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Hamish Donald Blake OAM (born 11 December 1981) is an Australian comedian, television and radio presenter, actor and author. Since 2003, he has worked with Andy Lee as part of the comedy duo Hamish and Andy. The pair have performed live and on television and radio, most notably with their drive-time radio program Hamish & Andy. As a solo performer, Blake has appeared on various Australian television programs, including the Melbourne International Comedy Festival's televised 2008 Great Debate, and has been a regular guest on TV programs such as Spicks and Specks, Rove, and Thank God You're Here.

Key Information

In April 2012, Blake and Lee won a Logie Award for their television program Hamish and Andy's Gap Year. Individually, Blake is a two-time winner of the Gold Logie Award for Most Popular Personality on Australian Television, winning the award in 2012 for Hamish and Andy's Gap Year and in 2022 for Lego Masters.[1][2] In 2022, Blake was the recipient of the TV Week Bert Newton Award for most outstanding presenter.[3][4]

Early life

[edit]

Blake grew up in the Melbourne suburb of Glen Waverley. He is a middle child; his older brother, Lachlan, is a solicitor, and his sister, Sophie, has completed an arts degree. His parents, Noel and Kerry, separated when Blake was 17, with his father eventually remarrying. As a child, Blake says he was a fan of British comedy such as Monty Python, Fawlty Towers and Blackadder; as a teenager, he "worshipped" comedians Tony Martin and Mick Molloy. Blake was a member of the National Boys Choir of Australia during the late 1980s. He attended primary school at Glen Waverley South Primary, while he went to high school at Caulfield Grammar School and later at St Leonard's College, graduating in 1999.[5]

After a gap year, Blake enrolled at the University of Melbourne in a Science/Commerce double degree. Blake recalled, "I'm interested in artificial intelligence and computer science. That stuff still fascinates me," he says. However, a few weeks into the semester, he met Andy Lee, with Blake later saying: "That was the turning point. The wheels quickly fell off my academic career." Blake eventually dropped out of university to pursue a career in comedy alongside Lee. Blake's first experience with comedy was when he entered a competition at university. He was broke at the time, and he hoped to win the $500 first prize. His stand-up performance earned him third place and qualified him for a statewide universities' final, which he won.[5]

Career

[edit]

Hamish and Andy

[edit]
Main article: Hamish and Andy
Andy Lee (left) and Blake (right) at the 2009 ARIA Awards

Hamish Blake has collaborated with fellow comedian Andy Lee as the duo Hamish and Andy since 2003, when they performed their breakout show at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, a stage production about a trip they had taken to North Queensland in Blake's old car. Soon after, they trained with SYN Radio, gaining a drive-time shift, and created a show called Radio Karate for RMITV on community-access television station Channel 31, which they created in collaboration with Ryan Shelton and several other school friends. Radio Karate won an Antenna Award for best comedy program at the inaugural National Community Television Awards in February 2004, and one month later they were offered a national comedy program on Australia's Seven Network.[6]

The Hamish and Andy Show premiered on the Seven Network in March 2005, but it failed to achieve ratings success and was cancelled after two weeks. Reviewers acknowledged the duo's talent but criticised the show as "poorly executed".[6] Blake says that while working on the show was a fun experience, they had little control over what happened and the way it went forward.[7] Following the cancellation of The Hamish and Andy Show, they created a short mockumentary titled The Greystone 2800 about a couple who accidentally bought an open display home after failing to read the fine print on a housing purchase. The film won the Melbourne Comedy Festival Short Film competition and attracted the attention of comedian Rove McManus. This led to some small spots on McManus's Network Ten show Rove Live.[6]

McManus's company, Roving Enterprises, also helped the duo develop Real Stories, a mock current affairs show that aired on Network Ten in 2006.[6] Blake says that the experience of creating Real Stories was much more enjoyable than The Hamish and Andy Show because they had greater control over the series. Blake and Lee wrote, acted, directed, filmed, and produced the show with input from Ryan Shelton and Tim Bartley.[7]

In 2006, Blake and Lee debuted a national drive-time radio show titled Hamish & Andy on the Today Network. The show quickly gained popularity, finishing 2006 with almost one million Melbourne listeners, ahead of 3AW's popular radio host Derryn Hinch.[6] By August 2008, Blake and Lee's show was rating number one in four out of Australia's five major capital cities.[8] By the beginning of 2009, the show was broadcast in all capital cities as well as many regional centres across the country.

In September 2008, it was announced that they would make a guest appearance on Ten's Are You Smarter Than A 5th Grader?, which was hosted by Rove McManus.[9] In the same year they also made a guest appearance on the Australian soap opera Neighbours.[10]

On Wednesday 19 November 2008, at 7.30 pm, Hamish and Andy aired their own one-time episode, brought to you by Rove: Hamish & Andy Re-Gifted: A Very Early Christmas Special. This was to re-present everything they had accomplished in 2008 on Rove.

Hamish and Andy have also appeared on Channel Ten's Good News Week and The Project several times.

He is a founding member of a "rock-insult" band, Coolboys and the Frontman, along with Andy Lee and Jack Post.

