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MikeKing

  • Comedian
  • Presenter
Mike-King-Key-Profile.jpg

Mike King has spent his life cracking people up, although it hasn't always been easy to laugh at himself. Starting out in stand-up, he began a long TV career as a comedian, chat show host, reality star and presenter of the acclaimed Lost in Translation. From the face of NZ Pork to animal rights activist, from addict to suicide prevention campaigner, King's progression has been nothing if not eclectic. 

Screenography

30 with Guyon Espiner
2024 Subject Web
2015 Subject Television
2014 As: Tui Film

Biography

Mike King first took to the stage in 1994, after making a $400 bet that he had the goods to be a stand-up comedian. After performing for 11 minutes, he got a standing ovation. An Englishman who watched the act told him if that was King’s first time — and it was — then he was going to be famous. The Englishman was comedian Ben Elton.

Awards

2019 Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit
For services to mental health awareness and suicide prevention

2002 TV Guide New Zealand Television Awards
Nominated for Best Entertainment/Comedy Performance: for An Audience With The King
Nominated for Best Comedy Programme (with Eric Derks): for An Audience With The King

“That night is the highest I've ever been in comedy. I floated. I went downstairs that night, and my car had been stolen. I didn't give a f***.”

Mike King on the excitement of his 1997 debut as a stand-up comedian, in his extended interview for 2019 TV series Funny As: The Story of New Zealand Comedy