. On the contrary, and to my great surprise, the opposite happened! The minute I woke up from the operation, at the amazing Chris O’Brien Lighthouse with no tongue, I strangely felt grateful to be alive, and was determined to adjust...

Fitz: When were you diagnosed?

JS: January this year.

Fitz: Were you stunned on Friday, to see a three-minute video message from the newly re-elected prime minister, Anthony Albanese, wishing you all strength, and saying how much he loved your work?

Anthony Albanese sent a personal video to Herald artist John Shakespeare.

JS: Completely gobsmacked! I knew he was a fan. He has a drawing I did for the Herald when he announced his engagement to Jodie [Haydon]. Of course his dog Toto had to be in it too. I always delighted in adding Toto whenever I drew Albo, he makes a fantastic prop. And I’m not afraid to say it, I love Albo as a PM. In my current situation, I’m very grateful my 18-year-old son will continue going through life with fairness and kindness as a priority in Albo’s government.

Fitz: All of us were struck by the courage you have displayed in the face of this outrageous turn of fortune. What sustains you?

JS: I’m a realist at heart, Pete, and once I know that something is irreversible I have no choice but to accept it. There is a certain sense of peace that comes from acceptance. It eliminates the need to ask “why me?” and “if only”.

Fitz: I have been told, wonderfully, that since that outpouring of love for you last Friday, there has been a small uptick in your prognosis?

JS: Haha, I think I just had a big adrenaline rush from that one! Hard not to feel better with 209 people you love, in turn, lining up to hug you!

Fitz: Are you receiving treatment for the ailment specifically, or have you moved into palliative care?

JS: It’s palliative care now. There’s a wonderful team at St Vincent’s [Hospital] who visit me once a week, or when needed. They’ve given me a bed, but I can still climb stairs and sleep with my darling wife, Anna-Lisa.

Many Herald journalists have received a Shakes caricature when they leave the newsroom. This is the self-portrait he created when he left the Herald in August 2024.Credit: John Shakespeare

Fitz: Johnny, I once read a famous book, Tuesdays with Morrie, which was about a former student of a professor with a terminal illness going to see him every Tuesday for a year to give comfort, certainly, but also to try and capture what it is like for someone to face their imminent death ... thoughts?

JS: What’s it like? For starters, it’s so busy! Endless appointments, reading and answering messages, drugs to be taken, exercise, home visits from friends etc, etc. I barely have a minute for a cat nap. I am constantly tired too. As time draws closer? I guess it will be more time in bed, I’m a bit concerned about the last few weeks. I may go to the care hospice – I’m not sure I want to have the family witness that from home.

Fitz: May I, gently, ask: do you feel despair?

JS: No mate, very rarely. Despair does come of course, mostly when I’m in physical pain, but once the painkillers kick in I banish those negative thoughts that have no solution. I’d much rather feel happy than depressed in my final days! It’s pointless to get depressed about dying. That is a given. I don’t believe in hell, so I assume Kerry Packer was right – there’s nothing there. Yeah, family and friends are sad for you, and you’re sad to be leaving them, but it has to happen one day.

Fitz: Is your waking thought every day, “Christ, this is really happening?”

JS: No that, too, would just make me depressed! I don’t give much air time to that one.

‘Shakes’ pictured in 2005 at an exhibition of his work in Paddington. Credit: Fairfax Photographic

Fitz: What you are going through will soon enough confront all of us, as we come face to face with our mortality. What advice do you have for us?

JS: My motto is “accept, adjust, adapt”. The key is to be able to accept something that can’t be changed. Only then will you find some peace. Otherwise, it will be a battle with the unmovable. Sort out your financials so that your family will be as secure as possible, and that will give yourself a sense of relief to carry into your final days. Have as much fun as your energy levels allow!

Fitz: You came from a very religious household and turned away from that. In this extremity, do you turn back to it now?

JS: Each to their own, but I can’t see myself getting back on board with someone who did all this to me just as I’ve freshly retired! No, thanks. Plus I still don’t believe a word of it, ever since that day many years ago when I found myself as a student kneeling on the floor praying for God to help me find my lost rubber!

Fitz: Tell us about your art. You and I have worked together off and on for nigh on four decades – and on for a solid 15 years – and I have loved seeing your art evolve. When did you first realise you were good at it?

JS: I think to be good at anything you need to be a bit obsessive (or passionate about something). I’m obsessive, so I had that ability to do repetitive practising without getting bored. The more you practise, the better you get, and soon people were noticing, and that fuelled my confidence.

Fitz: Who or what were your major influences?

JS: Early childhood days, Mad magazine of course, and all the superhero comics. Later years: Alan Moir, John Spooner, Patrick Cook, Leunig.

Fitz: Have you drawn your last painting, or still doing a bit now?

JS: No, no paint brushes for a while, but I did draw a small emoji collection while in hospital!

Fitz: The prime minister and Cathy Wilcox both noted your capacity to do satirical cartoons on public figures – and this is a rarity in your game – somehow, without ever being mean to your subjects. How on earth did you manage it, when the very nature of satire is to poke fun?

A Shakespeare drawing of Fitz. “Any chance you’ll say sorry now?”Credit: John Shakespeare

JS: Yes, I never see the point of making politicians ugly. I don’t see the reason to insult them like that. I prefer making them look silly, as in with a “whoops, I’ve done it again” expression – making fun of them. I prefer presenting political folly, rather than doing personal attacks.

Fitz: You have, however, sometimes drawn me as being very overweight, with a pug nose, and a face like a dropped pie. Any chance you’ll take this opportunity to say sorry now? I’m giving you one last chance, you bastard!

JS: Yeah, sorry mate! I was obviously a bit crueller back then! I think I draw you as a toned Adonis now, right?

Fitz: Exactly. You have a singularly fine family, a wonderful wife and a great son. I imagine they have eased your path?

JS: Yes they’ve been amazing throughout this, but it carries the weight of worrying about them and how they’ll be after I’m gone. That is the majorly sad part of this experience. Beyond that, other family and friends are sad for you, and you’re sad to be leaving them, but it has to happen one day.

Fitz: Anything you want to say to devoted followers of your work, as you sign off?

JS: Keep smiling and have fun!! But don’t be sad for me. I’ve had a great life, maybe two great lives!

Fitz: Onya, Johnny. We love you well. Of all the people I’ve known in this position, I think you are one who – in a profoundly moving way – will “go gently into that good night”, but on behalf of us all, thank you for the light you have brought us in your life and work.

Peter FitzSimons is a journalist and columnist. Connect via Twitter.