Sam Simmons (comedian)

Sam Simmons
Born	1977 Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
Occupation(s)	Comedian, actor, presenter
Years active	2001–present
Known for	Stand-up comedy, television appearances, radio presenting
Notable work	The Steve Promise Story, Death of a Sails-Man, Spaghetti for Breakfast, Problems, Squinters

Sam Simmons (born 1977) is an Australian entertainer known for his work as a comedian, actor, and presenter on both radio and television. He has performed extensively on the stand-up circuit and appeared on TV across Australia, the United States, and the United Kingdom. Among his accolades is the prestigious Helpmann Award for Best Comedy Performer, which he received in 2014.

Early life and education

Hailing from Adelaide, South Australia, Simmons was brought up by a single mother who worked full-time. He has spoken openly about a difficult upbringing, including an attempted suicide at age 13. His comedic influences include classic shows such as The Goodies and Fawlty Towers, with John Cleese’s portrayal of Basil Fawlty cited as a significant inspiration.

Live

Simmons launched his comedy career in 2001, initially performing as part of a duo. Over time, he honed a distinctive comedic voice through appearances in various venues, eventually securing a spot at the Local Laughs night. In 2003, he debuted The Steve Promise Story at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival (MICF).

In 2014, Simmons delivered a talk at TEDxSydney and created Death of a Sails-Man, a solo show that fused monologue with musical performance. His 2015 production Spaghetti for Breakfast, which won awards, showcased his trademark absurdist humor alongside deeply personal material including his teenage suicide attempt.

Operating out of Sydney, Los Angeles, and London, Simmons partnered with comedian Dr Brown to develop a television series and co-starred in their collaborative stage show Ceremony at London's Soho Theatre. Returning to MICF in 2016, he presented Not a People Person.

Although Simmons announced a break from live touring in 2019 to concentrate on acting and writing for television, he continued performing with 26 Things You're Doing Wrong with Sam Simmons at various festivals. That year also saw him complete a ten-night stint at Soho Theatre in London while working on his solo show FUNT.

During the Adelaide Fringe festivals of 2021 and 2022, Simmons appeared with shows such as Sam Simmons is Putting Things on His Knee to Raise Awareness for People Who Not have Good Knees and Be a Verb. In March 2024, he premiered Man With A Fork In A World Full Of Soup, garnering favorable critical response.

John Bailey from The Sydney Morning Herald described Simmons’ comedic approach as an energetic blend of physical humor, musical elements, sketches, puns, one-liners, mime, audience interaction, visual jokes, observational insights, and meta-comedy.

TV and radio

Beginning in 2003, Simmons has frequently appeared on television as a stand-up performer, guest star, and actor including a leading role in the comedy series Squinters. His TV credits include appearances on networks such as NBC, BBC, Channel 4, Comedy Central, and Australian broadcasters like ABC.

After moving to Los Angeles in 2013, he featured on Conan, where host Conan O'Brien commended his distinctive comedic style. His US television appearances also include Adam Devine's House Party, while UK credits feature shows like 8 Out of 10 Cats and Room 101.

On radio, Simmons first appeared as a guest on Melbourne’s Triple R morning program The Pinch in 2003 before becoming a regular presenter on national broadcaster Triple J starting in 2005. Between 2007 and 2009 he contributed to JTV, which paved the way for his initial television project, The Urban Monkey with Murray Foote, launched in 2009.

In 2012, he created the sketch comedy series Problems, characterized by its surreal humor consistent with his stand-up style. After relocating to Los Angeles, Simmons filmed a US pilot in Albuquerque alongside David Quirk in 2013; this project was described as "a reality show about animals."

In 2017, he provided the voice for Mr Wallaby in the children’s series Peppa Pig. He also appeared in the Australian comedy competition show LOL: Last one Laughing in 2020.

Since 2022, Simmons has hosted the podcast Niche as Quiche, which delves into specialized topics. Additionally, he has been featured on the comedy quiz program Dirty Laundry Live.

