Tim Ferguson
Tim Ferguson | |
|---|---|
| Born | Timothy Dorcen Langbene Ferguson November 16, 1963 |
| Other names | Tim Awt |
| Occupation(s) | Entertainer, comedian, filmmaker, screenwriter, author, educator |
| Years active | 1980s–present |
| Known for | Member of Doug Anthony All Stars; co-director of Spin Out; author of Carry a Big Stick; educator in screenwriting |
| Notable work | Spin Out, The BBQ, Carry a Big Stick: A Life of Laughter, Friendship and MS |
Timothy Dorcen Langbene Ferguson (born 16 November 1963) is an Australian entertainer known for his work as a comedian, filmmaker, screenwriter, author, and educator in screenwriting.
Early life and education
Ferguson spent his childhood in Singapore before relocating to a rural property near Perthville, New South Wales. He is the son of Tony Ferguson, a Vietnam War correspondent who was among the first to report the Tet Offensive to international media. Tony later held executive producer roles on This Day Tonight and Four Corners at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, and acted as network liaison for ABC managing director David Hill.
For three years, Tim attended All Saints College, Bathurst prior to moving to Canberra, where he enrolled in the progressive free-school known as the School Without Walls and later attended Narrabundah College.
Early career
Ferguson's initial significant recognition came as a member of the musical comedy group Doug Anthony All Stars (DAAS), alongside Richard Fidler and Paul McDermott. The trio gained prominence on UK Channel 4 programs such as Friday Night Live, Viva Cabaret, and BBC’s DAAS Love. In Australia, DAAS featured on the comedy series The Big Gig and the science fiction sitcom DAAS Kapital.
Between 1995 and 1996, Ferguson appeared in the Australian television series Funky Squad broadcast on ABC Television. He also hosted the Logie Award-winning show Don't Forget Your Toothbrush on the Nine Network.
In 1997, Penguin published Ferguson’s novel titled Left, Right and Centre: A Tale of Greed, Sex and Power.
He was also involved in Australian advertising campaigns promoting the Nintendo 64 gaming console. Ferguson co-created, co-wrote, and hosted eight seasons plus twelve specials of his comedy clip program Unreal TV. Moreover, he co-developed and co-produced the sitcom Shock Jock alongside Marc Gracie and Chris Thompson.
In 1999, Ferguson wrote a humorous alternative version of the Australian Constitution Preamble that was published by The Sydney Morning Herald, recognized for its satirical style.
Film
Ferguson co-directed the feature film Spin Out with Marc Gracie. This romantic comedy revolves around a Bachelor and Spinster Ball. The screenplay was co-written with Edwina Exton and produced by Marc Gracie and David Redman. The story follows a gradual romance between longtime friends Billy (Xavier Samuel) and Lucy (Morgan Griffin). Filming took place in Shepparton during August 2015, with Sony Pictures Releasing distributing it worldwide in 2016.
In 2017, Ferguson contributed as co-writer to the feature film The BBQ, which starred Shane Jacobson, Julia Zemiro, and Magda Szubanski. He appeared as himself in That's Not My Dog!, sharing screen time with Paul Hogan, Shane Jacobson, and Emily Taheny. Additionally, he portrayed magician David Cockerfield in Fat Pizza. Ferguson reprised his character Julian Bousage across several seasons of Fat Pizza: Back in Business.
Comedy
In 2021, Ferguson introduced his stand-up production Smashing Life - Motivation For Idiots at the Adelaide Fringe Festival.
From 2018 through 2021, he toured his acclaimed solo performance Fast Life On Wheels throughout Australia, consistently selling out venues at festivals while advocating for improved employment and housing opportunities for individuals with disabilities. The tour extended to the United States and United Kingdom in 2022.
In 2014, Ferguson revived the Doug Anthony All Stars (DAAS) alongside Paul McDermott and Paul Livingston, who succeeded Richard Fidler as the group's guitarist. DAAS earned the Edinburgh Festival Spirit Of The Fringe Award in 2016 and delivered sold-out shows at the Edinburgh Festival, Soho Theatre, and Shepherds Bush Empire between 2016 and 2017. Ferguson remains active touring internationally with DAAS.
Additionally, he portrayed Frankenfurter in the enduring production of The Rocky Horror Show, directed by Nigel Triffitt.
That same year, Ferguson co-launched the podcast Bunga Bunga with Maynard, which went on to receive the Castaway Best Comedy Podcast Award in 2017.
In 2012, he presented his stand-up show "Carry a Big Stick," sharing personal narratives about living with multiple sclerosis and relying on a walking stick.
Teaching
Between 2016 and 2018, Ferguson taught comedy screenwriting at New York University's Sydney campus. His teaching portfolio also includes positions at Screen Academy Scotland, University of Sydney, Victorian College of the Arts, Sydney Film School, RMIT University, and the Australian Film, Television and Radio School (AFTRS).
