Wendy Harmer
Wendy Harmer | |
|---|---|
| Born | Wendy Brown October 10, 1955 Yarram, Victoria, Australia |
| Occupation(s) | Author, children's book writer, journalist, playwright, radio presenter, comedian, television personality |
| Years active | 1980s–present |
| Known for | Stand-up comedy, children's book series Pearlie the Park Fairy, radio presenting, television hosting |
| Notable work | Pearlie the Park Fairy series; novels including It's a Joke, Joyce and Love Gone Wrong; ABC documentary Stuff; The Big Gig (TV show) |
Wendy Gai Harmer (née Wendy Brown; born 10 October 1955) is a multifaceted Australian figure known for her work as an author, children's book writer, journalist, playwright, radio presenter, comedian, and television personality.
Early life and education
Born in Yarram, Victoria, Harmer spent her childhood in several rural towns before moving to the city of Geelong. There, she pursued journalism studies at the Gordon Institute of TAFE and Deakin University, eventually beginning her career as a reporter for the Geelong Advertiser.
Career
Harmer’s journalism career brought her to Melbourne, where she reported for The Sun News-Pictorial, focusing on transport, urban issues, and state politics. While working as an arts feature writer, she became involved with a comedy troupe performing at the Flying Trapeze venue, which included talents such as Ian McFadyen, Mary-Anne Fahey, and Peter Moon.
After departing from The Sun News-Pictorial, Harmer balanced part-time work at the Melbourne Times with stand-up comedy performances on her days off. She is widely acknowledged as the pioneering Australian female comedian to break into the traditionally male-dominated stand-up circuit, a milestone highlighted in the 2015 ABC TV documentary series Stop Laughing...This Is Serious.
Harmer quickly rose to headline at the Last Laugh theatre restaurant—originally owned by John Pinder and later Rick McKenna—with productions like Faking It, Sunburn Bloody Sunburn, and Sunburn the Day After. These shows featured performers from Flying Trapeze alongside artists including Mark Neale, Richard Stubbs, and Steve Vizard.
In 1987, she was appointed to the board of the first-ever Melbourne International Comedy Festival, which showcased renowned acts like Barry Humphries and Peter Cook. Additionally, Harmer has held board roles at both the Belvoir Theatre and Malthouse Theatre.
Her television career began with ABC’s children’s program Trap, Winkle and Box. Subsequently, she became part of the satirical ensemble on The Gillies Report, working alongside John Clarke, Phillip Scott, Tracy Harvey, Patrick Cook, and Jean Kittson.
Harmer went on to host ABC TV’s comedy showcase The Big Gig, which featured performers such as Glynn Nicholas, Rod Quantock, Greg Fleet, Jean Kittson, and the Doug Anthony All Stars. She also fronted her own talk show titled In Harmer's Way, spotlighting comedians including Greg Fleet.
Her international engagements included four appearances at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe: performing with Richard Stubbs as "Harmer and Stubbs"; participating in the Australian Government’s 1988 OZNOST troupe alongside Magda Szubanski and Gina Riley; presenting her solo show Love Gone Wrong, which earned "Pick of the Fringe" honors and was subsequently staged in London’s West End; and performing solo stand-up sets.
Harmer created and performed two solo shows accompanied by musicians—Love Gone Wrong and Please Send More Money—both directed by Nigel Triffitt. She also appeared on Ben Elton’s UK program Friday Night Live, sharing the stage with Dame Edna Everage and the Doug Anthony All Stars.
Her journey in stand-up comedy was featured in a 2015 episode of ABC’s Home Delivery, described as a poignant narrative of her personal and professional life.
In 2005, Harmer was profiled in Australian Story Operation Wendy, which documented her humanitarian efforts with Interplast in Fiji.
She presented her one-woman show Up Late and Loving It at Sydney’s Wharf Theatre in 2001 and took part in celebrations marking the 30th anniversary of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival in 2016.
