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Denise Scott

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Denise Scott
AM
Born
Denise Margaret Scott

(1955-04-24) 24 April 1955 (age 71)
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Other nameScotty
Occupations
  • Comedian
  • actor
  • television presenter
  • radio presenter
PartnerJohn Lane
Children2

Denise Margaret Scott AM (born 24 April 1955)[1] is an Australian stand-up comedian, actor, television and radio presenter.

Career

[edit]

Scott has appeared frequently on Australian television since her regular slot on ABC TV's The Big Gig in 1990, and a weekly segment on Tonight Live with Steve Vizard.[2] Scott was one of the most frequent guests on musical quiz show Spicks and Specks, and appeared several times on The Glass House and Good News Week.

In 1993 she performed the live show, Women Stand Up! with Sue Ingleton and Lynda Gibson.[3] She also co-starred with Judith Lucy and Lynda Gibson in stage spectaculars Comedy Is Not Pretty (1999)[4] and Comedy Is Still Not Pretty (2003).[5][6]

She was a member of the Vega 91.5 FM breakfast radio show; Dave and Denise with Shaun Micallef (formerly called Shaun, Beverley and Denise), until she finished up with Vega on 23 November 2007.

Scott has made appearances on Network 10 shows Can of Worms, The Circle, The Project, All Star Family Feud, Would I Lie to You?, Have You Been Paying Attention?, Hughesy, We Have a Problem, The Cheap Seats, Talkin' 'Bout Your Gen and Sam Pang Tonight. Scott starred as Trish Gross in the Australian drama series Winners & Losers on the Seven Network.[7] She appeared as a guest on the talk show Can of Worms on Network Ten on Monday 29 August. Scott also appeared on Channel 31's To Hell in a Handbasket, with Dolly Diamond on Tuesday 17 December 2013.

Scott stars as Gwen in the Australian ABC comedy series It's a Date.[8]

In 2017, Scott started narrating the Australian travel series Travel Guides on the Nine Network, and again teamed up with Judith Lucy for a new live show, Disappointments which commenced touring and was performed in Melbourne in April 2017 as part of the International Comedy Festival.[9]

In April 2018, Network Ten announced Scott would join Studio 10 as a panelist.[10]

In 2019, Scott competed in the sixteenth season of Dancing with the Stars, where she was paired up with Jeremy Garner.[11] She was second to be eliminated from the competition.[12]

In July 2019, Scott announced her resignation as a panelist on Studio 10.

In 2023, she starred in the reboot of the popular sitcom Mother and Son, written by Geoffrey Atherden. Scott portrayed the ageing and frail Maggie, alongside Matt Okine who played her son Arthur. The series re-imagining also introduced a multicultural aspect, with the current Arthur being from a migrant background[13]

On 4 July 2025, Scott voiced Tortoise in Andy Lee's animated series based on his book of the same name Do Not Watch This Show.[14]

Filmography

[edit]

Film

[edit]
Year Title Role Type
1985MalcolmWilly's WifeFeature film
1988An Ordinary WomanShort film
1992VaudevilleNatural NormansTV movie
1995GorgeousAdditional characters (voices)Short film
MaidenheadHat Shop WomanShort film
2007The Sounds of AusSelfTV movie
2013Mother's BoyMotherShort film
2014TimothyMelinda GarrettTV movie