Solo work

[edit]

Blake has appeared on various Australian television series, including Spicks and Specks, Thank God You're Here, Twentysomething, Australia's Brainiest Comedian, The Librarians, The Panel, Rove, Talkin' 'bout your Generation and The Footy Show.[5] He has also featured in the British version of Thank God You're Here.[11] In 2008, he was a speaker for the negative team in the Melbourne International Comedy Festival's annual televised Great Debate.[12]

He had a monthly column in the Australian women's magazine Cosmopolitan. He was also the winner of the TV Fugly Award for Spunkiest Male TV Personality in 2008.[13] Hamish Blake was voted the comedian of the year in 2007 by the Eather corporation. His compatriot Andy Lee was placed 14th for 2007.[citation needed] Blake also came first in 'Television's most powerful celebrity' for 2009; Lee came 19th.

On 20 January 2010, it was announced Hamish would be writing a column for the Herald Sun.

Hamish, along with his wife Zoë Foster Blake, has written a book on dating called Textbook Romance.[14]

After scaling back his daily radio show to a weekly radio show and podcast, Hamish took on several new side projects. In 2011, Blake made an appearance in the ABC comedy Twentysomething, starring real-life best friends Jess Harris and Josh Schmidt.[15] He also co-starred in his first feature film with Bret McKenzie of Flight of the Conchords, Two Little Boys, shot in New Zealand[16] Hamish joked: "I don't feel comfortable about cheating on Andy but now it's all out there. We've always had an open comedic relationship, but it was for one-night stands only, with no exchange of phone numbers. I've heard them [Andy and Jemaine Clement, Bret's comedic partner] whispering on the phone, plotting to do their own movie to release on the same day to sink ours."[17]

In 2019, it was announced that Blake would be joining Nine Network's brand-new reality competition series titled Lego Masters Australia, as the series host alongside judge Ryan McNaught.[18][19][20] In 2021, Nine announced that Blake would hast a new Lego Masters Christmas special spinoff series, titled Lego Masters Bricksmas Specials, which saw celebrities be paired up with former Lego Masters contestant over two episodes, competing for a $20,000 donation to the Kmart Wishing Tree.[21][22][23]

In October 2022, Blake launched a podcast called How Other Dads Dad with Hamish Blake.[24][25] The first season saw guests such as fellow fathers Rob Sitch, Adam Hills, Stan Grant, Max Gawn, Dave Hughes, and Ben Lee.[24]

Personal life

[edit]

Hamish married Zoë Foster Blake in 2012. They have two children: Sonny and Rudy.[26]

Filmography

[edit]

Actor

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
2006 Real Stories Various 8 episodes
2008 Neighbours Fred 1 episode
2009 The Librarians Jake Jackson 1 episode
2010 I Love You Too Patrick
2012 Two Little Boys Deano
2011–2013 Twentysomething Billy 12 episodes
2015 Now Add Honey Alex Kilstein
2016 Molly Television Crew TV miniseries
The Wrong Girl Hamilton
2018 Ralph Breaks the Internet Pyro (voice)
2021–present Bluey Jack's Dad (voice)

As himself

[edit]
Year Title Notes
2004 Royal Children's Hospital Good Friday Appeal 2004[citation needed] TV movie documentary
2004 Hamish & Andy 6 episodes
2005 Australia's Brainiest Kid 1 episode
2006 Dancing with the Stars 1 episode
2006 The 20th Annual ARIA Awards Host
2007 The 2007 TV Week Movie Awards Host
2007 Live Earth Documentary
2007 'Little Britain' Down Under[citation needed]
2007 The Panel 1 episode
2008 Thank God You're Here 2 episodes, UK TV series
2008 The 50th Annual TV Week Logie Awards
2008 The Footy Show 1 episode
2009 Australia Unites: The Victorian Bushfire Appeal
2006–2009 Thank God You're Here 10 episodes
2009 The Chaser's War on Everything 1 episode
2009 The Making of 'The Librarians' Video documentary short
2009 The Jay Leno Show 2 episodes
2005–2009 Rove Live 40 episodes
2010 Sleuth 101 1 episode
2010 50th Annual TV Week Logie Awards
2010 Good News Week 1 episode
2010 The Graham Norton Show 1 episode
2009–2010 Talkin' 'Bout Your Generation 3 episodes
2009–2010 The Project 20 episodes
2011 Hamish & Andy's Gap Year 20 Episodes
2005–2011 Spicks & Specks 53 episodes
2012 Fashion News Live[citation needed] 1 episode
2012 Adam Hills Tonight[citation needed] 1 episode
2012 The 54th Annual TV Week Logie Award Co-host
2012 The Silic & Lee Show at the Logies: Red Carpet Special 2012[citation needed]
2012 Hamish & Andy's Euro Gap Year 7 episodes
2012 Today 1 episode
2009–2012 Hamish & Andy's Caravan of Courage 4 episodes, 4 part series
2013 The Ryzza Mae Show 1 episode, uncredited
2013 Hamish & Andy's Gap Year Asia 6 episodes
2014 Hamish & Andy's Gap Year South America 6 episodes
2017–2018 True Story with Hamish & Andy 20 episodes
2019 Hamish and Andy's "Perfect" Holiday 3 episodes
2019 Hard Quiz 1 episode
2019–present Lego Masters Australia Host
2021–present Lego Masters Bricksmas Specials
2024 The Assembly 1 episode, guest

