Guy Edmonds

Guy Edmonds (born 12 December 1982) is an Australian director, writer, actor, and author best known for co-creating, writing, directing, and starring in the International Emmy Kids Award-winning children's comedy series Hardball.^[1][2] Born in Southport, Queensland, Edmonds began his career as an actor with over 20 years of experience across stage and screen, including notable television roles in Home and Away, Underbelly: Razor, The Code, and The Secrets She Keeps, as well as the stage production Holding the Man, which he performed in Australia and London's West End.^[1][3] He has also worked as a voice-over artist for award-winning TV and radio campaigns.^[3] Transitioning into directing and writing, Edmonds co-created and executive produced the AACTA-nominated series Spooky Files for BBC and ABC, where he also directed, wrote, and acted across two seasons.^[4] His collaborative projects with partner Matt Zeremes include the children's book series Zoo Crew (Scholastic) and Zombie Diaries (Hardie Grant), the latter translated into 10 languages.^[4] In 2025, he serves as setup director and script producer for the ABC series Caper Crew (Easy Tiger Productions), and he is developing and directing his feature film debut Nest (Mushroom Studios), starring Felix Mallard.^[1][4] Edmonds' work has earned him two Australian Directors' Guild nominations for Best Direction (Hardball and Spooky Files), along with additional accolades for Hardball such as the Prix Jeunesse, BANFF Rockies, and Japan Prize.^[4]

Biography

Early life

Guy Edmonds was born in Southport, Queensland, Australia.^[1] He spent his formative years in Queensland, attending St Peters Lutheran College in Indooroopilly, where he graduated in 2000.^[5] During his time there, particularly from Years 9 to 12, Edmonds actively participated in drama classes, stage band, and wind ensembles, which introduced him to the performing arts.^[6] His passion for acting was notably sparked by encountering David Williamson's play The Removalists in school, and he received encouragement from a supportive drama teacher who helped build his foundational skills.^[6] After completing high school, Edmonds briefly studied screen production for one year at the Queensland College of Art before transferring to the Queensland University of Technology (QUT).^[5] There, he pursued and completed a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting, graduating in 2004.^[5] Upon graduation, he relocated to Sydney to begin his professional journey in the entertainment industry.^[5]

Personal life

Guy Edmonds is married to Australian actress and television editor HaiHa Le, whom he met in 2013 while both were performing in the play Rupert.^[7][8] The couple became engaged in early 2015.^[7] Edmonds and Le have two daughters, born in 2017 and 2019, and have shared glimpses of their family life through public interviews, noting the joys and challenges of parenting young children amid demanding schedules.^[9][5] Edmonds has described his career motivations as centered on creating stability and enjoyment for his family, often prioritizing time with his daughters despite professional commitments.^[5] The family resides in Wentworth Falls in the Blue Mountains region of New South Wales.^[8] In his personal pursuits, Edmonds co-authors children's books, motivated by his family.^[5] In July 2025, Edmonds joined the board of directors for the Arena Theatre Company in Bendigo, Victoria, contributing to the organization's strategic development as a non-professional volunteer role.^[10]

