George Smilovici

George Smilovici is an original, a pioneer in Australian stand-up comedy. He was there at the beginning of the 80s and took stand-up to Rock audiences. He conquered the charts with his hilarious monologue I’m Tough reaching Number #1 by knocking off  Stevie Wonder’s nauseating I Just Called To Say I Love You (surely a public service for which he should be thanked).

A seminal influence on Australian comedy, he’s performed in every arena, from the Sydney Entertainment Centre to sports stadiums, theatres and concert halls, in festivals, intimate clubs, as well as on TV, Film and Radio. He’s shared the stage with greats like Joe Cocker, Talking Heads, Neil Sedaka, Midnight Oil, INXS, Fleetwood Mac, Michael Winslow, Joan Rivers and many more.

Before his success, Cuban-born George tested his true grit as a high school English and History teacher. George realised that his pupils found him amusing so he left school for a different audience.

“They begged me to stay, they gave me presents and trinkets, they promised to behave, they actually cried.”

So far he has released 4 albums, 4 singles, 2 concert videos, and has done too much to mention here. He even features as a question on the popular board game, Trivial Pursuit.

George was the author and face of the award-winning “I’m Cool” Brut Faberge TV commercials.

His wide appeal has allowed him to perform in many overseas markets including Britain, USA, Indonesia, Malaysia, New Zealand, and for the coalition troops in Iraq, Kuwait and Qatar.

A consummate MC and raconteur, his passion for making people laugh and putting them at ease makes for a unique event.

These days George also spends time in his homeland, Havana, Cuba where he records with his own band, Frente Calient (Hot Front).