Writer

[edit]
Year Title Episode/s Written
2004 Hamish & Andy 6
2006 Real Stories 8
2005–2009 Rove Live 40
2011 Hamish & Andy's Gap Year 10
2012 Hamish & Andy's Euro Gap Year 7
2009–2012 Caravan of Courage 4
2013 Hamish & Andy's Gap Year Asia 6
2014 Hamish & Andy's Gap Year South America 6
Years Title Episodes
2006–2010; 2015–2017 Hamish & Andy (radio show) 2,420+[27]
2018–present Hamish & Andy (podcast) 232+[28]
2006 How Other Dads Dad 19+[29]

E. J. Whitten Legends Game

[edit]

In 2008 and 2009, Blake and working partner Lee played in the E. J. Whitten Legends Game. Lee played for Victoria, while Blake played for the All-Stars. Blake scored the winning goal for the All-Stars in 2008, and he kicked an additional two goals in 2009.[citation needed]

Mr. New York State 2011

[edit]

As part of a stunt for the TV series Hamish and Andy's Gap Year, Andy entered Hamish into the Mr. New York State bodybuilding competition in the Heavyweight division. Due to a technicality in which Blake was the only contestant over 200 pounds (91 kg)—the minimum requirement for a Heavyweight contender—he was awarded the title of Mr. New York State 2011 in the Heavyweight division.[30]

Year Award Category Result
2011 Mr. New York State Heavyweight division Won[31]

Awards and nominations

[edit]

In the 2024 King's Birthday Honours list, Blake was bestowed a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) "for service to the arts as an entertainer, and to the community".[32]

Year Award Category Result
2011 Logie Awards Most Popular Presenter Nominated
2012 Nominated
Most Popular Personality on TV Won[33]
2013 Most Popular TV Presenter Won
Most Popular Personality on TV Nominated
2014 Most Popular Presenter Nominated
2015 Most Popular Personality on TV Nominated
2022 Bert Newton Award for Most Popular Presenter Won
Most Popular Personality on TV Won
2023 Most Popular Personality on TV Nominated
Bert Newton Award for Most Popular Presenter Nominated
2025 Gold Logie — Most Popular Personality on Australian Television Nominated[34]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Hamish Blake

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from Grokipedia
Hamish Donald Blake (born 11 December 1981) is an Australian comedian, actor, radio and television presenter, podcaster, and author, best known for his long-running comedic partnership with Andy Lee as the duo Hamish & Andy, which began in 2003 on community radio and evolved into one of Australia's most popular entertainment acts.[1][2] Born in Melbourne, Blake rose to prominence through the duo's national drive-time radio show on the Today Network starting in 2006, which attracted up to 2.5 million weekly listeners over four years and spawned hit segments like prank calls and comedic challenges.[1] The pair transitioned to television in the late 2000s, guesting on shows such as Rove and Thank God You're Here before launching their own series on the Nine Network, including Hamish & Andy's Gap Year (2011–2012), which followed their comedic travels and earned Blake his first Gold Logie Award for Most Popular Personality on Australian Television in 2012.[1][3] Their radio success also led to the 2008 comedy album Unessential Listening, which achieved platinum status with over 100,000 copies sold, and a top-ranked podcast that continues weekly today.[1][4] In addition to his duo work, Blake has built a solo career as the host of LEGO Masters Australia since 2019, a role that earned him a second Gold Logie in 2022, along with the inaugural Bert Newton Award for Most Popular Presenter.[1][5] He has also ventured into voice acting, notably as the voice of Jack's Dad in the acclaimed children's series Bluey, and authored the 2018 book Textbook Romance, a humorous guide to relationships co-written with his wife, Zoë Foster Blake.[4][6] Blake's contributions to entertainment were further recognized in the 2024 King's Birthday Honours, when he was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for service to the arts as an entertainer and to the community.[7] On a personal note, Blake married author and entrepreneur Zoë Foster Blake in December 2012, and the couple has two children: son Sonny, born in 2014, and daughter Rudy, born in 2017.[1][8] Throughout his career, Blake has emphasized fun and collaboration, often crediting his partnership with Lee and family life as key to his success in maintaining a lighthearted public persona.[9]

Early life

Childhood and family background

Hamish Donald Blake was born on 11 December 1981 in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. He grew up in the suburb of Glen Waverley, attending Glen Waverley South Primary School and later Caulfield Grammar School. As a middle child in a family of three siblings, Blake shared his childhood with older brother Lachlan, a solicitor, and younger sister Sophie. His parents, Noel and Kerry Blake, provided a supportive environment marked by creativity and independence. Kerry, an English literature teacher, introduced the family to Shakespeare. The family enjoyed close ties with Blake's maternal grandmother, affectionately known as "Moosie," who lived just 10 minutes away in Wheelers Hill and was remembered for her loving and fun demeanor until her passing in 2019. Blake's childhood included long stretches of unstructured time, fostering creative play such as improvised games with dirt bombs, in contrast to more supervised contemporary experiences. However, his relationship with his father Noel was strained; while physically present, Noel was emotionally distant, leading to a fractured bond during Blake's teenage years after his expulsion from school around age 14. The parents separated amicably when Blake was 17, with Noel remarrying Kriss, whom Blake described positively after nearly two decades together. This dynamic left lasting "holes" that motivated Blake's commitment to being an engaged and attentive father himself.

