The Briefing The Kath and Kim icon on ageing disgracefully and becoming a truckie
Apr 18, 2025
Peter Rowsthorn, the beloved Brett from Kath and Kim, shares his comedic journey and return to the Melbourne Comedy Festival after decades. He humorously discusses aging disgracefully and reflects on almost becoming a truckie during the pandemic. With insights on navigating fame and performing in musicals, Peter opens up about personal growth and the emotional rewards of comedy. He also explores the charm of little free libraries, emphasizing community connections through shared books.
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Early Comedy Timing from Family
- Peter Rowsthorn learned comedic timing early to defuse family tension through humor.
- Mistiming a joke often resulted in a slap from his strict father, teaching him careful timing.
Kath and Kim's Unexpected Success
- Peter was handpicked to play Brett in Kath and Kim due to his chemistry with the cast.
- The show was initially shelved for years as it was doubted funny enough before ABC drama department revived it.
Brett’s Strength in Niceness
- Brett’s character works because he is a nice guy with an underlying strength.
- His reactions, mostly facial responses, anchor the big personalities around him and engage viewers.