Television

[edit]
Year Title Role Type
1989–1990Tuesday Night Live: The Big GigCarmen / Babs Blewitt / Jude / Escort Agent / Doris / Wife / Magazine Reader9 episodes
1992Six PackKatherine1 episode
Let the Blood Run FreeMrs Rottweiler1 episode
1993–1995Full FrontalVarious characters26 episodes
1996NeighboursCoral Reeves2 episodes
1997Good Guys, Bad GuysWaitress1 episode
Get a LifeDaphne Stork
1998Halifax f.p.Shiri1 episode
The Genie from Down Under 2Denise1 episode
1999Blue HeelersPam Kelly1 episode
SeaChangeWilhelmina Seagull1 episode
2000Introducing Gary PerryWoman at Zoo1 episode
One Size Fits AllVarious characters13 episodes
2001Shock JockMiss Wanda1 episode
2002Short CutsMrs Coxon4 episodes
2009The LibrariansNurse1 episode
2010Bed of RosesPatti Rankin1 episode
Sleuth 101Enid1 episode
2011Judith Lucy's Spiritual JourneySister Aileen (flashback)1 episode
2011–2016Winners & LosersTrish GrossSeasons 1–5, 75 episodes
2013To Hell in a Handbasket, with Dolly DiamondTV series
Being BrendoBrenda Abbott2 episodes
2013–2014It's a DateGwen2 episodes
2014Bleak: The Web SeriesNoniWeb series, 3 episodes
2015Please Like MeDoctor1 episode
2015–2017House HusbandsNurse ToniSeason 4–5, 14 episodes
2016Jack IrishSybill McLeod2 episodes
2017Travel GuidesNarrator
2018True Story with Hamish & AndyBernadette1 episode
2019Get KrackinMargaret1 episode
2021–2022FiskLeslie2 episodes
2023–presentMother and SonMaggie8 episodes
2025Do Not Watch This ShowTortoise (voice)12 episodes

Television (as self)

[edit]
Year Title Role Type
1990Tonight Live with Steve VizardRegular guestTV series
1996In Melbourne TonightSelfTV series, 1 episode
1998Smallest Room in the HouseSelfTV series, 1 episode
2000The Big SchmoozeSelfTV series, 1 episode
2001–04Rove LiveGuestTV series, 3 episodes
2004Stand Up!SelfTV series, 1 episode
2004Australian IdolSelfTV series, 1 episode
2005Good Morning AustraliaSelfTV series, 1 episode
2006Bert's Family FeudTeam CaptainTV series, 3 episodes
2007The SideshowSelfTV series, 1 episode
2005–22Spicks and SpecksRegular panellistTV series, 47 episodes
2009–10Good News WeekGuestTV series, 2 episodes
2009–10Talkin' 'Bout Your GenerationSelfTV series, 3 episodes
2009–11The ProjectGuestTV series, 46 episodes
2010The Breast Darn Show in TownSelfTV special
2011Warehouse Comedy FestivalSelfTV series
2011–12Can of WormsGuestTV series, 2 episodes
2012The CircleSelfTV series, 1 episode
2012Total AgonySelfTV series, 6 episodes
2012Pictures of YouSelfTV series
2013Adam Hills TonightSelfTV series, 1 episode
2013This Week LiveSelfTV series
2013Tractor MonkeysSelfTV series, 3 episodes
2015Judith Lucy Is All WomanSelfTV series, 6 episodes
2015–17Stop Laughing...This Is SeriousSelfTV series, 3 episodes
2016Julia Zemiro's Home DeliverySelfTV series, 1 episode
2016The Big Music QuizContestantTV series, 2 episodes
The Glass HouseGuestTV series
2017All Star Family FeudContestantTV series
2017The Justine Clark ShowSelfTV series
2017–18The Weekly with Charlie PickeringSelfTV series, 2 episodes
2017–19Travel GuidesNarratorTV series, 16 episodes
2018Midsumma VAC Hypothetical 2018PanellistTV special
2018Studio 10Co-hostTV series, 3 episodes
2018Tomorrow TonightPanellistTV series, 1 episode
2018–22Have You Been Paying Attention?PanellistTV series, 19 episodes
2018–21Hughesy, We Have a ProblemGuestTV series, 8 episodes
2019Dancing with the StarsContestantTV series, season 16, 5 episodes – second to be eliminated
2019Behave YourselfSelfTV series, 1 episode
2020Lady O'LoughlinSelfTV series
2020Who Do You Think You Are?SelfTV series, 1 episode
2020Play SchoolSelfTV series, 1 episode
2022Would I Lie to You?GuestTV series, 1 episode
2022The Cheap SeatsSelfTV series
2022The Dog House AustraliaSelfTV series, 1 episode
2022The Hundred with Andy LeePanellistTV series, 1 episode
2025Guy Montgomery's Guy Mont-Spelling Bee (Australia)SelfSeason 2, episode 4