Acting career

Television roles

Guy Edmonds began his television acting career with a recurring role as Stuart Mapleston in the Australian medical drama All Saints, appearing in 20 episodes shortly after graduating from drama school.^[11] This early part marked his entry into the industry, showcasing his ability to portray grounded, everyday characters in a long-running series that emphasized hospital dynamics and personal struggles. Edmonds gained wider recognition through his portrayal of Brodie Upton, a tough member of the River Boys gang, in the soap opera Home and Away in 2011, spanning episodes 5236 to 5307.^[12] As Upton, he depicted a street-smart outsider navigating conflicts in the fictional Summer Bay community, contributing to storylines involving family loyalties and criminal elements that highlighted the show's dramatic tension. His performance in this role, one of his most extended early television commitments, helped establish him as a reliable presence in Australian soaps.^[13] In 2011, Edmonds took on the intense character of Greg "The Gunman" Gaffney, a loyal associate to vice queen Kate Leigh, in the crime series Underbelly: Razor, appearing in 8 episodes.^[14] Set against the backdrop of 1920s Sydney's razor gang wars, the role required him to embody a hardened criminal figure amid violent turf battles, drawing from historical events that fueled the series' gritty realism.^[15] Underbelly: Razor received acclaim for its production values and ensemble cast, earning multiple awards including Logie nominations, which elevated Edmonds' profile in prestige television.^[16] Edmonds demonstrated his comedic range in 2012 as Hayden Roberts in the holiday miniseries A Moody Christmas, featuring in all 6 episodes as the quirky cousin in a dysfunctional family gathering.^[17] The series, praised for its sharp humor and relatable family chaos, earned an 8.1/10 rating on IMDb and helped showcase his versatility beyond dramatic roles. Later in his career, Edmonds continued to diversify with supporting parts such as Gary Hunter in the political thriller The Code (2016, 3 episodes), Detective Poulos in the thriller The Secrets She Keeps (2020) and Bevan Stone in the family comedy Hardball (2019–2021), where he appeared across multiple seasons.^[18][19] In 2023, he played Chad, a U.S. consulate official, in the Netflix wellness comedy Wellmania, contributing to its satirical take on health fads, and Gavin Rose in the drama The Messenger, a role involving investigative tension in a missing persons storyline. He also acted in the children's series Spooky Files (2023–2024) across two seasons, a project he co-created.^[20][21][3] These performances across genres—from soaps and crime dramas to comedies and thrillers—have solidified Edmonds' reputation as a versatile Australian television actor with over 50 credits, often praised for his adaptability and authentic portrayals.^[3]

Film and theatre roles

Guy Edmonds began his acting career prominently in theatre, achieving a breakthrough with his portrayal of Timothy Conigrave in the stage adaptation of Holding the Man, based on Conigrave's memoir of his 15-year relationship with John Caleo amid the AIDS crisis.^[22] The production premiered at Griffin Theatre Company in Sydney in 2006, with Edmonds originating the role opposite Matt Zeremes as Caleo, and it subsequently transferred to Melbourne Theatre Company in 2007, belvoir in 2008, and London's West End in 2010 at Trafalgar Studios.^[23] His performance as the flamboyant yet earnest Conigrave was praised for its emotional depth, capturing the character's vivacious schoolboy energy evolving into a crusading activist facing personal and societal challenges.^[24] The role highlighted the artistic significance of depicting LGBTQ+ experiences, as Edmonds navigated the play's shift from comedic high school romance to the somber realities of illness and loss, earning acclaim for authentically conveying gay love in a perilous era without evading the era's dangers.^[24] Critics noted the production's power in exploring early AIDS impacts on queer relationships, with Edmonds' appealing and nuanced portrayal contributing to its international success across multiple seasons.^[25] In 2013–2014, Edmonds took on the role of young Rupert Murdoch in David Williamson's satirical play Rupert at Melbourne Theatre Company, later transferring to Sydney and Washington, D.C., at the Kennedy Center.^[26] As the ambitious early incarnation of the media mogul, he delivered a compelling performance marked by emotional authenticity and nuance, embodying the character's drive and complexity in a cabaret-style bio-drama that blended humor with critique of power and influence.^[27] This role showcased his versatility in historical and satirical contexts, further solidifying his reputation in Australian theatre. Edmonds' film acting highlights include lead roles in independent features and shorts before 2020, such as George in the psychological thriller Bedlam (2015), where he portrayed a haunted man entering a notorious asylum, drawing on his theatre-honed intensity for the character's inner turmoil.^[28] He also starred as Dalton, a U.S. drone pilot grappling with the psychological toll of remote warfare, in the 2016 indie drama Drone, emphasizing moral dilemmas in modern conflict. Other credits like Tumblegum and Rapid Fear reflect his work in low-budget Australian cinema, often exploring tense, character-driven narratives.^[23] Edmonds' performance style evolved from theatre's physical and interactive demands—rooted in the Eric Morris method of personal emotional exploration—to the subtler, internalized approaches required in film, informed by his early filmmaking studies and passion for the medium.^[11] This transition allowed him to infuse screen roles with the depth gained from stage acclaim, particularly in portraying complex identities, though theatre remained a foundational space for his LGBTQ+ character work.^[11]

