Tom Gleisner

Thomas Edmund Gleisner, known professionally as Tom Gleisner, is an Australian comedian, producer, writer, and television personality. Christopher Gleisner, born in Melbourne, Victoria on October 24, 1962, first studied at Xavier College and then continued his studies at the University of Melbourne, graduating with both a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Laws degree in 1987. In 1983, Gleisner initiated his professional life by collaborating with Santo Cilauro and Rob Sitch on the Law Revue Legal A.I.D.S., which signaled an early inclination towards comedy. He continued this trajectory, writing and performing in the 1985 Melbourne University Revue Too Cool for Sandals.

Gleisner’s involvement in Australian television comedy expanded throughout the late 1980s and 1990s. He was a writer on The D-Generation (1986–1987) and appeared as a guest star, further honing his skills. Between 1992 and 1993, he both acted in and contributed writing to ABC TV’s The Late Show, a program distinguished by its use of vintage video material. The establishment of Working Dog Productions in 1994 alongside Santo Cilauro, Jane Kennedy, and Rob Sitch marked a pivotal moment; their initial project was the series Frontline, which ran from 1994 to 1997. He also starred as Poncho in the 1995 series Funky Squad, which he co-created. Gleisner’s writing credits include acclaimed films such as The Castle (1997), The Dish (2000), and Any Questions for Ben? (2012), alongside co-writing The Hollowmen (2008), Utopia (2014–2023), and Pacific Heat (2016).

Tom Gleisner is currently best known as the host of Network 10’s Have You Been Paying Attention? (2013–present). He has also published four comedic books featuring the character Warwick Todd, including The Warwick Todd Diaries, Warwick Todd: Back in the Baggy Green, Warwick Todd Goes The Tonk, and Warwick Todd - Up in the Block Hole. In 2023, he wrote the musical comedy Bloom, which is currently playing at the Roslyn Packer Theatre in Sydney. Acknowledging his impact on Australian entertainment, Gleisner was awarded an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) in 2019. In addition to his work in comedy, Gleisner holds the position of chairman at Challenge, an Australian cancer support organization, and co-established Learning For Life in 2004, a center dedicated to early intervention for autistic children; this demonstrates his dedication to community service alongside his wife, Mary Muirhead, and their two children.