Initially setting out to be an actor, Fleety trained at NIDA -the National Institute of Dramatic Art - before realising that comedy was his true calling. Well, he didn’t actually realise is, he had to be told. By none other than Nick Enright, NIDA’s then Head of Acting, who recommended Fleety go off and do that comedy thing, which took Fleety by surprise since had no idea he was built for comedy.
In fact, Fleety’s first foray into the comedy career was at Melbourne’s Prince Patrick Hotel in 1987 where, too nervous to stand up, he was more of a ‘sit-down’ comic. Now, of course, Greg Fleet stands head and shoulders above the pack by merging theatricality and comedy.
Early collaborative shows like Three Blokes and their Jokes (1991) and A Gift From The Gobs (1993) gave way to critically acclaimed autobiographical stories like Thai Die (1995) and Ten Years in a Long Sleeved Shirt (1996) and then character-driven flights-of-fancy like Underwater World (1997) and Scary (1999). More recently the autobiography has been looser, with experience-based excursions like I Wish You Were D[e]ad and Secret American alternating with edgy cabaret noire collaborations with Mick Moriarty such as Fleetwood Mick and the late night showcase Big Love.
Fleety’s versatility has made him a regular on television and radio as well as the stage, with roles in sitcoms, soapies and dramas as well as frequent appearances on chat shows and televised comedy showcases like festival galas, comedy debates and panels shows. Fleety’s been both a regular guest and host on breakfast, afternoon and drive radio. He’s acted in Shakespeare (both the real thing, and comedic parodies) thereof to excellent effect as well as appearing in other serious and comic drama.
Over the decades Greg has appeared on some of Australia’s best-loved programmes- where his acting prowess has seen him performing everything from ‘killing Daphne on Neighbours‘ to being a guest panellist on Good News Week and Sideshow.
Fleety appeared in Squizzy- the most recent season of the smash hit Underbelly series, which screened on Channel 9 in 2013, and is currently shooting his first feature film- Me & Me Mates Vs The Zombie Apocalypse- in which he co-stars with Alex Williamson, due for release mid-2014.
Of course, some of the Fleety’s most riveting performances have been the characters he’s embodied on stage. Whether he’s working in an ensemble or on his own, in any medium, the character we know him best as is himself: ‘Fleety’, the consummate performer and writer at the forefront of his craft.