Education and early interests

Blake attended Glen Waverley South Primary School during his early years in Melbourne's eastern suburbs. For secondary education, he initially enrolled at Caulfield Grammar School, where he demonstrated strong academic aptitude by winning the mathematics prize. Around the age of 13 or 14, however, Blake was expelled from Caulfield Grammar amid struggles with his personal identity and efforts to fit in, which prompted a transfer to St Leonard's College; this move proved transformative, enabling him to form lasting friendships and gain greater self-awareness before graduating in 1999.[10][11][12][13] After completing high school, Blake took a gap year before enrolling at the University of Melbourne to study a double degree in science and commerce. His early university experiences marked a pivot toward entertainment; financially strained, he entered comedy competitions on campus, motivated by the prospect of prize money such as a $500 award. Blake eventually dropped out to pursue comedy professionally, having met fellow student Andy Lee, with whom he began collaborating on humorous projects, including work at the student radio station SYN.[14][15] Blake's early interests reflected a blend of intellectual curiosity and playfulness. He showed a keen aptitude for mathematics and science, initially envisioning an academic path like becoming a professor, while also nurturing a childhood passion for building intricate Lego structures in a blue Ikea tub. These pursuits evolved into a deeper engagement with comedy during university, where his natural humor began to overshadow prior academic ambitions.[11][14]

Career

Hamish & Andy partnership

Hamish Blake and Andy Lee first met in 2000 while studying at the University of Melbourne, where Blake was enrolled in a Science/Commerce double degree and Lee in marketing. Their comedic partnership began shortly after, initially as part of a trio that included a third collaborator, but it soon evolved into the duo known as Hamish & Andy. By 2003, they launched their first joint project, the sketch-comedy TV series Radio Karate on Melbourne's community station Channel 31, marking their entry into broadcasting.[16][17][18] The duo's radio career took off in 2006 with The Hamish & Andy Show on Fox FM in Melbourne, quickly expanding nationally across the Today Network (later rebranded as the Hit Network). The drive-time program, airing weekdays from 4 to 6 p.m., became Australia's highest-rated radio series, attracting over two million listeners at its peak and holding the record for the most successful drivetime show in the country's history. Key to their success was executive producer Sam Cavanagh, who joined early and helped shape their prank-filled, conversational format from 2006 until their radio farewell in 2017. The show ran continuously until 2013, followed by a brief hiatus, before returning in 2015 for two more years, ending with a final episode in December 2017.[19][20][21] In television, Hamish & Andy's early efforts included the 2005 Seven Network talk show Hamish & Andy, which was short-lived due to low ratings despite positive reviews for their chemistry. They rebounded with the mockumentary Real Stories on Network Ten in 2006, parodying reality TV formats. Their breakthrough came with Caravan of Courage, an annual road-trip series starting in 2007 on the Seven Network, featuring comedic adventures in a motorhome across Australia, New Zealand, the United States, and Great Britain & Ireland; editions like the 2012 Australia vs. New Zealand special drew strong audiences and Logie nominations. The partnership's TV peak arrived with the Gap Year anthology series on Nine Network from 2011 to 2014, chronicling their "gap year" travels through the USA, UK, Asia, and South America, which earned multiple Silver Logie Awards for Most Popular Light Entertainment Program.[22] Subsequent projects included the 2017–2018 anthology True Story with Hamish & Andy on Nine, where they dramatized ordinary Australians' real-life tales, earning AACTA and Logie nominations and international sales to markets like France and the USA; and the 2019 adventure series Perfect Holiday on Nine, blending travel and challenges.[23][24] Following their radio exit, Hamish & Andy transitioned to podcasting in 2018 with Hamish & Andy, produced independently and distributed via their own platform, achieving the top spot on Australian iTunes charts for four years and maintaining strong listenership through 2024 with weekly episodes focused on banter, challenges, and listener interactions. Their enduring collaboration, spanning over two decades, has been credited with redefining Australian comedy broadcasting through accessible humor and strong personal rapport, though they paused joint TV projects after 2019 to pursue individual endeavors while continuing the podcast.[25][26][27]

Solo endeavors

Blake has made numerous guest appearances on Australian television comedy programs as a solo performer. He frequently participated in improvisational challenges on Thank God You're Here, earning acclaim for his quick wit across multiple seasons, including standout scenarios that highlighted his comedic timing.[28] Similarly, Blake was a regular guest on the music quiz show Spicks and Specks, contributing to early episodes with humorous musical impressions and banter that helped launch his broader television profile.[2] In addition to guest spots, Blake has taken on acting roles in various series, often in supporting or cameo capacities. These include appearances in the workplace satire Utopia as himself in a brief uncredited role, the comedy-drama Twentysomething, the sketch show Open Slather, the romantic series The Wrong Girl, the mystery-comedy The Librarians, and the family-oriented Molly.[29] His voice work extends to animation, notably voicing the character Pyro in the Disney film Ralph Breaks the Internet (2018), a role that showcased his versatility in international projects.[30] One of Blake's most prominent solo hosting roles is on the reality competition LEGO Masters Australia, which he has fronted since its premiere in 2019. The program, featuring teams building elaborate LEGO creations under time constraints, has run for multiple seasons, earning several Australian Commercial Television Awards and Logie nominations for its engaging format and Blake's enthusiastic presentation style.[31] In 2025, he continued hosting the seventh season, subtitled Grand Masters of the Galaxy, further solidifying his status as a key figure in family entertainment.[31] Beyond television, Blake created and hosts the podcast How Other Dads Dad, launched in 2022, where he interviews fellow fathers on parenting experiences and advice. The series has gained popularity for its candid, lighthearted discussions, with seasons featuring guests from entertainment and sports.[32] He also co-authored the bestselling relationship guide Textbook Romance (2012) with his wife Zoë Foster Blake, providing humorous insights into dating and romance from male and female perspectives.[33] Additionally, Blake has served as an ambassador for initiatives like Tourism Australia's 2021 "Holiday Here This Year" campaign, promoting domestic travel through promotional content.[29]

