Dave Hughes is one of Australia's biggest and best stand-up comedians – and fellow comedians call him 'the GOAT.' A household name who's made sharp wit and larrikin charm his trademark, Hughesy is universally revered by those inside the industry as the comedian's comedian.
His career exploded in 1998 with a legendary debut on Hey Hey It's Saturday– so good it was the only stand-up spot replayed on the show's 50th Anniversary Special. From there, he became a breakout star on The Glasshouse, co-founded the iconic Before The Game, delivered unforgettable Hughesy Loses It segments on Rove Live, and was a key pillar in the launch of The Project in 2009, staying for five years. But Dave's never stopped. He's hosted Australia's Got Talent, produced and starred in Hughesy, We Have A Problem, was the only judge to complete all five seasons of Masked Singer Australia, and in 2025 appeared on I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here, Taskmaster Australia, and Talkin' 'Bout Your Generation. His life and comedy were also featured on Australian Story – the most viewed episode of 2025.
While dominating TV, Dave simultaneously conquered radio. From launching Nova 100's breakfast show in 2001 (which ruled ratings for 13 years) to his national drive show and 2DayFM breakfast stint, he's been a ratings powerhouse for over two decades.
Through it all, stand-up remains his true love. He's a road warrior, selling out theatres nationwide for three decades and earning invitations to perform at Montreal's Just For Laughs festival. In 2025, Australians voted Dave the 2nd most popular comedian and radio host in the nation – remarkable for someone who's been essential for almost thirty years.
Whether performing for 50 people or millions on TV, Hughesy delivers exactly what audiences come for: big laughs. And he's never lost the common touch – after every show, he patiently takes photos with fans until the last one has gone home, from 9 year olds to 99 year olds and beyond.
David is currently touring and also performing at the Melbourne Comedy Festival soon, check out tickets before they sell out! Links below.
We chat about his radical mindset shift, Wayne Dwyer and mindset, worries and letting go, his many jobs before comedy and being fired as a dishwasher, ego, giving up alcohol, radio and ratings, newfound view of success, being on the doll, trending on Twitter + so much more!
Check Dave out on:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dhughesy/
Website/ tour dates: https://davehughes.com.au/tour-dates/#tourdates
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/officialdavehughes
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@davehughesy
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