Tony Martin
Tony Martin is a New Zealand–born Australian comedian, writer, radio broadcaster, actor, and filmmaker known for his influential work across television, radio, film, and live comedy.
Early career in Australia
Martin moved from New Zealand to Brisbane at age 21 to work as a radio copywriter. With experience in radio and amateur theatre, he initially approached ABC TV’s The D-Generation in 1986 as a writer, but production had already completed its first series.
He then worked as a researcher on ABC TV’s The Gillies Republic, where he made his first television appearance in a minor role and gained early production experience. During this period, he also observed the production of While You’re Down There, where he met future collaborator Tom Gleisner.
He went on to work as a puppeteer and voice actor on Rubbery Figures, including voicing political caricatures such as Joh Bjelke-Petersen.
The D-Generation and breakthrough success
Martin became a writer for the second series of The D-Generation in 1987 and also made occasional on-screen appearances. He contributed to the 1989 spin-off album The Satanic Sketches.
His role expanded significantly during The D-Generation television specials for Network Seven (1988–89), including voice work on sketches such as DeGenocide.
He became a core member of the team during the Triple M radio program The D-Generation Breakfast Show (1987–1992), later appearing on the compilation The Breakfast Tapes. He also co-hosted the short-lived radio program Bulltwang with Mick Molloy.
The Late Show era
Martin became widely recognised as a key writer and performer on ABC TV’s The Late Show (1992–1993).
He contributed to major recurring segments including:
- Street Interviews (with Mick Molloy)
- Bargearse (voice of Senior Sergeant Bargearse)
- The Olden Days (voices including Governor Frontbottom and Judge Muttonchops)
He also played multiple sketch roles, including the character Warren Perso in The Last Australian Auteur. He later co-edited The Best Bits of The Late Show series and co-produced the DVD Champagne Edition.
Martin/Molloy and radio success
After The Late Show, Martin partnered with Mick Molloy to create the nationally syndicated radio program Martin/Molloy (1995–1998), which became a major commercial success and produced multiple ARIA Award-winning compilation albums.
Television, film, and writing work
Martin appeared in numerous Australian TV productions, including:
- Thank God You’re Here
- The Panel
- Kath & Kim
- Welcher & Welcher
- Very Small Business
He also worked on an unproduced sketch series with Shaun Micallef titled Mouse-Patrol.
He wrote, directed, and appeared in films including Bad Eggs (2003) and contributed to projects such as The Castle, Crackerjack, BoyTown, and others associated with former collaborators.
Get This and later radio work
In 2006, Martin co-created the radio program Get This with Ed Kavalee and Richard Marsland on Triple M. Despite strong audience support and critical success, the show was cancelled in 2007.
He later co-hosted programs on 3RRR and worked on various radio and audio projects, including The Lonely Hearts Club, where he performed under a pseudonym.
Television projects and directing
Martin co-directed and wrote for several television series, including:
- The Joy of Sets (2011)
- Upper Middle Bogan (2013)
- A Quiet Word With… (ABC TV interview series)
He also worked as a co-writer on the UK series Freewheeling.
Books and publishing
Martin is also an author, having written several books including Lolly Scramble and A Nest of Occasionals, along with collections of essays and columns such as Scarcely Relevant.
Recent work
He continues to work across Australian media as a writer, performer, and broadcaster, maintaining a long-standing presence in comedy and radio while collaborating with many leading figures in Australian entertainment.
