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| Peter Helliar | |
|---|---|
| Name | Peter Helliar |
| Birth date | 16 February 1975 |
| Birth place | Melbourne |
| Occupation | Comedian, Actor, Writer, Television presenter, Radio presenter |
| Years active | 1994–present |
| Spouse | Sarah (m. 2006) |
Peter Helliar
Peter Helliar is an Australian comedian, actor, writer and television presenter known for his work across stand-up, television, film and radio. Helliar rose to prominence in the early 2000s on national Australian television and has collaborated with a wide range of personalities and institutions from Rove McManus to Network Ten. He has appeared in comedy festivals, scripted productions and hosted programs that connected him with audiences across Victoria, Australia and internationally.
Peter Helliar was born in Melbourne and raised in the Melbourne suburb of Bundoora before attending secondary school in the City of Darebin. He studied at local schools and undertook courses related to performance and media which connected him with the Melbourne comedy circuit centered around venues like the Melbourne International Comedy Festival and institutions such as RMIT University and Monash University. Early exposure to Australian media personalities and programs including Hey Hey It's Saturday, The Comedy Channel, and the Australian Broadcasting Corporation nurtured his interest in performance.
Helliar’s career spans appearances on Network Ten, Nine Network, and the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, linking him to shows and figures such as Rove (TV series), The Project (Australian TV program), Good News Week, Spicks and Specks, and presenters like Rove McManus, Dave Hughes, Tom Gleeson, and Julia Zemiro. He collaborated with producers and directors associated with companies like Working Dog Productions, Screentime, Endemol Shine Australia, and Southern Star Group. Helliar’s professional network includes writers and performers from the Melbourne International Comedy Festival Gala, the Logie Awards, and awards bodies such as the ARIA Awards and the Helpmann Awards. His television presence connected him with international acts who toured Australia, including Kevin Hart, Dane Cook, Bill Bailey, Eddie Izzard, and Sarah Silverman.
On television Helliar has performed on and contributed to programs spanning comedy, panel, sketch and scripted formats, working with series creators and actors from projects like Neighbours, Home and Away, Kath & Kim, The League of Gentlemen, Summer Heights High, and Upper Middle Bogan. His credits link to production staff and distribution channels including Network 10, Nine Network, ABC Television, SBS Television, Foxtel, and streaming platforms such as Netflix and Stan (service). Film roles and cameos aligned him with Australian cinema figures from studios and festivals like the Australian Film Institute, the Melbourne International Film Festival, and filmmakers associated with Madman Entertainment, Hopscotch Films, and Screen Australia. Helliar has appeared alongside actors connected to franchises and productions that include The Castle (film), Animal Kingdom, The Dressmaker, Muriel's Wedding, and performers such as Eric Bana, Hugo Weaving, Cate Blanchett, Toni Collette, and Sam Neill.
Helliar’s stand-up career developed through live venues and festivals, performing at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Sydney Comedy Festival, Melbourne Town Hall, Hamer Hall, and comedy clubs including The Comic's Lounge, Gag House, and spaces associated with La Mama Theatre. He shared stages and tours with comedians such as Adam Hills, Wil Anderson, Charlie Pickering, Tommy Little, Ricky Gervais, Michael McIntyre, Arj Barker, Gina Riley, and Tim Minchin. Helliar also took part in charity and corporate events run by organizations like Oxfam Australia, World Vision Australia, Red Cross Australia, and festivals such as the Adelaide Fringe, Brisbane Festival, Falls Festival, and Woodford Folk Festival.
In radio Helliar has featured on metropolitan stations and shows linked to networks including Nova Entertainment, Southern Cross Austereo, ABC Radio Melbourne, and national programs like ABC Radio National. He collaborated with broadcasters and co-hosts connected to series such as Rove Live, Hughesy & Kate, Meshel, Tim and Marty, and industry figures from SCA and ARN. In podcasting Helliar contributed to and guested on series involving personalities from The Betoota Advocate, Wil & Woody, and independent producers associated with platforms like LiSTNR and Podshape.
Helliar has writing credits for television scripts, sketches and columns published in outlets associated with media organizations like The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age, Herald Sun, and entertainment publications such as Rolling Stone (Australia), TV Week, and Time Out (magazine). His screenwriting and script development work intersected with production companies including Working Dog Productions, Endemol Shine Australia, Playmaker Media, and funding bodies like Screen Australia and state film agencies such as Film Victoria. He has participated in writers’ rooms and workshops run by institutions including the Australian Writers' Guild, Screen Producers Australia, and festival programs hosted at the Melbourne International Film Festival.
Helliar’s personal life is connected to family and community networks in Melbourne and the state of Victoria. He has been involved with charitable organizations and community initiatives linked to groups such as Beyond Blue, Lifeline Australia, and arts institutions including Melbourne Theatre Company and Victorian Arts Centre. His social and professional circles include collaborators from television, radio, film and festival circuits across Australia and internationally, encompassing connections to performers, producers and presenters from the Logie Awards and national touring networks.
Category:Australian comedians Category:Australian television presenters Category:People from Melbourne