Wippa
Michael "Wippa" Wipfli | |
|---|---|
| Born | September 29, 1979 Australia |
| Occupation(s) | Comedian, radio host |
| Years active | 2005–present |
| Known for | Co-hosting the Nova 96.9 breakfast program Fitzy and Wippa |
Michael "Wippa" Wipfli (born 29 September 1979) is a well-known Australian comedian and radio host, best recognized for co-hosting the Nova 96.9 breakfast program Fitzy and Wippa with Kate Ritchie alongside Ryan Fitzgerald and Kate Ritchie.
Early life
Wipfli was born to John and Christine Wipfli and has two sisters named Louise and Kate. He earned a certificate in building management from TAFE and worked within a freelance construction crew, which provided flexibility to engage in occasional entertainment roles. In 2013, he married Lisa Robertson, and together they have three children: Theodore, Jack, and Francesca.
Career
Following completion of a brief radio course, Wippa started his broadcasting career in Port Augusta before moving back to Melbourne, where he became a frequent contributor on the "Hamish and Andy" Saturday morning show.
His rise to fame began as co-host of the breakfast show Em, Wippa and Ollie on 92.9 (Perth radio station) in 2005. In 2009, he joined Nova FM's drive-time program Ryan, Monty and Wippa. During this period, an on-air challenge involving consuming 12 'whopper' burgers earned him the nickname 'Whopper'. After changes in the lineup in 2010, Wippa teamed up with Ryan Fitzgerald to start Fitzy and Wippa in 2011. This partnership earned them a nomination for best on-air team at the Australian Commercial Radio Awards that same year.
In 2012, Wipfli appeared as a celebrity contestant on Nine Network's Millionaire Hot Seat. He co-hosted the special program Up Reasonably Late with Fitzy and Wippa on Network Ten in 2015. The duo also took on roles as team captains on All Star Family Feud in 2016 and presented Wippa's invention, the "Mup" mint designed for coffee cups, on Shark Tank Australia. Additionally, they hosted the Nine Network series 20 to 1 for one season.
In September 2020, it was announced that Wipfli would participate as a celebrity contestant on the revived edition of The Celebrity Apprentice Australia airing in 2021.
In 2024, he joined Shaun Micallef on Origin Odyssey, where he explored his Swiss heritage.