Andrew Thomas Lee, an Australian comedian, also works as a television host, musician and writer of books for children. He rose to prominence by teaming up with Hamish Blake in the comedy partnership known as Hamish & Andy.
Anh Do is a well-loved Australian entertainer, described as a bestselling comedian and author. Born on June 2, 1977, he is an Australian of Vietnamese heritage, having fled Vietnam with his family as refugees in 1980. In 1982, at the age of three, he relocated to Australia as part of a group of 47 people. The voyage across the Indian Ocean was extremely difficult, marked by incidents such as pirate assaults, severe thirst, and confinement in a refugee camp in Malaysia. His mother raised him and his siblings on low wages, and at age 13, he made a promise to buy her a house. Khoa Do is his sibling, and he is a film director. He pursued a Business Law degree concurrently at the University of Technology, Sydney. Although initially interested in law, achieving a score of 98 in the HSC secured his place there; however, he discontinued his studies just six months before graduation, choosing to dedicate more time to art classes instead. His brother, Khoa Do, directed numerous films in which he appeared, notably *Footy Legends*, for which he also served as a co-writer and producer. In 2003, he co-produced The Finished People , receiving praise from Margaret Pomeranz. Anh Do is known for his autobiographical work, particularly The Happiest Refugee (2010), which won Australian Book of the Year and other awards in 2011. He tours with The Happiest Refugee Live . As a bestselling author, he writes laugh-out-loud, fully illustrated books, including the ‘WeirDo’ chapter book series, 'Smarty Pup', ‘Pow Pow Pig’, the ‘Ninja Kid’ series starting with ‘From Nerd to Ninja’, 'Hot Dog', 'Wolf Girl', the ‘Sky Dragon’ series, 'The Champ', and 'E-Boy'. He has also recently taken up painting, describing it as a mix of bliss and torture. His paintings are often completed quickly due to time constraints with his three sons and a daughter, and he paints portraits because he is interested in people's emotions and experiences. He has been recognized as a finalist four times in the Archibald Prize, securing the People’s Choice Award in 2017, following two previous nominations. Anh Do presented *Anh's Brush with Fame* on ABC TV from 2016 to 2021; the show is currently in its fourth season. Prior to this, he hosted *Made in China with Anh Do*. He has entertained audiences by performing at both the Melbourne International Comedy Festival and the Sydney Opera House, consistently playing to capacity venues.
Anthony Ackroyd is a multifaceted Australian entertainer, born on June 30, 1958, in Hobart, Tasmania. He spent his formative years in the suburb of Warrane. Having earned a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Tasmania, with a specialization in English Literature, European Literature, and Philosophy, Ackroyd’s professional life includes work in comedy, writing, public speaking, music, acting, coaching, and education. He is considered by some to be the 'father of the Australian comedy scene' after performing for 30 years. Ackroyd launched his comedy career in the 1980s at the Sydney Comedy Store, quickly gaining recognition. His television appearances began during this period, including shows like The Video Comedy Store , Hey Hey It’s Saturday , and The Midday Show . He became a cast member of ABC TV’s The Big Gig from 1989 to 1991, which helped him gain national prominence. Throughout the 1990s, he continued to appear on popular programs such as Good News Week , Tonight Live , Mornings with Kerri-Anne , and Pizza . Ackroyd is known for his intelligence, quick wit, and ability to connect with audiences, often employing impressions of celebrities and politicians, including a notable portrayal of former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd in The Comedy Company . He also contributed material to Jim Carrey’s Ace Ventura and co-starred in the film Reckless Kelly . Beyond stand-up, Ackroyd has explored various avenues within the entertainment industry. He performed the comedy monologue 'Karma Comedian' on The Smallest Room in the House and was a cast member of Thank God It’s Friday! from 1996 to 2021. His one-man shows, including Anthony Ackroyd in His Own Little World , Ecstasy and How To Get It , At Last The Truth About Everything , and The Fruit of My Lions , showcase his versatility. He has worked extensively in Australia, the USA, the UK, New Zealand, and Asia, performing internationally and even at ANZ Stadium for crowds exceeding 110,000. He also pursued entrepreneurial ventures, serving as CEO of companies like Feel Betterer, Creative Call, and The Laughter Advantage. Currently, he remains CEO of Feel Betterer. Ackroyd, devoted to using amusement for health improvements, works as a clown doctor in Sydney at the Children’s Hospital. He provides humorous treatment in elderly residences and teaches about laughter's healing properties at the Quest For Life Centre.
