Aussie Comics Quiz | Place of Origin

Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts

1. In the 1986 movie of the same name, which character said, "For a minute there, 'room-service' took on a whole new meaning"?

Answer: Crocodile Dundee

In the movie, 'Crocodile Dundee', Paul Hogan is perfect as Mick Dundee, the laconic outback safari runner and crocodile hunter. His laidback style is typical of the true-blue Aussie - he began his working life as a rigger on the Sydney Harbour Bridge! His 'break' into television came with an appearance on 'New Faces' in the mid-70s.

2. Who starred as Barry Mackenzie in the film, 'The Adventures of Barry Mackenzie'?

Answer: Barry Crocker

This 1972 film, directed by Bruce Beresford, was an uproarious, over-the-top, politically incorrect, blunt, humourously, jaunty look at a naive Australian in the UK. Followed by the sequel, 'Barry Mackenzie Holds His Own', in 1974.

3. This television program ran on the ABC in the late 1970s, a large 'female' character 'assaulted' her viewers dressed in a blousy blue outfit accessorised with boxing gloves saying, "If you don't watch my show, I'll jump through your television screen and rip your bloody arms off." Who was this character?

Answer: Aunty Jack

"Farewell Aunty Jack, we know you'll be back, though you're ten feet tall, you don't scare us at all", is a line from the theme song of this outrageous television program. Graham Bond (now a respected commercial television show presenter) dressed in drag, moustache and all, to portray Aunty Jack. Set in Wollongong (south of Sydney), it launched the career of 'Norman Gunston', aka Garry Macdonald!

4. Who, from Moonee Ponds, described 'herself' as a 'Housewife Superstar'?

Answer: Dame Edna Everage

Dame Edna Everage, aka, Barry Humphries! Barry was a very intelligent boy who attended Melbourne University and performed in revues and did some impersonations. He moved to London in the 1960s and began his television career as the daunting Dame!

5. 'Mother and Son', an extremely popular comedy series on the ABC produced between 1983 and 1993, starred which character who would say, "Oh, Arthur"?

Answer: Maggie Beare

The late, great, Ruth Cracknell played the part of 'dotty' Maggie Beare, an elderly woman suffering early dementia, in "Mother and Son", alongside Garry Macdonald. Probably one of the best comic teams to grace Australian television in the 1980s and 1990s. Maggie's memory lapses and disorientation - genuine or intentional - drove her 'carer' son, Arthur, to distraction and his long suffering attempts to deal with her were not helped by her her other son Robbie's rampant self-interest.

It made for a brilliantly dark comedy!

6. 'Australiana' was a huge hit for this Australian comic. "Will Walla Be There?", is a quote from this double platinum selling single by which artist?

Answer: Austen Tayshus

Austen Tayshus wrote 'Australiana', Australia's first national number one comedy single. It remains the highest selling comedy single in Australian recording history! If you can get your hands on it, do so. I saw 'Austen' live in the early eighties, his rendition of "Australiana" was absolutely brilliant!

7. In the late 1970s, 'The Naked Vicar Show' was a hugely successful comedy program. Who was its female star?

Answer: N Browne

Noelene Browne confirmed her position as Australian comedienne extraordinare in this comedic show alongside Kev Goldsby and Ross Higgins. She went on to perform on 'Blankety Blanks' and many other hugely successful Australian comedies.

8. "Pickle me Grandmother" was an oft quoted expression in which Aussie television show?

Answer: Kingswood Country

Ross Higgins, who played Ted Bullpitt in 'Kingswood Country', often exclaimed "Pickle me Grandmother", along with such as "You're not taking the Kingswood, I've just polished the towbar". His most precious possession was his Holden Kingswood car and he objected strenuously to anyone wanting to drive his car and kept the keys hidden! Set in Wombat Crescent, Engadine, this fictional show is a scream - if taken in the right vein!

9. An extremely popular television show aired on Australian television in the early 1980s. The host was oft quoted saying, "Cyril said ..." Can you pick three of the 'celebrities' that were regulars on this show?

Answer: Ugly Dave Gray, Noeline Brown, Noel Ferrier

Graham Kennedy, the irrepresible host of Australia's 'Blankety Blanks' performed alongside Ugly Dave Gray as a permanent panellist along with Noeline Brown and Noel Ferrier. It was bawdy, rude, and hilariously funny. Graham Kennedy, 'The King', trod a fine line between naughty and offensive and goaded his panelists into the same!

10. Which character on the television show 'Comedy Company' always said, "She goes, she goes, she just goes"?

Answer: Kylie Mole

Between 1988 and 1989, Mary-Anne Fahey played the role of Kylie Mole on a Comedy Company. She co-wrote for the program with Russell Gilbert and up to thirteen other writers. Her character was a unique spin on the pre-pubescent Aussie teenager of the day!

11. Which Australian comedian is known as, 'Rude, Rude ...' ?

Answer: Rodney Rude

'Rude, Rude Rodney Rude' was the name of just one of this amazing Australian comedians' albums. Pushing the boundaries, he's been banned from performing in Queensland twice! As an aside, he resided in Engadine south of Sydney), New South Wales for many years!

12. In 'Hey Dad', she was the ditzy secretary. Can you name this Australian actress?

Answer: Julie Macgregor

As Betty Wilson, Julie Macgregor cemented her place in Australian comedic history. The 'Hey Dad' series began filming in 1986.

13. Roy Rene is credited with starting the Australian genre of comedy, way back in 1914. He was oft quoted in character. Can you name his most famous character?

Answer: Mo Macachie

Roy Rene, born Henry van der Sluys, began the 'Stiffy and Mo' comedy routine with Nat Phillips. The pair were very popular on stage and recorded a couple of discs in the 1920's. In the late 20's and early 30's Roy and his wife Sadie Gale were popular on stage and on disc and in 1936 they went into radio.

14. Who, in character, in 1976 stated, "That was Mr Keith Moon, the fabulous drummer from the top pop group The Who. I think he's been sitting in front of the amplifiers too long."?

Answer: Norman Gunston

Norman Gunston, creation of Garry McDonald, began his career on the Aunty Jack Show. He went on to interview some of the best known celebrities of his day, in his own inimitable way!

15. As Paul Hogan's offsider on the "Paul Hogan Show", this character was often portrayed 'as thick as two short planks'. What was the name of this character?

Answer: Strop

John Cornell never lived down his character 'Strop'. He and his wife, Delvene Delaney, were mainstays for Paul's humerous digs on the "Paul Hogan Show", which began in 1977.

Source: Author Engadine

This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor nerthus before going online.
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Aussie Comics Trivia Quiz

From Moe Macachie through to Crocodile Dundee, we Aussies have exhibited a very droll sense of humour! Who, or which comic character am I describing in the following - includes stand up comedians, radio, television and movies. All multiple choice.

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