Fifteen years ago, the Brisbane-born comedian, actor and writer probably wouldn’t have thought twice if a chance encounter saw him offered a role in a movie starring Vanilla Ice and Sophie Monk.After nearly 17 years in Sydney, comedian, actor, radio presenter and writer Matt Okine is back living in his home city, Brisbane.
“He explained it as succinctly as possible. And I remember pretty much thinking then, well, she’s going to die.”“I really put up a lot of barriers all through high school and certainly growing up in an era where “boys don’t cry” and you’ve got to be a tough guy to get by. This year marks 25 years since Okine lost her. Understanding the impact that had on him at a young age is one of the reasons he’s joined cancer charity Canteen as an ambassador for National Bandanna Day.“The reason I continue to work with Canteen is because I completely understand the importance of having support for anyone who’s going on, or is part of, someone’s cancer journey,” he says.
“I would love to get to the point where a young actor or comedian who’s working in the film and TV industry doesn’t feel like they need to move to Sydney or Melbourne to make it … it can happen for them here.”