Recent projects (2020s)

In the 2020s, Hamish Blake continued to build on his television presence as the host of LEGO Masters Australia, which premiered in 2019 but saw multiple seasons air during this decade, including international editions like LEGO Masters Australia vs The World in 2024.[34] The show, judged by LEGO expert Ryan "The Brickman" McNaught, features teams competing in creative building challenges, with Blake's humorous hosting style earning him the Gold Logie Award for Most Popular Personality on Australian Television in 2022.[35] Season 7, titled Grand Masters of the Galaxy and themed around space adventures, launched in 2025 on the Nine Network, emphasizing elaborate galactic builds and team rivalries. The season concluded on 23 June 2025, with Henry and Cade from Team Australia winning the competition.[31][36] Blake also maintained a strong audio presence through the ongoing Hamish & Andy podcast, co-hosted with longtime partner Andy Lee and producer Jack Post, which delivers weekly comedic segments focused on listener interactions and absurd challenges.[37] The podcast, distributed by Southern Cross Austereo, saw a long-term contract extension announced in April 2025, ensuring its continuation with fresh episodes into the late 2020s. Complementing this, the duo's Remembering Project podcast series returned for its sixth season in November 2024, revisiting early audio recordings from their career to share nostalgic stories and behind-the-scenes insights.[38] Beyond these staples, Blake made guest appearances on panel shows, including a role in the 2023 revival of Thank God You're Here on Network 10, where participants improvise in improvised scenarios. He featured on Spicks and Specks in 2024, contributing to the music quiz's comedic banter.[39] In 2025, Blake made a cameo appearance in Andy Lee's animated children's series Do Not Watch This Show on ABC and ABC iview.[40] Additionally, he voiced characters in episodes of the popular children's series Bluey throughout the decade and participated in Tourism Australia's "It's All Good Down Under" promotional videos, highlighting Australian travel experiences.[41][42]

Personal life

Marriage and family

Hamish Blake met Zoë Foster Blake in 2003 at a media event when he was 21 and she was 22; their initial connection developed into a close friendship that lasted approximately six years.[43][44] The pair began dating in 2009 after both were single, having previously collaborated on the book Textbook Romance, published in 2009, which explored modern dating advice.[43] Blake has described Foster Blake's humorous, intelligent, and proactive personality as key factors in his growing affection for her, noting her as a "doer" who embraces life fully.[45] The couple became engaged about 18 months into their romantic relationship and married on 11 December 2012 in an intimate ceremony at Wolgan Valley Resort in New South Wales, attended by 22 close family members and friends.[43][44] The wedding featured unique elements, including a magic show performed by Blake and a groom's cake shaped like a Snickers bar, reflecting their playful dynamic.[43] They marked their 10th anniversary in 2022 with a family celebration and continue to prioritize their partnership amid busy careers.[43] Blake and Foster Blake have two children: son Sonny Donald Blake, born on 10 May 2014, and daughter Rudy Hazel Blake, born on 17 July 2017.[44] The family resides in the Sydney suburb of Vaucluse, having relocated from Melbourne in 2020 to support Foster Blake's skincare business, Go-To Skincare.[43] They emphasize quality family time through activities such as bike rides, trips to Disneyland, and occasional separate vacations with individual children to foster one-on-one bonds, as seen in a 2023 family holiday arrangement and a 2025 safari adventure.[44][43] Blake has publicly praised Foster Blake as an exceptional mother who instills positivity and humor in their children.[45]

Philanthropy and interests

Blake has been actively involved in various charitable causes throughout his career. As an ambassador for Soldier On, an organization supporting Australian Defence Force veterans transitioning to civilian life, he participated in a challenging three-day cycling event in the Italian Dolomites in 2015 alongside military veterans and cyclist Cadel Evans to raise funds and awareness.[46][47] In 2022, Blake joined the Australian Red Cross Flood Appeal, collaborating with comedian Andy Lee and actor Hugh Jackman to encourage public donations for flood-affected communities in New South Wales and Queensland.[48] In the realm of food security, Blake serves as an ambassador for Foodbank Australia, appointed in 2022 alongside radio host Chrissie Swan. He previously raised the highest amount of funds during Foodbank's 2020 Hunger Ride cycling event, which supports emergency food relief for vulnerable families impacted by disasters like bushfires and the COVID-19 pandemic. Blake has expressed pride in the organization's direct impact, stating, “I’m super proud to represent the work of Foodbank because they make an immediate difference to people in need in an area that couldn’t be simpler: food.”[49] Blake's philanthropy extends to education and conservation. In 2014, he accompanied his wife, Zoë Foster Blake, to the International Animal Rescue Centre in Kalimantan, Borneo, as part of her ambassadorship with The Orangutan Project, filming a segment for A Current Affair to highlight deforestation's threat to orangutans.[50] More recently, in April 2025, Blake and his family visited schools supported by the School for Life Foundation in Uganda, engaging in classroom activities, sports, assemblies, and home visits to observe the nonprofit's efforts in providing education to girls in rural communities; he also hosted the foundation's 2025 Gala Ball in Sydney to further its mission.[51][52] His commitment to family and fatherhood is evident through advocacy with The Fathering Project, a harm-prevention charity promoting positive parenting. In a 2023 Father's Day podcast special, Blake discussed strategies for quality time with children, emphasizing the "10 More Minutes" concept to boost emotional well-being and development; that year, he was named Australian Father of the Year by the Australian Men's Health Forum for his relatable podcast How Other Dads Dad and dedication to fatherhood.[53][54] These efforts contributed to his 2024 Medal of the Order of Australia for service to the arts and community.[13] Beyond philanthropy, Blake's personal interests center on family adventures and creative pursuits. He prioritizes shared experiences with his wife and children, such as travel and outdoor activities, describing his household as one focused on "love and support" through collective explorations.[55] His passion for cycling, demonstrated in charity rides, reflects a broader interest in physical challenges and endurance sports.[56] Additionally, as host of Lego Masters, Blake engages with building and imaginative play, often bonding with others over similar hobbies like model construction.[57]

