The petty crook and one-time actor behind the iconic 'succulent Chinese meal' video always maintained that all was not as it seemed in the footage.
Jack Karlson - the man behind the iconic 'democracy manifest' clip - died a week after his 82nd birthday, with his family saying he lived 'a full and colourful' life.
Karlson's path to becoming an Australian legend came on October 11, 1991, when atelevision news crew filmed him shouting at police outside theChina Sea Restaurant in Brisbane.
The outburst first went viral when it was uploaded to YouTube in 2009,awakening a new generation to the legendary larrikin encounter.
But Karlson never diverted from his claim that it was all a mix-up and case of mistaken identity that led to him being arrested and escorted out of the Chinese restaurant, where he'd been havinglunch with a friend.
However, it was not his guilt or innocence in the matter that made him famous, though, it was his theatrical response to his arrest, which he hammed up for the TV crew who were there because they had been tipped off by the police - a tip off the police were soon to regret.
'Gentlemen, this is democracy manifest,' he said in a deep, mellifluous, Shakespearean actor's voice, during the arrest.
'Have a look at the headlock here.See that chap over there? Get your hand off my penis! Get your hand off my penis,' he roared with gusto.
Though he is famous for getting arrested in 1991 - video of which has been going viral for years - the late Jack Karlson (pictured) always maintained that all was not as it seemed
Jack Karlson, who died on Wednesday surrounded by family, is pictured with his nieceKim Edwards
'This is the bloke who got me on the penis before. Why did you do this to me? For what reason? What is the charge? Eating a meal? A succulent Chinese meal?'
In his later years, Mr Karlsonsuffered from many health conditions, including systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) and cancer.
Karlsondied on Wednesday surrounded by loved ones.
'He walked a full and colourful path and despite the troubles thrown at him, he lived by his motto – to keep on laughing,' a family statement read.
'Jack leaves daughter Heidi, his son Erik, his nieces Kim, Kelly and Kerry, and nephew Karl, grandchildren Terri-Lace and Nec and many grand nieces and nephews behind, along with countless others whose lives he touched. He will be sorely missed.'
His niece Kim Edwards revealed that Karlson had spent the last few weeks of his life in hospital.
And just as he had done while in custody decades ago, he tried to free himself from the hospital too.
'He had a few attempts to escape and pulled his cords out a couple of times and asked us many time to sneak in his pipe,' Ms Edwards said.
'He was battling many ailments but what got him in the end was SIRS.'
A fundraiser was set up for Karlson after he was diagnosed with prostate cancer and needed surgery for cataracts, and has so far generated more than $8,500 in funds.
'He was very thankful for the positive response to his GoFundMeand everyone who donated,' Ms Edwards said.
'This money will now go towards his funeral.
'As a final send off we gave uncle a last taste of red wine through his drip just before it was removed.
'We are still deciding what we want to do in regards to the funeral. We will post updates on the GoFundMe page.'
Ms Edwards previously said she hoped people could 'dig deep' to support her uncle.
'I know Jack's video has given a lot of people joy and he has inspired many memes, t-shirts and other things over the years but Jack himself is doing it quite tough,' she wrote.
'He has never had much money but has always been generous to family and friends. He lives week to week in regional QLD with the help of a voluntary carer.
'Hoping people can dig deep – I think he's worth at least a beer, maybe even a 6-pack.'
Last week his niece said Karlson wasn't doing well in an update to the fundraiser.
'He has been in hospital for two weeks now,' she wrote. 'He has had multiple procedures but things are not looking good.
'One thing that did lift his spirits was that the GoFundMe was taking off. He has been really appreciative of the donations and the comments.'
A documentary about Karlson, The Man who Ate a Succulent Chinese Meal, is set for release next year.
Director Heath Davis said the crew is 'heartbroken' with the news of Karlson's death, calling him an 'icon'.
'Jack lived a life unlike any other. In fact, he's such a larger than life figure who's survived such adversity, it's hard to believe he's left us,' he said.
'Jack's inherent ability to always see the bright side of life despite the insurmountable hardship is something I'll carry forward with me in my own life.
'There really is only one Jack Karlson and he truly was Australia's last larrikin.'
Karlson (pictured centre) always claimed his 1991 arrest was a case of mistaken identity
Mr Davis said Australia has 'lost an icon'.
'Our thoughts and prayers go out to his beloved family today especially his daughter Heidi, niece Kim and nephew Karl,' he said.
'Jack's spark will forever live on much like his infamous viral video.
'I'll be having a beer and a succulent Chinese meal in his honour tonight. You can finally rest in peace, mate.'
He said telling Karlson's story was an 'honour and privilege' and confirmed the team remains committed to bringing the documentary to the big screen.
'Collaborating with Jack has been one of the most rewarding and fascinating creative journeys to date.'
Outside of the famous arrest, Karlson was known for several prison escapes throughout his life.
Karlson told ABC's Earshot how he had escaped from Boggo Road Gaol in 1996 by jumping off a train on the way to a court hearing for breaking, entering and stealing.
He added on a separate occasion he had walked out of his court cell and impersonated a detective after he was arrested in a stolen car in the western Sydney suburb of Parramatta.
