Matt Okine grew up in Brisbane, and was often greeted by the question ‘where are you from?’, followed by ‘but, no, where really?’
With a sister 7 years older, a mum who took him to the Toowoomba flower festival and a Dad who was a dentist by day and African Nightclub owner by night, Matt’s life was pretty awesome.
Two days before his 13th birthday, Matt’s mum passed away and his world changed forever. Not really sure what to do with the immense grief, Matt wouldn’t deal with these emotions until he got into drama school.
Making it to nationals (on semi-accident) for triple jump, Matt’s sporting talent was recognised by AFL scouts, and he was invited to the NAB Star Search.
However, Matt’s passion lied with the arts, and as he accepted a prestigious place at QUT drama school, he was quickly told by the director to quit contact sports to protect his face. Matt’s footy coach was not impressed.
In 2012, Matt shared the Melbourne International Comedy Festival Best Newcomer award, and in 2013 was announced as best newcomer at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
From 2014-2016, Matt hosted Triple J’s national breakfast radio show with Alex Dyson; his voice becoming recognisable to hundreds of thousands around the country each morning.
In 2017, Matt co-created and stared in The Other Guy: a semi-biographical TV show which received AACTA nominations.
Matt wrote Being Black ‘N Chicken & Chips in 2019, which was shortlisted for the 2020 ABIA New Writer of the Year. In 2021, Matt re-released this in a teen edition.
In amongst all of this, Matt has a full-blown music career, as well as a cooking show, and a plethora of other projects.
