Jimmy Rees: Australian Comedian, TV Personality and Family Man

Jimmy Rees pulled off a rare career shift: from a beloved children’s TV character to a stand-up comedian with a million Instagram followers. This article traces his journey from daytime TV to the Edinburgh Fringe, and how fatherhood became his comedy weapon.

Born: 15 July 1987 ·
Known professionally as: Jimmy Rees ·
Best known for: Playing Jimmy Giggle on ABC ·
Instagram followers: Over 1 million ·
Children: 3 sons ·
Award: Order of Australia Medal (OAM)

Seven key facts about Jimmy Rees, one pattern: his career has been a constant reinvention from children’s host to digital comedian and live performer.

The pattern: Rees built a career on adaptability, not just luck.

What was Jimmy Rees famous for?

Jimmy Giggle on ABC Children’s TV

Jimmy Rees is best known for playing Jimmy Giggle on ABC Kids’ Giggle and Hoot from 2009 to 2020 (Wikipedia). He reportedly beat 5,000 other hopefuls to win the role with no prior TV experience (Now To Love). During that decade, he toured live shows to more than 500,000 people and released an iTunes number-one Christmas album featuring duets with Tina Arena and Deborah Mailman (New World Artists).

Stand-up comedy and live touring

After leaving children’s TV, Rees transitioned into stand-up comedy and headline tours across Australia. He performed at the Edinburgh Fringe from 7 to 16 August 2025, marking his debut on the international stage (New World Artists). His live shows now target adult audiences, blending observational humour with family anecdotes.

Social media comedy videos

Rees became a viral digital comedian during the COVID-19 lockdowns, posting skits and parodies that earned him more than four million followers across platforms (Better Homes & Gardens Australia). His Instagram account alone surpassed 415,000 followers in 2022, as reported by Forbes Australia.

What does Jimmy Rees do now?

Current live shows and tours

Rees continues to perform live comedy across Australia, with headline shows at venues like the Frankston Arts Centre (New World Artists). His 2025 Edinburgh Fringe appearance was a key milestone, attracting international attention.

Online comedy and social media presence

He runs a popular Instagram and YouTube channel where he posts regular comedy sketches, including Star Wars parodies and cricket humour. As of 2025, his Instagram followers exceed one million, according to Better Homes & Gardens Australia.

Television and podcast appearances

Rees appeared on Dancing With The Stars in 2019, his first major adult TV role (Bounty Parents). He has also been associated with the Australian version of Taskmaster and frequently guests on comedy podcasts.

The implication: Rees must constantly adapt his material to suit two very different performance environments.

How many kids does Jimmy Rees have?

Three sons: family life and comedy material

Jimmy Rees has three sons (Bounty Parents). He regularly incorporates family life into his comedy, often referencing the chaos of raising three boys. He does not have twins, contrary to some online speculation.

His 10-year-old son as a critic

Rees has stated that his 10-year-old son is his harshest critic, a detail that humanises his online persona (Bounty Parents).

Does Jimmy Rees have twins? No

Despite rumours, Rees has confirmed he does not have twins. All three of his children are boys, spaced in age.

Where did Jimmy Rees grow up and where does he live now?

Early life and upbringing

Jimmy Rees was born on 15 July 1987 in Frankston, Victoria, Australia (Australia Watch). He grew up in Melbourne and dropped out of university before starting his TV career, working in a pub (Now To Love).

Current residence in Victoria

Rees currently lives in Victoria, Australia, likely in the Melbourne area, based on his regular performance venues such as the Frankston Arts Centre. He is married to Tori Rees (Bounty Parents).

What are Jimmy Rees’s connections to Taskmaster, Olympics, Star Wars, and cricket?

Taskmaster Australia appearances

Rees has been a cast member on the Australian version of Taskmaster, a comedy panel show (Wikipedia). His appearances have boosted his profile among adult comedy fans.

Olympics-related comedy content

During the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Rees created viral comedy sketches satirising the games, further growing his online following.

Star Wars parody videos

Rees’s Star Wars parodies are a staple of his YouTube channel, often blending family humour with pop culture references.

Cricket humor and skits

Cricket references appear regularly in his comedy, reflecting his Australian audience. He has posted skits about backyard cricket and the sport’s cultural quirks.

For Jimmy Rees, the next act is already clear: double down on live comedy while keeping the digital engine running. For Australian audiences who grew up with Giggle and Hoot, the payoff is a comedian who understands both the playground and the pub.