Writing/producing
Ferguson is the author of The Cheeky Monkey-Writing Narrative Comedy, a guidebook designed for screenwriters, playwrights, and authors that explores inventive approaches to comedic storytelling and character creation.
He contributes a weekly satirical column titled The Ferguson Report in The New Daily, which reaches an audience exceeding 1.7 million subscribers.
Ferguson held the role of Series Script Editor for the ABCTV sitcom Ricketts Lane, featuring performers Sammy J and Randy.
He co-produced and co-wrote the orchestral theatrical work Billie & The Dinosaurs with Chris Thompson and composer Geoff Willis. Debuting at the Australian Museum in 2017, this production continues touring under producer Marc Gracie.
In 2017, Ferguson co-authored the feature film The BBQ, starring Shane Jacobson and Magda Szubanski.
His 2013 memoir Carry a Big Stick: A Life of Laughter, Friendship and MS, published by Hachette, details his journey as an international comedian, television personality, comedy writer, lecturer, and his experience living with multiple sclerosis.
Ferguson ventured into production in 2001 by creating the TV1 comedy series Shock Jock. In 2003, he hosted a talkback radio program on 3AK as well as presenting Big Brother The Insider during Big Brother Australia 2003.
In 2010, he served as executive producer, writer, and host of the independent late-night show WTF – With Tim Ferguson, broadcast on C31 Melbourne and directed by Marc Gracie.
Ferguson was script producer for the AWGIE-nominated web series Forgettherules. He also co-wrote and hosted eight seasons plus specials of Network Ten's Unreal TV along with Foxtel's science fiction fan program Space Cadets.
Art
Under the moniker "Tim Awt," Ferguson's artistic creations were showcased in numerous Sydney exhibitions from 2018 through 2024. These included curated events by prominent Australian art figure Damien Minton, as well as collaborative projects with artists such as Gretel Killeen and Paul Livingston. His artwork has been widely exhibited across Australia and the United Kingdom, accompanied by features in various publications.
Other roles
Ferguson holds the position of Ambassador for The Human Rights Commission for Disability and IncludeAbility, an initiative designed to assist employers and individuals with disabilities. He also acts as a patron for MS Australia and Music for Canberra, organizations dedicated to supporting music education and performance opportunities. Moreover, he represents Pandis, a charitable organization focused on researching environmental microbes linked to chronic illnesses.
Together with former members of the Doug Anthony All-Stars, Ferguson appeared in the ABC documentary Tick F***ing Tock, which explores the effects of multiple sclerosis on his life and those around him.
Personal life
Ferguson revealed his diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS) during an episode of Good News Week in 2010, although symptoms first emerged when he was 19 years old. His 2012 performance at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, titled "Carry a Big Stick," incorporated references to his health condition. As the disease has advanced, he now uses a wheelchair.
He possesses the third largest collection of Star Wars toys in the southern hemisphere.
In 2017, Ferguson was featured on Julia Zemiro's Home Delivery and performed a live charity podcast event called 'A Very Bunga Christmas' before a large audience in Sydney.
He is a vocal advocate for young Australians with MS and disabilities who reside in aged care facilities, campaigning for improved living arrangements. In 2017, he hosted the South West Disability Expo, helping thousands gain access to appropriate services.
Having supported the Summer Foundation since 2006, Ferguson champions policy reforms aimed at better housing options for young people living in nursing homes. In 2021, he spearheaded the successful Building Better Homes campaign, which secured mandatory national accessibility standards in building codes.
His ongoing advocacy and fundraising efforts extend to motor neuron disease, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, and acquired brain injury. He also hosts a podcast through the Uniting Church that features conversations with individuals living with various disabilities.
In 2018, Ferguson issued a public apology for abusive letters he had sent to TV critic Candace Sutton back in 1990.
May 2020 saw him launch the MS Australia Connections Hub, an online resource offering guidance and support for people living with MS. His approachable advice includes humorous reminders like "Physio, Physio, Physio, chocolate and Physio!"
Ferguson regularly delivers speeches at public forums and corporate gatherings on topics such as disability rights, accessible housing, social services, and healthcare. His messages consistently stress inclusivity, optimism, and resilience.
Political candidacy
During the 1990 Australian federal election, Ferguson contested the seat of Kooyong as an independent candidate opposing Opposition Leader Andrew Peacock. Running under a "Vote For Tim" campaign promoted on The Big Gig, he garnered 3.7% of the vote.
On ABC's Q&A program dated 4 May 2013, Ferguson declared his intention to stand for the Australian Senate in the 2013 Australian federal election, emphasizing that he would not present any policies himself but was seeking a candidate whose platform he could endorse. He subsequently nominated as a Senate candidate representing New South Wales with the Senator Online party.