Charles Henry Burgmann Firth, an Australian by nationality, is a comedian, writer, director, and producer. Born in Sydney, Australia in 1975, he comes from a politically engaged family; his parents took him to peace rallies during the 1980s. Verity Firth, who held a position as a New South Wales Labor minister between 2007 and 2011, is his elder sister. While attending Sydney Grammar School, Firth developed an early fascination with satire; he managed the school’s satirical magazine, 'The Tiger,' and partnered with Dominic Knight and Chas Licciardello on a student newspaper. From 1994 until 1998, Firth pursued his studies at the University of Sydney, ultimately obtaining a Bachelor of Arts degree. During this time, he edited the Honi Soit student newspaper in 1995 and directed the 1996 Arts Revue. A documentary called 'Uni' featured him as a student at the University of Sydney in 1996. The Chaser was established by him as one of its founders; initially a satirical newspaper at the University of New South Wales, it has subsequently broadened its scope to include television programs, podcasts, and live performances that offer commentary on political and social issues. Firth contributed to several Chaser programs including CNNNN, The Election Chaser, and The Chaser's War on Everything, which earned multiple Logie Awards. He played host to 'The Firth Factor' on CNNNN from 2003 to 2004, parodying Bill O'Reilly. Firth’s involvement with The Chaser has occasionally sparked debate, including instances such as the 2007 fabricated presidential motorcade during the APEC summit, resulting in arrests and negative reactions from the public, and various practical jokes directed at radio personality Alan Jones. He also co-hosts the Radio Chaser podcast. Firth authored American Hoax , published in November 2006, featuring fictional American characters, and it is considered a bestselling book. Beyond his work with The Chaser, Firth has explored various comedic avenues. In July 2007, he presented at the Festival of Ideas in Adelaide with Julian Morrow, involving audience interaction and Wikipedia edits. He launched a print magazine and news website called The Manic Times in August 2007. Firth Goes To Washington' for SBS in 2008, and co-hosted an episode of the 'Radio Ha Ha' podcast in November 2006. In 2023, he presented the comedy show 'Wankernomics' with James Schloeffel at various festivals, aiming to help people navigate the modern workplace. Firth and Schloeffel are known for biting satire and observational comedy. Currently, in 2025, Firth is engaged in developing a new comedy television series called 'Optics' for ABC TV, which he has collaboratively created. He also plays cricket for the amateur team 'The Mighty Dicks'. He is married to Amanda Tattersall, who is involved in community organizing and authorship.
Doug Chappel is an Australian comedian with a career spanning 25 years. Growing up in the Melbourne suburbs of Footscray and Sunshine, which were working-class areas, profoundly shaped his comedic perspective. His material draws directly on these past experiences, including periods of homelessness and encounters with a 'rough crowd.' Critics describe him as possessing a 'uniquely hilarious' style and exhibiting charisma while performing. He is a popular comedian in Australia, frequently performing at Football Clubs, Sportsmen Nights, Charity Events, and Corporate Functions. Chappel’s work extends beyond traditional comedy venues; he has entertained Australian Defence Force troops in Afghanistan, Solomon Islands, and East Timor, as well as audiences of up to 45,000 people at Etihad Stadium. He has also performed for political leaders, including the Prime Minister of Australia and former opposition leader Simon Crean. His career includes hosting the Australian Adult Industry Awards and Sexpo, and he has appeared on NBC in Los Angeles and at the London Comedy Store. From 2004 to 2008, he achieved sold-out shows at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, participating in over 15 such events. He released two CDs in 2004, The Funniest Man on the Planet and The Footscray Rap , which explore his troubled past, upbringing, and relationships. Chappel’s performances are characterized by his energy, hilarious facial expressions, astute observation, and charm. He has toured extensively, performing in nearly 20 countries across 5 continents, including England, Ireland, Scotland, the US, Asia, and the Middle East. He has headlined comedy clubs worldwide, including Jongleurs Comedy Club in London and The Comedy Store. His acting credits include roles in Australian dramas, music videos, and films such as 'The Reunion,' 'My Brothers Rage,' ‘The Groomeless Bride,’ and a cameo appearance in 'The Heckler.' He holds degrees in Psychology, Youth Work, Counselling, and Science from Monash University, receiving the Golden Key award for academic excellence. He continues to regularly tour Australia and overseas, performing on cruise ships and appearing on numerous Australian television shows.
