Joel Ozborn
Following in the footsteps of Robin Williams and Eddie Izzard, Joel began honing his craft on the streets of Sydney’s Circular Quay. Not wanting to resort to the predictable type of street show, Joel created his own bizarre style of street comedy which led to him winning the 1998 ‘Street Performer of the Year’ Competition presented by the Sydney Opera House live on 2DayFM.
Later that year Joel moved to America to work with internationally renowned comedian/magician The Amazing Johnathan. Over the course of the next few years, Joel found himself travelling extensively across nearly all 52 states, visiting world-famous cities such as Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco and Boise, Idaho. Joel’s street performing continued in Los Angeles in front of the large crowds at the world-famous Venice Beach. Knowing all too well that the crowds were used to the bizarre, Joel created more ‘off the wall’ comedy to grab their attention. This included having a sling shot fired at his face and squeezing his body through a genuine tennis racket.
Considered one of Australia’s funniest and most exciting comedians, Joel Ozborn’s first real taste for comedy came when he won his high School public speaking competition. Rather than delivering a conventional speech on politics or the environment he chose to talk about the anxiety of Wombats, which left both students and teachers in stitches. Since then his comedy has taken him all over the world and on tour with popular comedians like Arj Barker and Akmal Saleh.
Joel has also performed at The Adelaide Fringe Festival, Sydney Cracker Comedy Festival and the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. He has performed on numerous cruises in the South Pacific and continues to tour and perform with Akmal and Arj Barker throughout Australia.
Although he still enjoys hitting the road with his comedian friends from time to time, these days you can catch Joel at one of the many comedy festivals, headlining comedy clubs or in his own solo theatre show.
“He’s disarming; he’s accessible without being common; articulate and clever without being smug… bloody funny.” The Age
“I fell a little bit in love with Joel Ozborn. This tall, nonchalant Eric Bana look-a-like was perfect… went down a treat in a packed house. People were rocking backwards and forwards, holding in their stomachs and letting out shouts of laughter.” The Advertiser
“His flair for improvisation left the crowd in stitches…” The Program
“Joel Ozborn’s physical style of comedy was excellent.” The Sunday Times
“Joel’s style of comedy is in a category not occupied by any other comedian; an actor -talented, physical and unique; the spontaneous standing ovation said it all! Remember his name people; he’s going to be BIG! … Outstanding!!!” Rip It Up
