Lehmo
Lehmo, born Anthony Lehmann, is one of Australia’s best-known comedians, radio presenters, television personalities, and entertainers. With a career spanning stand-up comedy, radio broadcasting, television, and film, Lehmo has become a familiar face and voice in Australian entertainment.
Known for his quick wit and relatable humour, he has performed throughout Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States while also appearing on numerous popular television and radio programs.
Early Comedy Career
Lehmo’s first taste of national television came in the early 1990s when he appeared on the popular Red Faces segment of Hey Hey It’s Saturday.
His stand-up routine received a mixed response from the judges, scoring two zeros and a three. Despite the setback, Lehmo continued pursuing a career in comedy and eventually became one of Australia’s most successful stand-up performers.
International Comedy Success
Throughout his career, Lehmo has performed at some of the world’s leading comedy festivals and venues.
His festival appearances include:
- Adelaide Fringe Festival
- Melbourne International Comedy Festival
- Edinburgh Fringe Festival
He enjoyed multiple sell-out seasons at both the Adelaide Fringe and Melbourne International Comedy Festival, helping establish his reputation as a leading Australian comedian.
In the United Kingdom, he performed at prestigious venues including:
- The Comedy Store, London
- Jongleurs Comedy Clubs
- Edinburgh Fringe Festival
Lehmo has also appeared regularly at renowned New York comedy venues including the Boston Comedy Club and Gotham Comedy Club.
Entertaining Australian Troops
Lehmo has travelled overseas to entertain Australian Defence Force personnel serving in East Timor and the Middle East.
The experiences gained during these tours later became material for his stand-up routines, providing audiences with unique insights and humorous stories from his travels.
Television Career
As his popularity grew, Lehmo became a regular face on Australian television.
He was a co-host of Before The Game, the successful AFL-themed sports entertainment program alongside Dave Hughes, Neroli Meadows, Andy Maher, and Mick Molloy.
A passionate supporter of the Hawthorn Football Club, Lehmo’s love of Australian Rules Football often featured in his television appearances and comedy routines.
Other notable television appearances include:
- Rove Live
- The Glass House
- Neighbours
- The Project
- Utopia
- Have You Been Paying Attention?
He has frequently appeared on The Project as a guest panellist and fill-in contributor.
International Television Work
Lehmo’s comedy success also attracted international opportunities.
He appeared on England’s BBC TV Comedy Showcase and worked as a regular compere on Stand Up Live, one of Britain’s longest-running stand-up comedy television programs.
He also appeared as himself in a series of XXXX beer advertisements filmed in India and broadcast throughout the United Kingdom.
Guinness World Record
In May 2005, Lehmo achieved international recognition by breaking the Guinness World Record for the most jokes told in one hour.
He successfully delivered 549 jokes, surpassing the previous record of 499 held by British comedian Tim Vine.
However, in 2014, Guinness World Records reassigned the record to Tim Vine after determining that Lehmo’s attempt had breached official guidelines.
Despite the ruling, the achievement remains one of the most memorable moments of his comedy career.
Radio Broadcasting Career
Lehmo has enjoyed significant success in Australian radio.
He previously hosted the breakfast show on SAFM alongside Lisa “Milly” Millard before moving into Melbourne radio.
In 2007, he joined Triple M to co-host the drive-time program Wil & Lehmo with fellow comedian Wil Anderson. The show remained on air until late 2008.
Mix 101.1 and Gold 104.3
In 2010, Lehmo joined Mix 101.1 Melbourne to co-host Mix Mornings with Brigitte Duclos, replacing comedian Tom Gleeson.
The partnership proved successful, leading to a move to Gold 104.3 in 2012, where the pair hosted Brig & Lehmo for Breakfast.
Following Brigitte Duclos’s departure in 2015, Jo Stanley joined the breakfast show team in early 2016.
Film Career
Lehmo has also appeared in film productions.
In 2009, he played a cameo role in the Australian movie Offside, portraying the character “Leechy”, a former Junior Socceroo and soccer star.
The role allowed him to showcase his acting abilities while adding another dimension to his entertainment career.
In addition, Lehmo has been involved in script development projects, including work with writer and director Carlo Petraccaro.
Lehmo’s Legacy
Lehmo has built an impressive career across comedy, radio, television, and film. From stand-up comedy stages around the world to breakfast radio and prime-time television, he has remained a popular figure in Australian entertainment.
His ability to connect with audiences through humour, storytelling, and broadcasting has made him one of Australia’s most respected comedians and media personalities.