Lawrence Leung is an Australian comedian, writer, director and actor originating from Melbourne. He began his career performing stand-up comedy, quickly gaining recognition within the Australian circuit. In 2001, he achieved early success with 'Sucker,' earning the Best Solo Show award at the Melbourne Fringe Festival. His work continued to develop, evidenced by the Age Critic's Award in 2007 for 'Lawrence Leung Learns to Breakdance,' and subsequently, the Best Local (Australian) Show award at the Sydney Comedy Festival in 2008 for the same show. Leung has also showcased his talents internationally, performing at London’s West End and the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Leung's creative output extends beyond stand-up. He frequently collaborates with Andrew McClelland, a friend since school, and together they have produced several projects. In 2009, they released 'The Paradoxical Adventures of Lawrence Leung and Andrew McClelland: Time Ninjas.' That same year, Leung starred in and wrote 'Lawrence Leung's Choose Your Own Adventure,' a television program broadcast on ABC1 and ABC2. A soundtrack EP accompanied the show’s release in April 2009, followed by a DVD release on May 7, 2009. He has also contributed to television writing, providing pranks for 'The Chaser's War on Everything,' and appeared on 'Talkin' 'Bout Your Generation' in 2009. Leung’s investigative documentary series Lawrence Leung's Unbelievable is perhaps his most distinctive work. The six 30-minute episodes, completed in 2011, explore irrational and improbable phenomena, positioning Leung as an investigator who uses quasi-scientific research and real-life experiments to test the limits of people’s beliefs. This series was produced by ABC TV Arts and Entertainment and Unbelievable Productions, with ABC Commercial handling sales. He has also appeared in television roles, including playing Dr. Elvis Kwan on 'Offspring' in 2013 and starring in 'Maximum Choppage' in 2015. Leung regularly appears as a guest on radio shows such as 3RRR Breakfasters and Get This, and co-hosted a breakfast show on Fox FM from 2005 to 2006. In 2017, he contributed to ABC Kids Play School Story Time.
Leon Errol, born Leonce Errol Sims on July 3, 1881, in Sydney, Australia, was an Australian-American comedian and actor who gained popularity during the first half of the 20th century. He began his entertainment career while studying premed at Sydney University, writing, producing, and starring in revues. Around 1896, he abandoned medical studies to join the circus as a clown, bareback rider, and acrobat, also performing Shakespearean roles like Edmund and Macduff, and participating in operettas involving singing and dancing. Errol emigrated to the United States around 1904 with dance partner Stella Chatelaine, whom he married in 1906. From 1904 to 1910, he managed musical burlesque troupes, serving as chief comedian, composer, lyricist, and librettist. By 1905, he managed a touring vaudeville company in Portland, Oregon, and also served as stage manager for the Orpheum Theatre there. He toured Australia, New Zealand, Great Britain, and Ireland performing in various theatrical settings, and around 1904, he partnered with Pete Gerald as 'Gerald and Errol,' featuring dialect comedy, ragtime piano, and a trained bulldog. He debuted on Broadway in “The Winsome Widow” (around 1911) at the insistence of Abe Erlanger. Errol’s career reached new heights when he joined the Ziegfeld Follies in 1911, performing annually through 1915 and collaborating with Bert Williams on sketches considered among the funniest Follies performances. He directed the Ziegfeld Follies shows during his last two years, 1913-1915. He achieved vaudeville success by headlining at the Palace, and appeared in twenty-one Broadway shows between 1911 and 1929. His comedic style involved a wobbly, unsteady walk, often transitioning into dance, and he frequently portrayed a befuddled, lecherous, and lying character. He starred in fifty-six feature films, including roles in the 'Mexican Spitfire' series (1939–43) as Uncle Matt and Lord Epping, and ninety-eight shorts. He appeared in films like ‘Nearly Spliced’ (1921), ‘Sally’ (1925), and ‘Clothes Make the Pirate’ (1925). He starred in numerous films between 1930 and 1951, including 'One Heavenly Night' (1931) and Joe Palooka series. Leon Errol left behind a legacy that includes a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Michael Chamberlin performs stand‑up comedy out of Melbourne. Together with fellow comic Charlie Pickering, he co‑founded the city’s comedy venue Stagetime.