Radio

[edit]
Year Title Role Station
2004The Judith Lucy ShowWeekly segment2Day FM
2005774 ABC Evenings with Derek GuilleHost (3 weeks)ABC Radio
The Arvo with Judith Lucy and Peter HelliarWeekly segment2Day FM
2006–2007Dave and Denise with Shaun Micallef (formerly Shaun, Beverley and Denise)Co-hostVega 91.5 FM
2013–2015Breakfast with Meshel and TommyRegular guest appearancesNova 100
2019Hughesy & KateFill in co-hostHit Network
Kennedy Molloy – National DriveRegular guest appearancesTriple M

[15]

Stage

[edit]
Year Title Role Venue / Company
1990The Second Royal Commission – Ensemble ShowComedianMelbourne International Comedy Festival
A Natural Normans ChristmasComedianLast Laugh, Melbourne
This Is Denise ScottSolo comedy actHilton Hotel, Melbourne
1992Extraordinary Encounters of a Mundane KindSolo comedy actMelbourne Fringe Festival
1993Women Stand Up!Comedian
Sing & SwingComedianLast Laugh, Melbourne
1993–1994Canberra Comedy SummitComedianCanberra Theatre Centre
1996Life of the PartySolo comedy actMelbourne International Comedy Festival
1998Mum's the WordComedianMelbourne International Comedy Festival, Her Majesty's Theatre, Adelaide
1999–2000; 2003Comedy is Not PrettyComedianMelbourne International Comedy Festival, Adelaide Fringe, Sydney Opera House
2000Suburban RiotSolo comedy actMelbourne International Comedy Festival, Adelaide Fringe
2003Comedy is Still Not PrettyComedianMelbourne International Comedy Festival
2004Scotty & SonComedianMelbourne International Comedy Festival, Albury-Wodonga Comedy Festival
2005Denise Scott Gives Good CouncilSolo comedy actMelbourne International Comedy Festival
2007Up FrontSolo comedy act
OVCA Lynda Gibson Memorial Comedy EventSolo comedy actMelbourne Athenaeum
RegretsSolo comedy actMelbourne International Comedy Festival
2008–2009Melbourne International Comedy Festival RoadshowSolo comedy actAustralian national tour
2009Byron Writers FestivalComedianByron Bay, New South Wales
2009–2010Number 26Solo comedy actAustralian national tour
2011–2012Solo comedy actMelbourne International Comedy Festival, Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Sydney Comedy Festival, Brisbane Comedy Festival
2012Melbourne International Comedy Festival RoadshowSolo comedy actSingapore, Hong Kong
2013The SpiralComedianAustralian national tour
Bendigo Writer's FestivalSolo comedy actBendigo, Victoria
Laugh Your Tits Off - Love Your Sister FundraiserSolo comedy act
Woodford Folk FestivalSolo comedy actWoodford, Queensland
2014–2015Mother BareSolo comedy actAustralian national tour
2016Not Just For LaughsComedianRegional QLD tour
Lorne Performing Arts FestivalSolo comedy actLorne, Victoria
Queenscliff Music FestivalSolo comedy actQueenscliff, Victoria
2016–2018DisappointmentsComedianAustralian national tour, London Soho Theatre
2019Byron Bay Comedy FestivalSolo comedy actByron Bay, New South Wales
2022Still HereComedianAustralian national tour

[16]

Writer

[edit]
Year Title Role Type
2009All That Happened At Number 26AuthorAutobiographical novel
2012The TourAuthorAutobiographical novel
The Australian Women's WeeklyColumnistMonthly column

[16]