Directing and writing career

Television projects

Guy Edmonds co-created, wrote, directed select episodes, and starred as Bevan Stone in the children's live-action comedy series Hardball, which aired on ABC Me from 2019 to 2021 across two seasons totaling 23 half-hour episodes. Co-developed with longtime collaborator Matt Zeremes, the series draws on themes of cultural adjustment and resilience, following 12-year-old Mikey as he relocates from New Zealand to Western Sydney, where he joins a handball team and forms bonds with misfit friends Salwa and Jerry amid competitive rivalries and personal growth arcs. The writing process emphasized authentic dialogue and episodic challenges—like mastering trick shots or overcoming team conflicts—to engage young viewers, while Edmonds' directing contributions in season two focused on dynamic sports sequences and emotional beats. Hardball achieved significant impact, becoming ABC Me's top-rated children's program in 2019 and earning widespread international distribution through the Australian Children's Television Foundation.^[4][29][30] The series won the 2020 International Emmy Kids Award for Live-Action, recognizing its innovative storytelling in children's programming, and received two Emmy nominations overall, alongside awards including the Prix Jeunesse International, BANFF Rockies, and Japan Prize for Best Children’s Fiction. Edmonds and Zeremes' collaboration extended to iterative script workshops that incorporated feedback from child actors and educators, ensuring episodes balanced humor with life lessons on perseverance. This project marked a pivotal expansion in Edmonds' portfolio, transitioning him from performer to multifaceted creator of globally acclaimed youth content.^[2][31][4] Building on this success, Edmonds co-created, wrote, directed, executive produced, and appeared in Spooky Files, a two-season adventure-comedy (10 episodes per season, 24 minutes each) that premiered on ABC Me in 2023 and CBBC in the UK, co-commissioned by ABC and BBC Studios for international appeal. Season 2 premiered on ABC iview on October 4, 2024. The narrative centers on four Sunny Valley schoolkids—Billie, Xena, Bert, and Tom—who form the Spooky Squad to investigate interdimensional creatures invading their town, tackling fears like haunted houses or truth-serum monsters through clever problem-solving and retro-inspired effects. Episodes typically build from a spooky incursion to a climactic resolution, blending mild horror with comedy to normalize childhood anxieties, a concept refined in collaborative sessions with Zeremes and producer Tony Ayres that prioritized diverse representation and family co-viewing. The series garnered positive international reception for its empowering messages, with critics praising its "sweet scare spot" and accessibility for ages 8-12, and it streamed widely via platforms like ABC iView and BBC iPlayer.^{[32][33][34][35][36]} Spooky Files earned an AACTA nomination for Best Children's Program and an Australian Directors' Guild nomination for Best Direction in Children's Television, underscoring its production quality from Tony Ayres Productions and Matchbox Pictures. Through this work, Edmonds further diversified his creative output, integrating directing techniques like practical effects and ensemble dynamics to foster imaginative storytelling in the genre. He also made cameo acting appearances in both Hardball and Spooky Files to enhance on-set chemistry.^[4] Edmonds developed Dance Spies, a live-action series announced in 2021, for which he wrote two scripted episodes, produced by Northern Pictures in partnership with Sinking Ship Entertainment. The concept follows a group of teenagers at a performing arts school who covertly train in espionage, using dance routines as covers for spy missions, with episodes exploring high-stakes heists and identity concealment through a mix of action and musical elements. Developed initially with input from industry collaborators, the project emphasizes empowerment and creativity, positioning dance as a metaphor for strategic thinking. This project highlights Edmonds' ongoing innovation in hybrid genres for youth audiences.^[37] In August 2025, Edmonds was appointed set-up director and script producer for Caper Crew, an upcoming children's series from Easy Tiger Productions for ABC, slated for 2026 broadcast and global distribution by the Australian Children's Television Foundation. In November 2025, production was approved for 10 half-hour episodes. The show features a team of young adventurers pulling off elaborate "capers" to solve community mysteries, with Edmonds overseeing initial directing and script development alongside directors Stef Smith and Shelly Lauman. His role involves establishing the visual style and narrative tone in pre-production, continuing his pattern of collaborative leadership to deliver engaging, plot-driven content that builds on his established expertise in children's television. These endeavors collectively broadened Edmonds' influence, solidifying his reputation for crafting relatable, award-caliber series that resonate across borders.^{[38][39][4][40]}