Paul McDermott is an Australian entertainer, born on May 13, 1962, in Adelaide, South Australia. He is one of six children, and a fraternal twin; his father was a senior public servant while his mother managed the home. The family relocated to Canberra when he was three years old. For four years, he pursued art studies at the Australian National University's Canberra School of Art, as well as Marist College Canberra and Dickson College. McDermott’s talents encompass a wide range, with recognition as a comedian, actor, writer, director, singer, artist, and television personality. McDermott began performing at age 25 due to financial need, initially busking in 1985. He was a member of Gigantic Fly before joining the Doug Anthony All Stars (DAAS) in the 1980s, with whom he started busking in Canberra. DAAS gained notoriety at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and subsequently appeared on ABC TV’s The Big Gig . The group starred in their own spin-off TV show, DAAS Kapital , from 1991 to 1993. McDermott took lead vocals and wrote much of the material for DAAS, and the group toured nationally and internationally, even appearing at the opening of the Barcelona Olympics. DAAS initially disbanded in 1994 but reformed in 2014 with Paul Livingston replacing Richard Fidler. Following DAAS’s initial disbandment, McDermott hosted two other ABC programs and briefly worked as a morning radio presenter on Triple J from 1996 to 1997. He is best known for hosting Good News Week until 2012. He has frequently performed at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, participating in the Comedy Festival Gala and the Great Debate. McDermott has authored children’s books, newspaper articles, and compiled his columns into the book The Forgetting of Wisdom . He also wrote and directed short animated films, including three award-winning films: The SCREE (2004), The Girl who Swallowed Bees (2007), and GHOSTBEAR (2019). Since 2012, he has pursued a painting career and performed concerts featuring his own more serious songs. He currently tours with the live show Paul + 1, conceived and performed with Glenn Moorhouse, and they recorded a musical piece called I’VE SEEN THE FUTURE AND YOU’RE NOT IN IT detailing experiences during lockdown.
Peter Helliar, born on June 16, 1975, is an Australian comedian with a diverse career spanning various media. He is recognized as a comedian, actor, television presenter, radio presenter, writer, producer, and director. His journey began in the mid-1990s when he first worked the Melbourne comedy circuit. Early television appearances included being a regular on RMITV's variety show Under Melbourne Tonight in 1997 and appearing as a stand-up comic on The Loft Live from 1997 to 1998. He also made appearances on Rove Live in the late 1990s, establishing himself within the Australian comedy landscape. Helliar’s career gained further momentum with his role as a regular sidekick on Rove McManus’s show 'Rove' from 1999 to 2009. He also contributed to skitHOUSE between 2003 and 2004, demonstrating his versatility. His involvement in radio included regular guest appearances on Triple J between 1998 and 2000, and hosting duties on Saturday Morning Rove/Rove Live Radio from 2002 to 2004, as well as The Judith Lucy Show on 2Day FM in 2004. He is a popular comedian in Australia, evidenced by the success of his comedy tour, One Hot Mess , which sold out shows in both Australia and New Zealand. Helliar’s creative endeavors extend to writing and producing, including the creation, writing, co-production, and co-direction of the comedy series 'It's a Date' (2013), which won the ‘Best Scripted Format Award’ that same year. He also created and co-wrote How to Stay Married (2018-2021) and co-starred in both It's a Date and the feature film I Love You Too . Currently, Peter Helliar co-hosts The Project on Network Ten, a role he has held since 2014, replacing Dave Hughes. He also created the AFL character Bryan ‘Strauchanie’ Strauchan. His family comedy show, The Complete History of Better Books , explores his childhood interest in writing. In 2023, he was a contestant on I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! , being eliminated seventh. He is slated to appear on Taskmaster Australia in 2024 and will be competing on The Amazing Race Australia in 2024 with his wife Bridget. Helliar lives in Melbourne with his wife and three children, and he aspires to be the first person to travel back in time.
