Jimmy Rees – Australian Comedian and Television Presenter

Jimmy Rees is an Australian comedian, television presenter, actor and social media personality who has become one of the country’s most recognisable entertainers. Best known initially as Jimmy Giggle from the popular ABC children’s television program Giggle and Hoot, Jimmy successfully reinvented his career to become a major online comedy sensation, entertaining millions of people with his hilarious observations of everyday Australian life.

With his distinctive characters, sharp humour and energetic performing style, Jimmy has built a diverse entertainment career spanning children’s television, stand-up comedy, social media, live performances and television appearances. His ability to connect with audiences across different generations has made him one of Australia’s most popular contemporary entertainers.

Early Life and Introduction to Entertainment

Born and raised on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula, Jimmy Rees developed an interest in comedy and performing from an early age. Growing up in a family that enjoyed humour and entertainment, he was particularly influenced by British comedy programs and Australian comedy personalities.

After finishing school, Jimmy began studying media arts at Deakin University but eventually left his course to pursue opportunities in the entertainment industry. He worked in hospitality while exploring his ambitions as a performer.

His big break came when he auditioned for an ABC children’s television program, securing a role that would change the direction of his career and introduce him to millions of Australian families.

Giggle and Hoot and Jimmy Giggle

In 2009, Jimmy landed the role of Jimmy Giggle on the ABC children’s television program Giggle and Hoot. Appearing alongside the much-loved owl puppet Hoot, he quickly became a familiar face to young Australian viewers.

The program featured songs, comedy sketches, educational segments and entertaining adventures designed for preschool children. Jimmy’s enthusiasm, playful personality and distinctive high-pitched voice helped make the show a favourite with families.

Over the following decade, Jimmy became synonymous with the character, touring Australia with live performances and participating in numerous television specials and musical productions. The program also produced several albums, including a successful Christmas release.

After approximately ten years on the program, Giggle and Hoot concluded in 2020, bringing an important chapter of Jimmy’s career to an end.

Social Media Success and Meanwhile in Australia

Following his departure from children’s television, Jimmy began exploring new opportunities as a comedian and digital content creator.

His career took an unexpected turn in 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic forced millions of Australians into lockdown. Drawing inspiration from everyday situations, family life and the constantly changing news cycle, Jimmy began producing short comedy videos for social media.

His Meanwhile in Australia series quickly became a viral sensation, with Jimmy impersonating Australian politicians, state premiers and everyday Australians reacting to current events.

His ability to capture the personalities, frustrations and humour of Australian society struck a chord with audiences. The videos attracted millions of views, transforming him into an international social media personality.

Other popular comedy creations include The Guy Who Decides, The Brighton Ladies and various characters exploring the absurdities of modern life. His sketches regularly reach audiences across Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.

Television Appearances and Taskmaster Australia

Jimmy’s success online opened the door to further television opportunities. In 2019, he appeared as a contestant on Dancing with the Stars, showcasing his performance skills outside his familiar children’s television role.

In 2023, he joined the inaugural Australian series of Taskmaster Australia on Network Ten, appearing alongside comedians and entertainers including Tom Gleeson and Julia Morris.

The program challenged contestants to complete unusual and often ridiculous tasks, with Jimmy’s creativity, competitive spirit and sense of humour making him an entertaining participant.

He has also appeared in the Stan Original Christmas film A Jones Family Christmas, further demonstrating his versatility as an entertainer.

Stand-Up Comedy and Live Performances

Beyond television and social media, Jimmy Rees has developed a successful career as a live comedy performer.

In 2022, he launched his first major national stand-up tour, Meanwhile in Australia. Originally planned as a small number of performances, the tour expanded into 35 sold-out shows across the country.

He followed this success with Not That Kinda Viral in 2023 and Let’s Get Regional in 2024, taking his comedy to audiences throughout metropolitan and regional Australia.

In 2025, Jimmy returned to the stage with his In Reel Life tour, performing across Australia and New Zealand. The show combined observational comedy, character performances and humorous commentary on modern society.

In August 2026, he made his Edinburgh Festival Fringe debut in Scotland, introducing his distinctive Australian comedy style to international audiences.

Author and Philanthropic Work

Jimmy has also enjoyed success as a published author, writing books for both children and adults. His publications include The Guy Who Decides, Bedtime Sorted!, Dinner Sorted! and Holiday Sorted!.

Away from entertainment, Jimmy has maintained a strong commitment to charitable causes. He has been an ambassador for Very Special Kids, an organisation supporting children with life-limiting conditions and their families. He has also supported organisations including Clown Doctors and Red Nose.

In 2024, Jimmy was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the King’s Birthday Honours List for his services to the arts as an entertainer and to the community. The recognition acknowledged both his entertainment achievements and his charitable contributions.

A Much-Loved Australian Entertainer

Jimmy Rees has achieved something relatively rare in Australian entertainment, successfully reinventing himself while maintaining a connection with audiences who first discovered him through children’s television.

From entertaining preschoolers as Jimmy Giggle to becoming a viral comedy sensation through Meanwhile in Australia, he has demonstrated an exceptional ability to adapt to changing entertainment platforms and audience tastes.

His relatable humour, memorable characters and natural performing ability have established him as one of Australia’s most recognisable entertainers. Whether appearing on television, performing live comedy or creating content for millions of social media followers, Jimmy Rees continues to bring laughter to audiences in Australia and around the world.