Recognition

Awards and nominations

Hamish Blake has garnered significant recognition in Australian entertainment, with multiple wins at prestigious awards ceremonies such as the Logie Awards and ARIA Music Awards, often in collaboration with long-time partner Andy Lee during their early radio and comedy career.[58][59] In television, Blake achieved a career highlight by winning the Gold Logie Award for Most Popular Personality on Australian Television in 2012, for his work on Hamish and Andy's Gap Year, marking his first individual Logie victory and outshining more established competitors.[59] He repeated this success a decade later in 2022, securing the Gold Logie for hosting Lego Masters Australia, where he also claimed the inaugural Bert Newton Award for Most Popular Presenter, underscoring his enduring popularity as a light entertainment host.[58][60] Blake received further Logie nominations in subsequent years, including a Gold Logie nod in 2025 for Lego Masters, though he did not win, with the award going to Lynne McGranger.[61] In music and comedy, Blake and Lee earned ARIA Music Awards for Best Comedy Release twice: in 2009 for their album Unessential Listening and in 2011 for Celebrating 50 Glorious Years, celebrating their transition from radio to recorded comedy sketches.[62][63] These wins highlighted their innovative humor in audio formats, contributing to their broader media acclaim. Blake has also been nominated at the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA) Awards, including for Favourite Australian TV Host in 2021 related to Lego Masters, and in 2025 for the Audience Choice Award as Favourite Australian Media Personality, where he was bested by Robert Irwin.[64][65] Additionally, he received Equity Ensemble Award nominations in 2011 and 2012 for ensemble performances in comedy series like Hamish and Andy's Gap Year.[66] These accolades reflect Blake's versatility across television hosting, comedy production, and ensemble work, with a focus on family-friendly entertainment.

Honors and titles

In the 2024 King's Birthday Honours, Hamish Blake was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the General Division for his service to the arts as an entertainer and to the community. The honour recognizes his extensive contributions through comedy, television, and radio, alongside his charitable efforts. Blake has held several ambassadorial roles, which serve as honorary titles highlighting his public influence and commitment to various causes. He became an ambassador for Foodbank Australia in 2020, supporting efforts to combat hunger and food insecurity across the country.[67] In 2018, he was appointed an ambassador for the Invictus Games Sydney, promoting support for wounded, injured, and ill servicemen and women, a role he has continued with Invictus Australia.[68] Additionally, Blake served as an ambassador for Soldier On, an organization aiding Australian Defence Force members transitioning to civilian life, including participation in veteran support initiatives like cycling challenges in Italy in 2015.[46] In 2021, Blake and his wife, Zoë Foster Blake, were named ambassadors for Tourism Australia's "Holiday Here This Year" campaign, encouraging domestic travel and tourism recovery post-pandemic through promotional videos and content.[69] These positions underscore his role as a prominent figure in Australian media and philanthropy, leveraging his platform for national and community benefit.