As an Australian, Rob Sitch works as a director, producer, screenwriter, actor, and comedian. After graduating from the University of Melbourne as a medical doctor, he briefly practiced medicine before shifting his focus to comedy. Since its inception, the Working Dog production company has been a defining element in Rob Sitch’s professional life, and he is a member of that company. The company’s output includes numerous successful television shows and films, establishing Sitch as a significant figure in Australian entertainment. He is perhaps best known for directing and co-writing The Castle (1997), a film frequently cited as one of the greatest Australian films. Working Dog also produced The Dish (2000), which he directed and co-wrote. His work with Working Dog extends to other productions, including Frontline (1990s) and Utopia (2014–present) for television, and Any Questions for Ben? as a film. Frontline earned recognition as number 22 in the 50 Years 50 Shows special. Sitch also demonstrates his comedic talents through co-authorship of satirical Jetlag travel guides to fictional countries like Molvanîa, Phaic Tăn, and San Sombrèro. Sitch’s early career included releasing The D-Generation: The Satanic Sketches (1989) and The D-Generation: The Breakfast Tapes (1990) albums. In 2006, Nine Network's 50 Years 50 Stars program acknowledged Rob Sitch’s contributions by ranking him as the 39th greatest living television star in Australia. Currently, Sitch continues to be involved in television production with Utopia . A stage production of The Castle is planned for 2027, demonstrating the enduring popularity and legacy of his work.
Sam Simmons is an Australian comedian, actor, and radio/TV presenter. Raised in Adelaide, South Australia, he spent his childhood there with a single working mother, and his birth year is either 1977 or 1978. Australian critics often characterize him as an exceptionally bold and unique comedian, recognized with numerous awards and considered a beloved, niche personality within Australian comedy. Early in his life, at age 13, he attempted suicide; this experience later informed his work, as seen in his 2015 show, Spaghetti for Breakfast, which included a reference to it. Simmons began his comedic journey in 2001 with a performance at a benefit show. He presented 'The Steve Promise Story' at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival (MICF) in 2003. His comedy style blends reality with absurdity, influenced by performers such as The Goodies, Monkey, Benny Hill, and John Cleese. Throughout his career, Simmons has received numerous accolades including a Helpmann Award for Best Comedy Performer in 2014, and the Directors Choice at the Sydney Comedy Festival for "Death of a Sailsman." He has also won the Piece Of Wood Award (2010) and the Golden Gibbo Award (2010), and received the Best Comedy Show award at the Adelaide Fringe Festival in 2011. His show Tales of the Erotic Cat was nominated for the Barry Award in 2006, while Where Can I Win A Bear Around Here? won the Festival Director’s Choice Award in 2008. Simmons' work extends beyond stand-up. He has appeared on various television shows including Squinters, NBC, BBC, Channel 4, Comedy Central, ABC, Adam Devine's House Party and 8 Out of 10 Cats. Between 2005 and 2009, he frequently hosted programs on Triple J radio; specifically, he presented both the weekday Breakfast and Drive Shows during 2008 and 2009, and he remains a frequent guest. He also hosted 'The Urban Monkey' with Murray Foote in 2009. In 2012, he created Problems (ABC1), a four-part series broadcast in the UK. He made his US television debut on Conan in 2013 and has performed at festivals including the Montreal Just For Laughs Comedy Festival, JFL festivals in Chicago and Toronto, and twice at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. He has also performed at the Sydney Opera House. Currently, he continues to perform to sold-out audiences worldwide, as demonstrated by his recent performance of 'Man With A Fork In A World Full Of Soup' at the Adelaide Fringe in March 2024, and has worked with animal enrichment at the Melbourne Zoo.