Awards & honours

[edit]
Year Nominated work Award Category Result
1999Comedy Is Not PrettyMelbourne International Comedy FestivalStella Award for Best ShowNominated
Extraordinary Encounters of a Mundane KindRadio National AwardBest Solo Performer in the Melbourne Fringe FestivalWon
2000Suburban RiotMelbourne International Comedy FestivalBarry Award for Most Outstanding ShowNominated
2003Comedy is Still Not PrettyAge Critics AwardWon
2004Comedy is Still Not PrettyGreen Room AwardsMost Innovative Use of Form and Most Outstanding Cabaret ShowWon
Scotty and SonMelbourne International Comedy FestivalBarry Award for Most Outstanding ShowNominated
2005Denise Scott Gives Good CouncilBarry Award for Most Outstanding ShowNominated
2009Number 26Groggy SquirrelCritics' AwardWon
2011RegretsHelpmann AwardsBest Comedy PerformerWon
RegretsMelbourne International Comedy FestivalDirector's Choice AwardWon
2014Winners & LosersEquity Ensemble AwardsOutstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama SeriesNominated
Mother BareMelbourne International Comedy FestivalBarry Award for Most Outstanding ShowWon
2017Disappointments with Denise Scott and Judith LucyPeople's Choice AwardWon
2023Denise ScottMember of the Order of AustraliaSignificant service to the arts as a comedian and actressHonoured[17]

[15]

Personal life

[edit]

Scott grew up in Greensborough, Victoria.[18] She lives with her partner John, whom she met whilst in a clowning ensemble in Albury-Wodonga.[7] She has two children, musician Jordie Lane and multidisciplinary artist Bonnie Lane.[7]

Scott was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer (HER2-positive) just before embarking on the Mother and Son reboot, and underwent chemotherapy while shooting.[17]

References

[edit]
  1. ↑ All that happened at number 26 / Denise Scott Archived 9 October 2011 at the Wayback Machine, ACT Public Library.
  2. ↑ Lallo, Mike: All jokes aside …, The Age, 3 November 2008.
  3. ↑ Nugent, Ann (23 April 1993). "Feminist or not, you will enjoy this show". Canberra Times (ACT : 1926 - 1995). p. 12. Retrieved 1 June 2019.
  4. ↑ Bennet, Sally (14 March 2016). "30 years of laughs and counting". Heraldsun.com.au. Retrieved 1 June 2019.
  5. ↑ "Comedy Is Not Pretty". The Sydney Morning Herald. 3 February 2003. Retrieved 1 June 2019.
  6. ↑ "Hilarious, humorous? Ha, ha, ha!". The Age. 26 March 2003. Retrieved 1 June 2019.
  7. 1 2 3 O'Brien, Kerrie (28 March 2017). "Denise Scott on the C word, the lie-down that lasted a year, and Disappointments". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 1 June 2019.
  8. ↑ It's A Date: Trailer (ABC1) on YouTube (16 July 2013). Retrieved on 16 April 2014.
  9. ↑ Dolan, Joe (16 April 2017). "Judith Lucy & Denise Scott: Disappointments (MICF)". The Music. Archived from the original on 5 July 2017. Retrieved 1 June 2019.
  10. ↑ "Angela Bishop and Denise Scott to join Studio 10 as panellists". Mumbrella. 27 April 2018. Retrieved 27 April 2018.
  11. ↑ Pobjie, Ben (12 February 2019). "Denise Scott hopes her dance moves won't turn into a comedy act". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 1 June 2019.
  12. ↑ "Dancing With The Stars 2019: Denise Scott Leaves But Not Before A Few More Iconic Clapbacks". 10 daily. 5 March 2019. Retrieved 1 June 2019.
  13. ↑ "2023 Upfronts: ABC | TV Tonight". tvtonight.com.au. 24 November 2022.
  14. ↑ Knox, David (2 June 2025). "Airdate: Do Not Watch This Show | TV Tonight". tvtonight.com.au. Retrieved 8 July 2025.
  15. 1 2 "Denise Scott" (PDF). token.com.au.
  16. 1 2 "Denise Scott - Token Artist Management | Hire or Book Denise Scott Here". Token. Retrieved 7 June 2024.
  17. 1 2 Geraets, Nell (9 August 2023). "Denise Scott, star of Mother and Son reboot, diagnosed with cancer". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 7 June 2024.
  18. ↑ "All about my mother". The Sydney Morning Herald. 28 September 2012. Retrieved 2 June 2021.
[edit]
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