Anh Do Bio

There’s a good chance Anh Do’s life took a turn for the better the day his parents decided to flee post-war Communist Vietnam. While there have been plenty of challenges, best selling author Anh Do has taken his start in life and turned it into a career many can only dream about.

He is a talented and in-demand keynote speaker, and as a comedian, actor and author, has entertained and motivated thousands of Australians for many years.

Anh Do is also recognised as a cultural ambassador who celebrates his Vietnamese heritage within Australian society.

From Vietnam to Australia 

Anh Do was born on June 2, 1977, in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

Making the decision to flee your homeland with children cannot have been an easy decision for Tam Do and Hien Do. In his memoir, Anh portrays his mother as hardworking, resilient, and selfless, working long hours once they arrive in Australia. He credits her with holding the family together. With his dad, he portrays him as charismatic, clever, and brave, but also flawed, as he eventually abandons his family.

Anh Do was three years old when he made that journey from Vietnam to Australia, on a nine by two and a half metre fishing boat with 40 other people. Anh Do and his family fled to Australia as refugees in 1980. The group was attacked by pirates twice, bailing out water every time a large wave hit, and floating on a boat with engine troubles.

His family was eventually accepted into Australia where they settled in the Sydney suburb of Yagoona.

Reflecting on his past, it is clear that these early experiences have played a significant role in shaping Anh Do’s journey and personal growth.

Growing up Vietnamese in Sydney 

Like many families fleeing similar situations, the Do family faced severe financial hardship, as well as discrimination and bullying.

Anh and his siblings attended St Brigids Primary School in Marrickville for primary school and then St Aloysius’ College in Milsons Point for secondary school. Despite struggling financially, his parents did what they could to put Anh and siblings through private school.

With the aim of buying his mum a house soon after he finished school, Do scored a 98 on his HSC, and decided to study law as he knew lawyers made a lot of money. He studied a combined Business Law degree at the University of Technology, Sydney. He also studied art at TAFE while completing his law degree.

Anh Do achieved his goal and purchased his mum a house at the age of 23 after working in stand-up comedy for two years. His ability to sell his comedy performances and creative works played a key role in his early success.

Filmography and live shows

Anh Do’s influence in the art world extends far beyond his best-selling books and celebrated paintings – he is also a dynamic presence on stage and screen. As a stand-up comedy performer, Anh has captivated audiences across Australia, bringing his unique blend of humour, heart, and storytelling. His live shows are renowned for their surprising mix of comedy and adventure, drawing in fans of all ages who are eager to experience his epic journey from war-torn Vietnam to becoming one of Australia’s most prominent comedians and artists.

He has appeared in many Australian television series and films, including:

• All Saints

• Blue Water High

• Seachange

• Little Fish (with Cate Blanchett, Sam Neil and Hugo Weaving)

• Footy Legends (co-written with brother Khoa Do and directed by Khoa Do)

• Crooked Business

• Solo/More Dead Men

• Kick

• Double the Fist

• Pizza

• Anh Does Vietnam

• Made in China with Anh Do (Olympic special)

• Anh’s Brush with Fame

• The Finished People (directed and written by Khoa Do)

• Don’t Blame the Koalas

He has acted in several films directed by his brother Khoa Do, including Footy Legends, which he co-wrote and produced.

Since 2013, Do has focused on painting, particularly portraiture, using thick, textured paint techniques. Anh Do is an accomplished painter and has participated in the Archibald Prize four times, winning the People’s Choice Award in 2017.

He also had regular guest appearances on Thank God You’re Here, Spicks and Specks, Rove and The Footy Show. He was also runner-up on Dancing with the Stars in 2007.

Anh Do’s career is a testament to the power of laughter, art, and perseverance. Whether you’re a long-time reader of his adventure series with your children, a fan of his stand-up comedy, or new to his work, attending one of his live shows is an unforgettable way to witness the magic of his storytelling.  

Awards and accolades 

Anh Do has been awarded for his writing, comedy and artistic talent. 

The Happiest Refugee

Do’s 2010 book, The Happiest Refugee, has been awarded with:

• Indie Awards, Book of the Year, 2011 – Winner

• Indie Awards, Non-Fiction Book of the Year, 2011 – Winner

• Australian Book Industry Awards, Book of the year, 2011 – Winner

• Australian Book Industry Awards, Newcomer of the Year, 2011 – Winner

• Australian Book Industry Awards, Biography of the Year, 2011 – Joint Winner/Co-Winner 

• Nielsen BookData Booksellers’ (ABA) Choice Award, 2011 – Winner

• NSW Premier’s Literary Awards, Community Relations Commission Award, 2011 – Shortlisted

The Happiest Refugee was the first non-fiction book to win the overall Indie Book of the Year award. 

He also won the 2024 Young Australian Best Book Award for Fiction for Younger Readers for Hot Dog #10: Beach Time! 

Artistic Achievements 

Do is four-times a finalist in the prominent Archibald Prize, considered the most prestigious portrait art prize in Australia.

• Archibald Prize, 2014 – Finalist “Tam Do Portrait”

• Archibald Prize, 2017 – Winner “Jack Charles Portrait”

• Archibald Prize, 2019 – Finalist “George Gittoes Portrait” 

• Archibald Prize, 2022 – Finalist “Peter Garrett Portrait”

Comedy Awards

• Winner – Thank God You’re Here Trophy – 2007

• Australian Entertainment Mo Awards – Rodney Rude Stand Up Comedian of the Year, 2012 – Winner

He also won the NSW Triple J Raw Comedy Champion early in his career Winner – NSW Triple J Raw Comedy Champion