Works

Television appearances

Blake's television career began in the early 2000s with comedic sketches on community and commercial networks, evolving into a prominent role as a host, actor, and writer on major Australian broadcasts. Primarily associated with the Nine Network in his later years, his work has emphasized humor, adventure, and family-oriented entertainment, contributing to his status as a two-time Gold Logie winner.[29][31] His earliest significant television project was the sketch comedy series Hamish and Andy on the Seven Network in 2004, which marked the duo's first appearance on commercial TV and featured short, absurd sketches. This was followed by Real Stories on Network Ten in 2006, a mockumentary parodying reality TV genres that Blake co-created, wrote, and starred in alongside Andy Lee, spanning 26 episodes over two seasons.[70][71][72] The Hamish & Andy partnership achieved widespread popularity with the Gap Year specials on the Nine Network, debuting in 2011 with an American edition that followed the duo's comedic misadventures in New York and beyond. Subsequent seasons explored Asia (2012), Europe (2013), South America (2014), India (2015), New Zealand (2016), and a European revisit (2017), each structured as hour-long episodes blending travelogue and sketch comedy, attracting millions of viewers and earning three Silver Logies for the series along with a Gold Logie for Blake in 2012.[29] Further collaborative projects included True Story with Hamish & Andy (2017–2018), a 10-episode series for each of its two seasons where the pair recreated real-life events with a humorous twist, receiving AACTA nominations for Best Factual Entertainment Program. In 2019, they hosted Hamish & Andy's Perfect Holiday, a three-part special depicting family vacation challenges, which served as a nostalgic capstone to their on-screen partnership.[29][73][74] Transitioning to solo hosting, Blake has presented LEGO Masters Australia on the Nine Network since 2019, a reality competition where teams construct elaborate LEGO creations under time constraints, judged by experts. The show, now in its seventh season as of 2025, has won multiple AACTA Awards for Best Factual Entertainment and helped Blake secure his second Gold Logie in 2022, praised for its wholesome appeal and high ratings averaging over 1 million viewers per episode. In 2025, Blake received a nomination for a third Gold Logie for the series.[31][29][75][58][76] In acting capacities, Blake has portrayed diverse characters across Australian scripted series. He played the immature Billy in the comedy Twentysomething (ABC, 2011), appeared as Tony Woodhouse in the satirical workplace series Utopia (ABC, 2014), contributed sketches to the improv show Open Slather (Foxtel, 2015), starred as lead Alex in romantic comedy The Wrong Girl (Network Ten, 2016), guest-starred in the period drama Molly (ABC, 2016), and recurred as the eccentric Terry Hansen in The Librarians (ABC, 2018–2019). He has also voiced recurring characters, such as Jack's Dad and the Employee (hardware store worker), in the animated hit Bluey (ABC, 2018–present).[29][39][30][30] Blake frequently guests on panel and variety shows, leveraging his quick wit in improvisational formats. He appeared multiple times on Spicks and Specks (ABC, 2009–2010), participated in improv challenges on Thank God You're Here (Network Ten, 2007–2009), competed on Have You Been Paying Attention? (Network Ten), and served as a panelist on Hard Quiz (ABC). Regular visits to The Project (Network Ten) include promotional segments, while international outings feature spots on The Graham Norton Show (BBC, 2010) and The Jay Leno Show (NBC, 2010). In 2020, he created and hosted the web series True Story Avec for the Nine Network, adapting his mockumentary style to short-form content.[39][29][77]

Film and other media

Blake began his foray into feature films with a supporting role as Patrick in the Australian romantic comedy I Love You Too (2010), directed by Daina Reid, where he portrayed a hapless friend navigating awkward relationships. In 2012, he starred as Deano in the New Zealand dark comedy Two Little Boys (also known as Deano and Nige's Best Last Day Ever), directed by Robert Sarkies, a role that showcased his comedic timing in a story of two lifelong friends covering up a crime. The film, based on a novel by Sam Pillsbury, received mixed reviews but highlighted Blake's ability to blend humor with pathos.[78] Blake continued with lead roles in Australian cinema, including Alex Kilstein in the family drama Now Add Honey (2015), directed by Mark Lamprell, where he played a father dealing with his son's terminal illness and the ensuing family dynamics. The film emphasized emotional depth alongside light-hearted moments, earning praise for its heartfelt portrayal.[79] Transitioning to voice acting, Blake provided the voice of Pyro, a mischievous search engine character, in the Disney animated sequel Ralph Breaks the Internet (2018), directed by Phil Johnston and Rich Moore. This international role marked his entry into major studio animation, contributing to the film's ensemble of viral internet personalities.[73] More recently, Blake voiced the character Emu in the animated short G'Day (2022), a light-hearted project celebrating Australian wildlife and culture. Additionally, he lent his voice to Bat in the animated TV series Do Not Watch This Show (2025–present), further expanding his animated portfolio.[80][81] Beyond feature films, Blake has contributed to other media through comedic specials and voice work in non-scripted formats, such as writing and performing in the mockumentary series Real Stories (2006), which parodied reality television tropes. His involvement in these projects underscores his versatility in blending live-action and animated mediums.[72]

Writing and publications

Hamish Blake has engaged in writing primarily through collaborative books that blend humor, self-help, and comedic commentary, often tied to his entertainment career. In 2018, Blake co-authored the relationship guide Textbook Romance: A Step-by-Step Guide to Getting the Guy with his wife, Zoë Foster Blake, published by Penguin Random House Australia. The book delivers practical, witty advice for women on dating and sustaining relationships, with Blake contributing footnotes and a male viewpoint to add levity and realism to topics like avoiding common pitfalls in romance.[33] Blake partnered with longtime collaborator Andy Lee on the illustrated compendium Power Moves, Volume 1, released in 2020 by Lake Press, which collects over 100 quirky, over-the-top "power moves"—humorous strategies for everyday absurdities drawn from their radio and podcast content. A sequel, Power Moves, Volume 2, followed in 2021, featuring additional entries in a deluxe coffee-table format emphasizing visual gags and satirical life tips. These publications encapsulate the duo's signature blend of silliness and ingenuity, appealing to fans of their improvisational comedy.[82] In 2023, Blake penned the foreword for Showing Up: Get Comfortable Being Uncomfortable by ultrarunner Nedd Brockmann, published by Simon & Schuster Australia. His introduction highlights themes of resilience and pushing personal limits, informed by Brockmann's record-breaking run across Australia.[83] Earlier in his career, Blake wrote a newspaper column titled "Man Up" for the Herald Sun starting in 2010, where he offered lighthearted commentary on masculinity, relationships, and contemporary male experiences.[84]