Radio career
Harmer embarked on her radio journey in the mid-1980s at 3AK, where she co-hosted a Saturday night segment alongside Jane Clifton. By 1992, she was presenting the drive-time show Kaboom on Radio National. The following year, she became a co-host on 2Day FM's popular breakfast program The Morning Crew, a role she maintained for 11 years. In September 2005, Harmer launched a morning show on the newly established Sydney and Melbourne station Vega FM, but departed by March 2006 due to differences over creative direction.
After a hiatus, Harmer returned to radio in 2016, co-hosting the morning slot on ABC Radio Sydney with Robbie Buck. On 1 October 2021, the duo announced their exit after three years on air, choosing to conclude their tenure while at a peak.
Writing credits
Harmer has penned seven novels for adult readers, including titles such as It's a Joke, Joyce (1989), Love Gone Wrong (1995), So anyway--: Wendy's words of wisdom (1997), Farewell My Ovaries (2005), Nagging for Beginners (2006), Love and Punishment (2006), and Roadside Sisters (2009). Her 2011 release was the novel Friends Like These. Her literary works are frequently categorized under chick lit or hen lit, noted for their humorous and lighthearted portrayal of women's experiences.
She is also the creator of the bestselling children's book series Pearlie the Park Fairy, which comprised 17 volumes by 2015 and was distributed across ten countries. This series served as the foundation for an animated television show broadcast in Australia, Canada, and the United States. Additionally, Harmer transformed the inaugural book into a stage production that toured nationally in 2005.
Her debut young adult novel was I Lost My Mobile at the Mall (2009), followed by its sequel, I Made Lattes for a Love God (2012).
Harmer’s writing portfolio extends to two plays, Backstage Pass and What Is the Matter With Mary Jane?, as well as the libretto for Baz Luhrmann's Opera Australia staging of Lake Lost. She has contributed columns to prominent Australian magazines including The Australian Women's Weekly, New Weekly, and The Good Weekend.
In 2011, Harmer launched the news and commentary platform The Hoopla, aimed at Australian women; however, it ceased operations in 2015 due to market difficulties.
Television credits
Harmer’s television career includes hosting roles on programs such as The Big Gig, her own talk show titled In Harmer's Way (1990), and participation as a co-star in the World Series Debate during 1993–94. She was also the host of the 2002 Logie Awards, which garnered mixed critical reception. In 2008, Harmer both produced and presented the four-part ABC documentary series Stuff, while contributing as writer and creative producer to the animated series Pearlie, where she also made a guest appearance.
Political views
Harmer describes herself as a "tragic lefty" and "old lefty", voicing criticism of privatisation policies and considering the Australian GST system inequitable. She promotes political humility by encouraging constructive conversations between conservative and progressive viewpoints. Harmer publicly opposed the election of Republican Donald Trump in 2016.
Gender fluidity
In 2016, Harmer expressed support for embracing "gender fluidity" as a positive societal evolution, affirming that sexuality exists along a flexible continuum.
Abbott-Turnbull administration
After the 2014 budget introduced by the Abbott government, Harmer expressed disapproval of its harsh tone, highlighting a lack of positivity and motivating factors.
Republicanism
In 1993, Harmer engaged in a debate opposing the continuation of Australia's ties to the Royal Family, alongside Malcolm Turnbull. By 2015, she had openly endorsed the Australian Republican Movement.
The Greens
Harmer commended Bob Brown, the long-serving leader of the Australian Greens, recognizing his advocacy as commendable.
Advocacy
She contributed to the National People with Disabilities and Carers Council, offering guidance on disability policies, and acted as an ambassador for Interplast. In 2014, she acknowledged her family's commitment to environmental causes.
Religion
Although raised in a household without religious beliefs but with some exposure to the Church of England, Harmer identifies as non-religious while maintaining a strong interest in religious stories. Her children have undergone Catholic confirmation.
Personal
Harmer is married to Brendan Donohoe and is a mother of two. She also co-established the Angels, the women's supporters group affiliated with the local rugby league team, the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles.
Mo Awards
The Australian Entertainment Mo Awards celebrated achievements in live performance from 1975 until 2016. Wendy Harmer received the Female Country Performer of the Year accolade in 1992.
(wins only)
|- |1992 |Wendy Harmer |Female Country Performer of the Year | |-