‘Godfather’ of comedy Joe Avati reveals his odd phobia

Joe Avati has ruled the US comedy circuit – as a ‘a social scientist who uses humour to get my message across’ despite his unusual shortcomings.

Australian comedian Joe Avati at home in Kew for At Home feature. Picture: Aaron Francis / The Australian

Comedian Joe Avati admits he’s shy at heart and feels embarrassed meeting people after a show.

For a comedian who has toured the world for the past 20 years it sounds like an odd phobia to have. At 48, Avati says he’s more of “a social scientist who uses humour to get my message across”.

His career exploded when his material – he likes to say what others think but won’t dare say – went viral back in 2000. He hasn’t looked back since, despite the shyness.

“The two achievements I am proud of the most is being credited for single-handedly kickstarting the ‘ethnic comedy’ movement in North America and taking all my Italian grandparents on tour with me in Canada in 2002,” he says.

Avati also has a double degree in pure science and an Honours degree, and was writing classical piano sonatas at 16, but says neither science nor comedy were ever his first choice of career.

Shy at heart: Joe Avati. Picture: Aaron Francis / The Australian

“I actually wanted to be a rock star but if you heard me sing you would know why that didn’t happen.,” he says.

“What I love about comedy is that the feedback is instant. You know how you are going in this business every 20 seconds.”

Who: Joe Avati

Where: I live in a grand 1840s-built mansion in Kew where every room has extremely ornate features. It’s like one of those homes where you would hold an Eyes Wide Shut kind of masquerade party.

Favourite space: The sitting room because it holds my antiques, a beautifully restored grand piano, Art Deco lounge and most of my favourite pieces of art (are) hanging on the walls. Home means: A place I need to feel completely comfortable and relaxed in at all times.

COMEDIAN JOE AVATI’S FAVOURITE THINGS

Number one comedy album framed

Rock stat status: Picture: Aaron Francis / The Australian

In 2001 I had the number one comedy album in North America and I am very proud of this achievement. It’s the closest thing that I have to being a rock star.

Artwork

Feel good art. Picture: Aaron Francis / The Australian

I have been touring the world for over 20 years now and I have amassed a huge art collection from the places I have been. They just make me feel good looking at them.

Piece of rock

Rock reminder. Picture: Aaron Francis / The Australian

Several years ago I was driving behind a truck and this piece of rock flew off the back, bounced on the road and came straight towards me. I swerved but it hit the windscreen and landed on my bonnet. I keep it as a constant reminder of how life can change in a second.

Christian Louboutin boots

These boots were made for looking good. Aaron Francis / The Australian

I collect shoes and these are my favourite – a pair of Christian Louboutin boots which I was the first person in the world to own. They are completely covered in black sequins but if you run your finger in the opposite direction the other side is gold and they are a true reflection of who I am – sometimes I am dark and nondescript and sometimes I am completely over the top.

Wedding photo

The fun of it all. Picture: Aaron Francis / The Australian

I married Natalie in 2020 and I love our wedding picture because it’s so fun and spontaneous and it’s a reminder that even though marriage can be tough, we always take a fun approach to it.

Great Grandfather’s beret

Sentimental beret. Picture: Aaron Francis / The Australian

This is my great grandfather’s beret. I am an extremely sentimental person and I keep as much as I can from the past but it’s all sorted and filed away in boxes. One day my kids can do whatever they want with it.

Grandfather’s war journal

‘Most precious thing I have.’ Picture: Aaron Francis / The Australian

This was gifted to me by my grandmother for my 40th birthday – it’s the most precious thing I have. It’s my grandfather’s war journal when he was a prisoner of war in Asmara, Eritrea. In it you can clearly see he taught himself to read and write English with the help of the British prisoners.

Grandfather’s binoculars

Viewing hardship. Picture: Aaron Francis / The Australian

These were gifted to me by my paternal grandfather, whom I am named after. He had these for longer than I have been alive and I often wonder what hardship he saw through them. Reminds me of how lucky we are to be in Australia now.

Joe Avati’s show When I Was Your Age kicks off next month at the Adelaide Fringe from March 1-5, followed by a 52-city world tour. Tickets: joeavati.com

Originally published as ‘Godfather’ of comedy Joe Avati reveals his odd phobia