Film and other projects

Edmonds' early directing efforts included several short films in the 2010s, where he served as director, producer, writer, and editor, with works screening at international festivals and earning accolades for comedy and narrative innovation.^[41] In 2015, he co-directed the feature-length musical comedy Super Awesome! with Matt Zeremes, following two best friends who stage a production advocating for marriage equality, blending humor with social commentary.^[42][43] His solo feature debut as writer and director, Nest, was announced in November 2024 as a tense home invasion thriller produced by Mushroom Studios. As of November 2025, the film is in financing. Starring Felix Mallard as a reluctant stay-at-home father isolated with his newborn and confronting a massive predatory spider, the film explores themes of parental vulnerability and survival in a confined suburban setting.^[4][44][45] Worldwide sales rights were launched by Architect Films at the American Film Market in November 2024, highlighting its genre-blending appeal of horror and family drama.^[45] Beyond screen projects, Edmonds co-authored the bestselling children's book series Zombie Diaries (2019–present) and Zoo Crew (2020–present) with Matt Zeremes, delivering humorous takes on zombie apocalypses and zoo escapades through the eyes of young protagonists.^[46] These works, published by Hardie Grant Egmont, have resonated with middle-grade readers for their witty, action-packed storytelling.

Awards and recognition

Emmy Awards

Guy Edmonds co-created, wrote, and directed the Australian children's series Hardball, which was nominated for the International Emmy Kids Award in the Live-Action category on September 10, 2020, alongside competitors from Brazil, the Netherlands, and South Korea.^[47] The nomination recognized the first season of the series, produced by Northern Pictures for ABC ME with support from Screen Australia and the Australian Children's Television Foundation, for its engaging portrayal of schoolyard handball competitions and themes of friendship and resilience.^[2] The selection process involved entries from programs broadcast between January 1 and December 31, 2019, evaluated by international juries comprising industry professionals.^[31] Hardball won the 2020 International Emmy Award for Kids: Live-Action during an online ceremony hosted by the International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences on October 14, 2020, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, which shifted the event from its traditional in-person format in New York.^[48] In the acceptance video, producer Joe Weatherstone expressed being "speechless and honored," thanking co-creators and writers Matt Zeremes and Guy Edmonds, along with executive producer Catherine Nebauer, director Darren Ashton, and the cast including Samisi Logan, Rihanna, and Erin, while noting the upcoming production of season 2.^[49] Edmonds, as a key creative force, contributed to the series' success through his multifaceted role, which helped secure the award for its innovative storytelling in children's programming.^[50] The win significantly elevated Edmonds' profile in the international television landscape, marking a pivotal achievement in his directing career and opening doors to global collaborations and further recognition for Australian children's content.^[4] It underscored his ability to blend humor and heart in youth-oriented narratives, leading to increased opportunities in script production and direction for subsequent projects.^[51] Building on this momentum, the second season of Hardball received another International Emmy nomination in the Kids: Live-Action category in 2022, though it did not win, affirming the sustained impact of the initial victory.^[52] No other Emmy nominations or submissions involving Edmonds, such as for Spooky Files, have been recorded to date.^[53]

