Rhys Nicholson is a multi-award-winning Australian stand-up comedian, writer, podcaster, and collager, whose journey to success was marked by perseverance and dedication.
After moving to Sydney in 2009 at the age of 18, Rhys was initially met with limited success as a comedian, but their enthusiasm and passion for the craft remained unwavering. It wasn't until 2012, when they won the Best Newcomer award at the Sydney Comedy Festival, that their career began to gain momentum.
Over the next few years, Rhys continued to hone their craft, performing all over Australia and the UK, and gradually building a reputation as a talented and original comedian. However, it was their 2016 appearance at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival Gala that truly catapulted them to stardom, selling out their run and receiving a nomination for the prestigious Melbourne Comedy Festival Award for Best Show.
In 2016, Rhys also used their platform to advocate for marriage equality in Australia, publicly marrying lesbian and fellow comedian Zoe Coombs Marr at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. Zoe went on to win the award for Best Show, and Rhys was gracious in defeat.
With their live work continuing to receive critical acclaim and numerous awards, Rhys has become a favorite among comedy fans around the world. They have been nominated for several prestigious awards, including an Aria Award for Best Comedy Album and two Helpmann Awards for Best Comedy Show, and have won the New Zealand Comedy Festival Best Show award.
In addition to their stand-up career, Rhys has also made a significant impact on television, with a range of credits in Australia and the UK, including acting roles, panel shows, a documentary, and an hour-long stand-up special commissioned by ABCTV. They have also appeared on the BBC and Comedy Central UK, and have performed at the prestigious BBC Broadcasting House in London.
In 2019, Rhys was hand-picked to open for Conan O'Brien during his Australian tour, and later made their USA television debut with a stand-up spot on the Conan Show. Conan even hugged Rhys, and they were fine with that.
Today, Rhys is splitting their time between Australia, America, and the UK, where they have a number of exciting bookings and projects in development. Despite their numerous accomplishments, Rhys remains humble and dedicated to their craft, always striving to push the boundaries of what is possible in the world of comedy.
