Tom Ballard

Tom Ballard is a multifaceted Australian comedian, actor, writer, and broadcaster, recognized as one of the country's leading comedic talents. His career took off in 2009 when he became the youngest recipient of the Melbourne Comedy Festival’s Best Newcomer Award for his debut hour, *Tom Ballard Is What He Is*. His impressive trajectory continued with a nomination for Best Newcomer at the 2015 Edinburgh Fringe for *Taxis & Rainbows & Hatred*, and his 2016 show, *The World Keeps Happening*, earned nominations for Best Show in both Melbourne and Edinburgh. That same year, he won the Helpmann Award for Best Comedy Performer and the inaugural John Pinder Prize, with the show being recorded for Stan Australia’s *One Night Stan* series.

In 2017, Tom's show *Problematic* captured the Best Australian Show Award at the Sydney Comedy Festival and received high praise as one of the top three best-reviewed shows at the Edinburgh Fringe. His international performances include the Montreal Just For Laughs Festival and sold-out runs at the prestigious Soho Theatre, as well as sharing the stage with notable comedians like Wanda Sykes and Stephen Merchant.

Tom also has a robust broadcasting career. He co-hosted the breakfast show on triple j for four years, earning an ARIA Award for Best Comedy Release for the highlights compilation *Tom & Alex: The Bits We’re Least Ashamed Of*. At just 24, he hosted his own ABC TV panel show, *Reality Check*, and has frequently guest hosted the discussion program Q&A. His podcast, *Like I’m A Six-Year-Old*, features interviews with political figures, while *Tonightly with Tom Ballard* showcased his sharp satirical humor for over 150 episodes.

Despite dropping out of law school, Tom remains one of Australia’s most compelling and insightful comedic voices, known for his wit, charm, and willingness to confront societal issues.