Other awards and nominations

In addition to his Emmy recognition, Edmonds has received several nominations and awards across his multifaceted career in acting, directing, and writing. For his directorial work on the children's series Hardball, he earned a 2021 Australian Directors' Guild (ADG) Award nomination for Best Direction in a Children's TV or SVOD Drama Program Episode for the episode "You're a Star."^[54] This was his first ADG nomination, highlighting his skill in youth-oriented storytelling. The series Hardball also received the Prix Jeunesse International Award, the BANFF Rockies Award for Children's and Youth Programming, and the Japan Prize for Educational Media.^[4] Similarly, for Spooky Files, which he co-created, wrote, directed, and executive produced, he received a 2023 ADG Award nomination for Best Direction in a Children's TV or SVOD Drama Program Episode for the episode "The Mist of Misery" (S1 E9), marking his second ADG nomination.^[55] The series garnered a 2025 AACTA Award nomination for Best Children's Program, acknowledging the collaborative efforts of Edmonds and his team.^[56] Edmonds' acting contributions have also been honored through ensemble recognitions. He received a 2012 Equity Award nomination for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Mini-Series or Telemovie for his role as Greg "The Gunman" Gaffney in Underbelly: Razor.^[57] The following year, he shared in a win for the Equity Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series for The Moodys.^[58] Earlier, his performance as Timothy Conigrave in the original 2006 production of Holding the Man earned him a 2007 Sydney Theatre Award nomination for Best Actor in a Leading Role.^[59] The production itself received a Helpmann Award nomination for Best New Australian Play in 2007, further underscoring the impact of his stage work.^[60] These accolades, spanning directing guilds, actors' equity awards, and theatre honors, reflect Edmonds' versatility as a multi-hyphenate artist whose contributions to Australian screen and stage have consistently earned peer recognition for innovative and ensemble-driven projects. Additionally, his short film It's a Treat (2010), which he directed and starred in, won the Best Comedy award at the New York City Short Film Festival.^[58]

Filmography

Television appearances

Guy Edmonds began his television acting career in the mid-2000s, appearing in various Australian series and miniseries. His credits include both guest and recurring roles across drama, comedy, and sketch formats.^[3]

Film appearances

Theatre credits

Stage performances

Guy Edmonds' stage acting career began in the early 2000s with roles in independent and educational productions, transitioning to major Australian and international theatre companies. His breakthrough came with the lead role of Timothy Conigrave in the original Australian production of Holding the Man, which he reprised across multiple seasons.^[23][25] Key stage performances include:

• Orestes 2.0 (2004), role of Orestes, produced by Cry Havoc at the Old Fitzroy Theatre, Sydney.^[23]
• The Lover and Fortune and Men's Eyes (circa 2004), various roles, National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) productions, Sydney.^[23]
• pool (no water) (2005), role unspecified, Square the Circle Theatre Company, Sydney.^[23]
• The Cold Child (2006), role unspecified, Griffin Independent, Sydney.^[23]
• Holding the Man (2006–2008, 2010), role of Timothy Conigrave opposite Matt Zeremes as John Caleo; original production at Griffin Theatre Company, Sydney (December 2006); subsequent seasons at Belvoir St Theatre, Sydney (September–November 2007), Brisbane Powerhouse (March 2008), Melbourne Theatre Company at Merlyn Theatre, Malthouse (March–April 2008), and Trafalgar Studios, West End, London (May 2010).^{[25][71][24][23]}
• Toy Symphony (2007), role unspecified in the world premiere, Company B Belvoir, Upstairs Theatre, Sydney.^[23]
• The Fifth at Randwick (2007), role unspecified, Melbourne Fringe Festival.^[23]
• Rupert (2013–2014), role of Young Rupert (shared with Sean O'Shea as older Rupert), Melbourne Theatre Company productions at Southbank Theatre, Melbourne (September–October 2013), Sydney Opera House (March 2014), and Kennedy Center, Washington, D.C. (March 2014).^{[41][72][23][73]}
• The Witches (2014), solo role encompassing all characters in this adaptation of Roald Dahl's novel, Griffin Theatre Company and Malthouse Theatre, Melbourne (September 2014).^{[11][41][72][23]}
• Dream Home (2015), role unspecified, Ensemble Theatre, Sydney.^[41][72]

Production contributions

Guy Edmonds has contributed to theatre production through directing student showcases and co-writing new works. In 2014, he directed the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) Actors Showcase, a platform for emerging performers to present their skills.^[41] He reprised this role in 2015 for the QUT Actors Showcase.^[41] Edmonds also directed multiple short works as part of the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) Open Program, which features experimental pieces by students and artists.^[41] In the realm of writing, Edmonds co-wrote the stage musical Rock the Boat with Matt Zeremes during his time in the 2015 Griffin Theatre Studio program, a development initiative for new Australian plays at the Griffin Theatre Company.^[41][74]