Denise Scott

Last updated

Denise Scott
AM
Born (1955-04-24) 24 April 1955 (age 70)
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
NationalityAustralian
Other namesScotty
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.

Contents

Career

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? and Hughesy, We Have a Problem .

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

Film

YearTitleRoleType
1985 Malcolm Willy'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
2014 Timothy Melinda GarrettTV movie

Television

YearTitleRoleType
1989–1990 Tuesday Night Live: The Big Gig Carmen / Babs Blewitt / Jude / Escort Agent / Doris / Wife / Magazine Reader9 episodes
1992 Six Pack Katherine1 episode
Let the Blood Run Free Mrs Rottweiler1 episode
1993–1995 Full Frontal Various characters26 episodes
1996 Neighbours Coral Reeves2 episodes
1997 Good Guys, Bad Guys Waitress1 episode
Get a LifeDaphne Stork
1998 Halifax f.p. Shiri1 episode
The Genie from Down Under 2 Denise1 episode
1999 Blue Heelers Pam Kelly1 episode
SeaChange Wilhelmina Seagull1 episode
2000Introducing Gary PerryWoman at Zoo1 episode
One Size Fits All Various characters13 episodes
2001 Shock Jock Miss Wanda1 episode
2002 Short Cuts Mrs Coxon4 episodes
2009 The Librarians Nurse1 episode
2010 Bed of Roses Patti Rankin1 episode
Sleuth 101 Enid1 episode
2011 Judith Lucy's Spiritual Journey Sister Aileen (flashback)1 episode
2011–2016 Winners & Losers Trish GrossSeasons 1–5, 75 episodes
2013To Hell in a Handbasket, with Dolly DiamondTV series
Being BrendoBrenda Abbott2 episodes
2013–2014 It's a Date Gwen2 episodes
2014Bleak: The Web SeriesNoniWeb series, 3 episodes
2015 Please Like Me Doctor1 episode
2015–2017 House Husbands Nurse ToniSeason 4-5, 14 episodes
2016 Jack Irish Sybill McLeod2 episodes
2017 Travel Guides Narrator
2018 True Story with Hamish & Andy Bernadette1 episode
2019 Get Krackin Margaret1 episode
2021–2022 Fisk Leslie2 episodes
2023–present Mother and Son Maggie8 episodes
2025Do Not Watch This ShowTortoise (voice)12 episodes

Television (as self)

YearTitleRoleType
1990 Tonight Live with Steve Vizard Regular guestTV series
1996 In Melbourne Tonight SelfTV series, 1 episode
1998Smallest Room in the HouseSelfTV series, 1 episode
2000 The Big Schmooze SelfTV series, 1 episode
2001–04 Rove Live GuestTV series, 3 episodes
2004Stand Up!SelfTV series, 1 episode
2004 Australian Idol SelfTV series, 1 episode
2005 Good Morning Australia SelfTV series, 1 episode
2006 Bert's Family Feud Team CaptainTV series, 3 episodes
2007 The Sideshow SelfTV series, 1 episode
2005–22 Spicks and Specks Regular panellistTV series, 47 episodes
2009–10 Good News Week GuestTV series, 2 episodes
2009–10 Talkin' 'Bout Your Generation SelfTV series, 3 episodes
2009–11 The Project GuestTV series, 46 episodes
2010 The Breast Darn Show in Town SelfTV special
2011Warehouse Comedy FestivalSelfTV series
2011–12 Can of Worms GuestTV series, 2 episodes
2012 The Circle SelfTV series, 1 episode
2012Total AgonySelfTV series, 6 episodes
2012 Pictures of You SelfTV series
2013 Adam Hills Tonight SelfTV series, 1 episode
2013 This Week Live SelfTV series
2013 Tractor Monkeys SelfTV series, 3 episodes
2015 Judith Lucy Is All Woman SelfTV series, 6 episodes
2015–17 Stop Laughing...This Is Serious SelfTV series, 3 episodes
2016 Julia Zemiro's Home Delivery SelfTV series, 1 episode
2016 The Big Music Quiz ContestantTV series, 2 episodes
The Glass House GuestTV series
2017 All Star Family Feud ContestantTV series
2017The Justine Clark ShowSelfTV series
2017–18 The Weekly with Charlie Pickering SelfTV series, 2 episodes
2017–19 Travel Guides NarratorTV series, 16 episodes
2018Midsumma VAC Hypothetical 2018PanellistTV special
2018 Studio 10 Co-hostTV series, 3 episodes
2018 Tomorrow Tonight PanellistTV series, 1 episode
2018–22 Have You Been Paying Attention? PanellistTV series, 19 episodes
2018–21 Hughesy, We Have a Problem GuestTV series, 8 episodes
2019 Dancing with the Stars ContestantTV series, season 16, 5 episodes – second to be eliminated
2019 Behave Yourself SelfTV series, 1 episode
2020Lady O'LoughlinSelfTV series
2020 Who Do You Think You Are? SelfTV series, 1 episode
2020 Play School SelfTV series, 1 episode
2022 Would I Lie to You? GuestTV series, 1 episode
2022 The Cheap Seats SelfTV series
2022 The Dog House Australia SelfTV series, 1 episode
2022 The Hundred with Andy Lee PanellistTV series, 1 episode
2025 Guy Montgomery's Guy Mont-Spelling Bee (Australia)SelfSeason 2, episode 4

Radio

YearTitleRoleStation
2004The Judith Lucy ShowWeekly segment 2Day FM
2005774 ABC Evenings with Derek GuilleHost (3 weeks) ABC Radio
The Arvo with Judith Lucy and Peter HelliarWeekly segment 2Day FM
2006–2007Dave and Denise with Shaun Micallef (formerly Shaun, Beverley and Denise)Co-host Vega 91.5 FM
2013–2015 Breakfast with Meshel and Tommy Regular guest appearances Nova 100
2019 Hughesy & Kate Fill in co-host Hit Network
Kennedy Molloy – National DriveRegular guest appearances Triple M

[15]

Stage

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

[16]

Writer

YearTitleRoleType
2009All That Happened At Number 26AuthorAutobiographical novel
2012The TourAuthorAutobiographical novel
The Australian Women's Weekly ColumnistMonthly column

[16]

Awards & honours

YearNominated workAwardCategoryResult
1999Comedy Is Not Pretty Melbourne International Comedy Festival Stella Award for Best ShowNominated
Extraordinary Encounters of a Mundane KindRadio National AwardBest Solo Performer in the Melbourne Fringe FestivalWon
2000Suburban Riot Melbourne International Comedy Festival Barry Award for Most Outstanding Show Nominated
2003Comedy is Still Not PrettyAge Critics AwardWon
2004Comedy is Still Not Pretty Green Room Awards Most Innovative Use of Form and Most Outstanding Cabaret ShowWon
Scotty and Son Melbourne International Comedy Festival Barry Award for Most Outstanding Show Nominated
2005Denise Scott Gives Good Council Barry Award for Most Outstanding Show Nominated
2009Number 26Groggy SquirrelCritics' AwardWon
2011Regrets Helpmann Awards Best Comedy Performer Won
Regrets Melbourne International Comedy Festival Director's Choice AwardWon
2014 Winners & Losers Equity Ensemble Awards Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama SeriesNominated
Mother Bare Melbourne International Comedy Festival Barry Award for Most Outstanding Show Won
2017Disappointments with Denise Scott and Judith Lucy People’s Choice Award Won
2023Denise Scott Order of Australia King's Birthday Honours List Significant service to the arts as a comedian and actressHonoured [17]

[15]

Personal life

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

  1. All that happened at number 26 / Denise Scott, 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.