Tim Minchin is a multi-talented British-born Australian actor, comedian, musician, composer, lyricist, writer, and director. Known for his hilarious musical comedy and live comedy shows, he has entertained audiences around the world. With appearances on TV in three different continents, Tim first gained fame with his show ‘Darkside’ at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival and the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 2005. He has since produced new shows like ‘So Rock’ and ‘Ready for This?’ while also making a name for himself in the world of TV and movies. His outstanding performance in the TV series ‘The Secret River’ even earned him a prestigious Logie Award. Additionally, Tim’s talent extends to composing and writing lyrics for acclaimed musicals such as ‘Matilda the Musical’ and ‘Groundhog Day,’ both of which garnered him the esteemed Olivier Award.
Quick Facts
- Australian Celebrities Born In October
- Also Known As: Timothy David Minchin
- Age: 48 Years, 48 Year Old Males
- Family:
- Spouse/Ex-: Sarah Minchin
- Father: David Ellison Minchin
- Mother: Rosamunde Janis Fisher
- Siblings: Dan Minchin
- Children: Caspar Minchin, Violet Minchin
- Born Country: England
- Actors
- Writers
- Height: 6’1″ (185 cm), 6’1″ Males
- Notable Alumni: Western Australian Academy Of Performing Arts, University Of Western Australia
- Ancestry: English Australian
- City: Northampton, England
- More Facts
- Education: University Of Western Australia, Western Australian Academy Of Performing Arts
- Awards: Laurence Olivier Award
Childhood & Early Life
Tim Minchin was born Timothy David Minchin on October 7, 1975, in Northampton, England. His parents, Rosamunde Janis Minchin and David Ellison Minchin, are Australian citizens. Tim has a sister named Nel and a brother named Dan. He grew up in Perth, Western Australia, where his father worked as a surgeon. Tim attended Christ Church Grammar School in Perth and began learning the piano at the age of 8, but lost interest after 3 years. He graduated from the University of Western Australia with a BA degree in English and theater in 1996. Two years later, he earned an advanced diploma in contemporary music from the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) at Edith Cowan University.
Career
After graduating from WAAPA, Tim Minchin started composing music for theater and documentaries. He wrote and acted in the 2000 musical “Pop” staged at the Blue Room Theatre in Perth. In 2001, he released a CD titled “Sit” with his band Timmy the Dog, but it was not successful. He moved to Melbourne in 2002 for better opportunities but struggled to find a breakthrough. In 2004, he played the lead character in the Perth Theatre Company/Hoopla production of “Hamlet” and also appeared in “The Return” written by Australian playwright Reginald Cribb.
In 2005, Tim Minchin gained critical acclaim with his breakthrough show “Darkside” at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. He won the Festival Directors’ Award and caught the attention of Karen Koren, the manager of Gilded Balloon. With Koren’s support, his show was staged at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, where he won the Perrier Comedy Award for Best Newcomer. He continued to receive recognition for his shows, with “So Rock” being nominated for the Barry Award at the 2006 Melbourne International Comedy Festival and winning the Best Alternative Comedian award at the 2007 HBO US Comedy Arts Festival.
Tim Minchin released DVDs of his live performances, including “So Live” in Australia and “So F**king Rock Live” in the UK. His third solo show, “Ready for This?,” debuted at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 2008 and toured across the UK. He also appeared in podcasts for The Guardian newspaper. In 2009, he played the character Tom in the film “Two Fists, One Heart” and released a live recording of “Ready for This?” as a downloadable album. He won several awards, including the Helpmann Award for Best Comedy Performer and the Chortle Award for Best Music or Variety Act.
Tim Minchin co-wrote the musical “Matilda the Musical,” which premiered in 2010 and went on to have successful runs in the West End and on Broadway. He embarked on an arena tour with the Heritage Orchestra and released the movie “Storm” based on one of his poems. He continued to win awards, including the Olivier Award for Best New Musical for “Matilda the Musical” in 2012. He also portrayed the role of Judas Iscariot in the rock opera “Jesus Christ Superstar” and made appearances in TV shows and films.
In 2017, Tim Minchin released his second book “When I Grow Up” and won the Olivier Award for Best New Musical for “Groundhog Day.” He appeared in the film “Robin Hood” and the sitcom “Squinters.” He went on a tour called “BACK” in 2019, which won him the Helpmann Award for Best Australian Contemporary Concert. His shows in 2020 were canceled due to COVID-19, and he is set to release his debut studio album “Apart Together” in November 2020.
Family & Personal Life
Tim Minchin is married to Sarah and they have a daughter and a son. They reside in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. Tim is an atheist and a fan of Richard Dawkins, an ethologist and outspoken atheist.