References

  1. Lego Masters Australia host: Who is Hamish Blake? - New Idea
  2. Spicks and Specks was a career launchpad for more than just its ...
  3. Hamish and Andy to film second TV series
  4. Radio host and TV star Hamish Blake on fitness training, playing golf ...
  5. 2022 Logies Winners: Hamish Blake wins the Gold ... - ABC News
  6. Hamish Blake - Penguin Books Australia
  7. Hamish Blake receives King's Birthday honour at 'humbling ... - 9Now
  8. Hamish Blake and wife Zoe welcome baby boy
  9. 'It's always worth having fun': Hamish Blake's guide to the good life
  10. Why growing up in Glen Waverley has been a 'joy' for locals
  11. Hamish Blake on his dream gig as host of Channel Nine's Lego ...
  12. Hamish Blake on getting kicked out of school, life-changing advice ...
  13. Hamish Blake, Old Collegian, Awarded the Medal of the Order of ...
  14. Hamish & Andy: the story of us - Domain
  15. The rise of comedy duo Hamish Blake and Andy Lee - Daily Mail
  16. Hamish and Andy in the 'hood - The Sydney Morning Herald
  17. Hamish and Andy were originally a trio - News.com.au
  18. When Hamish met Andy: How their bromance first began
  19. Hamish and Andy: Radio stars' 10 best on air moments | news.com.au
  20. Hamish and Andy open up about brutal radio rejection - News.com.au
  21. Hamish and Andy, Hughesy and Kate go head-to-head in radio ...
  22. Hamish & Andy - The Sydney Morning Herald
  23. True Story: How Hamish and Andy made a TV show from fans ...
  24. True Story with Hamish & Andy reflects the reassuring myths we ...
  25. About | Hamish & Andy
  26. Hamish and Andy radio show to end, duo announces | news.com.au
  27. Decades on, Hamish and Andy are still like kids playing in a sandpit
  28. Nine times Thank God You're Here had us in stitches - Beat Magazine
  29. Hamish Blake - Profile Talent Management
  30. Hamish Blake - IMDb
  31. Hamish Blake - LEGO Masters Australia Season 7 - 9Now - Nine
  32. How Other Dads Dad with Hamish Blake
  33. Textbook Romance by Hamish Blake - Penguin Books Australia
  34. Watch: Hamish Blake on why this season of LEGO Masters Australia ...
  35. Exclusive: Hamish Blake and Andy Lee set long-running rumours to ...
  36. Hamish & Andy - Apple Podcasts
  37. Hamish & Andy's Remembering Project returns for season six
  38. Hamish Blake — The Movie Database (TMDB)
  39. Andy Lee announces exciting new TV project with Hamish Blake
  40. Hamish Blake Movies and Shows - ‎Apple TV
  41. It's All Good Down Under with Hamish Blake | Come and Say G'day
  42. Inside Hamish Blake and Zoe Foster-Blake's relationship
  43. Hamish Blake and wife Zoë Foster Blake's love story | AWW
  44. The thing that made Hamish Blake fall for his wife, Zoë Foster Blake
  45. Hamish Blake | Soldier On Australia
  46. https://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/hamish-blake-gears-up-for-rough-ride-in-italian-dolomites-in-aid-of-soldier-on-charity/news-story/53790730aa40a163ca204cdce93d3303
  47. Hugh Jackman helps Hamish Blake and Andy Lee with a pitch for ...
  48. Chrissie Swan and Hamish Blake Join the Foodbank Family
  49. Zoë Foster & Hamish Blake - The Orangutan Project
  50. A letter from Annabelle: What I saw during my recent trip to Uganda ...
  51. Gala Ball 2025
  52. Hamish Blake Father's Day Special on why 10 more minutes matters
  53. 2023 Father of the Year Awards announced - AMHF
  54. Hamish Blake reflects on friendship, fun and a jam-packed career
  55. Hamish Blake Interview - RIDE ON Magazine
  56. Lego Masters star reveals what it's like working with Hamish Blake
  57. Hamish Blake wins gold at 2022 Logie awards - The Guardian
  58. Blake gets gold, Hills and The Slap grab Logies - ABC News
  59. 2022 Logie Awards Winners: Hamish Blake Wins Gold (FULL LIST)
  60. Full list of winners and nominees at the 2025 Logie Awards
  61. Factbox: Winners of the 2009 ARIA Awards - ABC News
  62. 2011 ARIA Awards Winners
  63. 2021 AACTA awards: Hamish Blake has a run-in with the boys in blue
  64. 2025 AACTA Awards: All the winners in film, tv and online
  65. Awards - Hamish Blake - IMDb
  66. Introducing our new Face of Foodbank | Hamish Blake
  67. Fast 5 Q&A with Hamish Blake - Invictus Games Sydney 2018
  68. New Campaign urges Australians to take an Epic Holiday - Corporate
  69. Hamish and Andy celebrate 20 years since first TV appearance
  70. Hamish and Andy (Creator) - TV Tropes
  71. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0796737/
  72. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5848272/
  73. None
  74. With Hamish Blake (Sorted by Popularity Ascending) - IMDb
  75. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/deano_and_niges_best_last_day_ever
  76. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/now_add_honey_2015
  77. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt12229448/
  78. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/gday
  79. Power Moves Book – Volume 1 | Hamish & Andy
  80. Showing Up | Book by Nedd Brockmann, Hamish Blake
  81. Blake's big plan to ham it up with us - The Daily Telegraph
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