John Hepworth moved to Perth as as a child and attended Perth Modern school. During World War II he served in the Middle East, Ceylon and New Guinea. He had been married several times, his longest relationships being with the playwright and author, Oriel Gray, with whom he had thee sons, and his last wife, Margaret.
John Hepworth was a journalist, playwight and poet and was for many years editor of the Nation Review, which he helped establish. He was well-known for his column 'Outsight' in Nation Review and together with cartoonist Michael Leunig created a back page column which combined philosophy, humour, satire, irony and political commentary. Hepworth was regarded as an outstanding essayist and social commentator. He also worked for the ABC for many years, mainly as chief sub-editor on the Radio Australia news desk in Melbourne.
As a dramatist he had several of his plays performed. Hepworth also acted with the New Theatre in Sydney and together with Bob Ellis and also Steve J. Spears wrote some books for children.