Albania
1
Armenia
2
Argentina
32
Austria
28
Azerbaijan
1
Belgium
13
Bulgaria
31
Benin
2
Bolivia
1
Brazil
27
Canada
118
Switzerland
17
Chile
8
Cameroon
1
China
7
Colombia
2
Czech Republic
7
Germany
188
Denmark
17
Dominican Republic
1
Algeria
2
Estonia
5
Egypt
4
Spain
74
Finland
15
France
214
United Kingdom
330
Ghana
3
Greece
18
Guatemala
1
Hungary
7
Indonesia
8
Ireland
28
Israel
9
India
11
Iraq
3
Iran
6
Italy
136
Jamaica
1
Japan
35
Kenya
3
Korea, South
20
Kazakhstan
1
Lebanon
5
Lithuania
1
Latvia
1
Morocco
17
Myanmar
1
Malta
1
Malawi
2
Mexico
28
Malaysia
7
Nigeria
19
Nicaragua
2
Netherlands
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Norway
12
Nepal
3
New Zealand
9
Peru
2
Philippines
35
Pakistan
7
Poland
8
Portugal
7
Qatar
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Romania
1
Serbia
3
Russia
9
Saudi Arabia
4
Sweden
101
Slovenia
4
Slovakia
2
Thailand
2
Tunisia
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Turkey
5
Taiwan
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Ukraine
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Uganda
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United States
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Uruguay
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Uzbekistan
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Vietnam
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South Africa
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Australia has a vibrant comedy culture with comedians performing across stand-up, television, film, radio, theatre and online platforms. From established comedy stars to emerging performers, Australian comedians are known for a wide range of styles, from observational humour and storytelling to satire, sketch comedy and improvisation.
At GiggleTime, we bring together profiles of Australian comedians, stand-up comedians, comedy actors and other personalities connected to Australian comedy and entertainment. Browse the profiles above to discover more about their careers, performances and contributions to the comedy scene in Australia.
Stand-up comedy is an important part of the Australian entertainment scene, with comedians performing in dedicated comedy clubs, theatres, pubs, festivals and live events across the country.
Australia has developed a distinctive stand-up culture, with comedians drawing inspiration from everyday Australian life, relationships, culture and current events. The country's comedy scene also includes performers with very different approaches to humour, ranging from observational comedy and personal storytelling to satire, dark humour, character comedy and improvisation.
Melbourne has a particularly strong reputation for live comedy and is home to the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, one of Australia's major comedy events. Comedy is also a significant part of the entertainment scenes in Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide and other cities around the country.
Australia has produced many comedians who have become well known both nationally and internationally. Some built their careers through live stand-up, while others became recognised through television, films, radio, theatre or comedy writing.
Australian comedians have also appeared in major international productions, helping introduce Australian humour and performers to audiences around the world. Many comedy performers work across multiple areas of entertainment, combining stand-up with acting, writing, presenting, podcasting or television.
The Australian comedy scene continues to introduce new performers alongside established names, giving audiences a constantly changing selection of comedic voices and styles.
Australian comedy extends far beyond the stand-up stage. Television has played an important role in introducing comedians to wider audiences through sitcoms, sketch shows, panel shows, comedy series and other entertainment programmes.
Australian comedians are also active in film, radio, podcasts and online media. Platforms such as YouTube and social media have created new ways for comedians to share sketches, stand-up clips, short-form comedy and original content with audiences in Australia and around the world.
This combination of live performance, traditional media and digital platforms has helped create opportunities for both established Australian comedians and new comedy talent.
Explore our collection of Australian comedians and comedy personalities above to discover performers from different generations and areas of Australia's comedy scene.
Use the search feature to find a particular comedian or browse the directory to discover new names. Individual profiles may include biographical information, career details, performances, photographs and other interesting facts.
Whether you are looking for Australian stand-up comedians, famous Australian comedians, comedy actors, television comedians or emerging comedy talent, GiggleTime makes it easy to discover comedians from Australia.
The directory continues to grow as new comedians and comedy personalities are added.