On July 23, 2025, Simmons appeared in Episode 15 of The 24 Hour Check-In, where he reviewed the Town and Country Motel located in Strathfield, New South Wales.

Awards

• 2003: Recipient of the Moosehead Award for The Steve Promise Story
• 2006: Awarded the Groggy Squirrel Critics' Prize for Tales from the Erotic Cat (recognizing Australian performers only)
• 2008: Honored with the MICF Directors' Choice Award for Where can I win a bear around here?
• 2010: Winner of the MICF Golden Gibbo Award alongside David Quirk for The Incident
• 2010: Awarded the MICF Piece of Wood Award for Fail
• 2011: Best Comedy Award at Adelaide Fringe for Sam Simmons and the Precise History of Things
• 2011: Recipient of The Sydney Morning Herald M Award for Best Comedy
• 2014: Director's Choice Award at Sydney Comedy Festival for Death of a Sails-Man
• 2014: Honored with the Helpmann Award for Best Comedy Performer
• 2015: Joint winner of the Underbelly Edinburgh Award at Adelaide Fringe for Spaghetti For Breakfast
• 2015: Winner of the Barry Award at MICF for Spaghetti for Breakfast
• 2015: Secured the Edinburgh Fringe Comedy award for Spaghetti for Breakfast
  • Note:** The Barry and Edinburgh Comedy Awards rank among the most prestigious comedy honors; Simmons is one of only two artists, alongside American comedian Phil Burgers, to have claimed both accolades for the identical show.

Nominations

• 2003: National finalist in Triple J's Raw Comedy Competition
• 2005: Nominated for the Golden Gibbo at MICF
• 2006: Contender for the MICF Barry Award with Tales from the Erotic Cat
• 2011: MICF Barry Award nominee for Precise History of Things
• 2011: Nominated for Edinburgh Best Comedy Award with Meanwhile
• 2012: Candidate for Helpmann Award for Best Comedy Performer
• 2014: Edinburgh Best Comedy Award nominee with Death of a Sails-man

Personal life

Simmons is married to Roslyn Durnford. In February 2019, he shared news of becoming a father and expressed his intention to prioritize family commitments.

He prefers living in LA due to its distinctive culture, where he practices yoga and refrains from alcohol, a contrast to his lifestyle elsewhere.

Simmons experiences synaesthesia and holds a deep affection for animals, having once contemplated careers in animal husbandry or as a zookeeper. He aims to produce wildlife documentaries inspired by figures like David Attenborough. His longtime companion Stuart Peevor characterizes him as "generous" and "warm."

Filmography

Television/Film

Year	Title	Role	Notes
2022	The Strange Chores	Bad Tony (voice)	14 episodes
2021	Bluey	Bob (voice)	1 episode
2021	Stand up for Mental Health	Self	TV Specials
2021	Wakefield	Pete Seamen	8 episodes
2020	Drunk History Australia	Tanky	1 episode
2018-20	Hughesy, We Have a Problem	Self	5 episodes
2018-19	Squinters	Lukas	12 episodes
2019	Mr Black	Barry Donato	1 episode
2017	Get Krack!n	Creepy Dude	3 episodes
2017	Peppa Pig: My First Cinema Experience	Mr Wallaby
2016	Peppa Pig	Mr Wallaby (voice)	1 episode
2015-16	Drunk History	Various roles	2 episodes
2015	Sky Comedy Christmas Shorts	Joke Writer	1 episode
2015	No Activity	Glen	2 episodes
2015	Rotters	Ears	TV Movie
2015	'Sam Simmons: Wallstud'	'Sam'	'3 episodes'
'2015'	'Alt Tab'	'Time of Death Man'
'2014'	"It's A Date"	"Ray"	"1 episode"
'2014'	"Ad Nauseum"	"Hamish"
'2012'	"Problems"	"Sam / Uncle Warrick"	"4 episodes"
'2010'	"Fail" (Warehouse Comedy Festival standup)	"Himself"	"DVD release"
'2009'	"The Urban Monkey"	"Murray Foote"	"11 episodes"