LUMEN Spring 2022 - Flipbook - Page 13
LAW
S
haun Micallef has courageously walked
a fine line of political correctness in a
way that only an intelligent, brave and
naturally humorous person can.
Originally a lawyer from Adelaide, he has carved
out an illustrious career in television, movies, radio
and books.
And as one of Australia’s most recognisable
comedians, Shaun’s trademark intellectual
humour and presence are hard to miss on the
ABC. His latest memoir Tripping Over Myself is
due for release in October and could hold more
clues on how this lawyer turned actor gets away
with his humour.
Shaun’s distinctive style of comedy is satirical,
surrealist and a blend of his comedic heroes:
Jerry Lewis, Monty Python, The Marx Brothers,
Morecambe and Wise, and Peter Sellers.
Born in Adelaide in 1962, he was educated at
Sacred Heart College before commencing a
Bachelor of Laws at the University of Adelaide.
Law was Shaun’s first preference, but he also
considered studying Wildlife Park Management
and can still imagine himself “in an alternate
universe being happy as a wildlife park manager”.
During his time on the North Terrace Campus,
Shaun was involved in the Law Revue comedy
troupe and met long-time friend and fellow
comedian, Francis Greenslade.
Shaun worked as a dedicated insurance lawyer
for ten years before trying his hand at comedy.
His leap of faith was made slightly easier by
Francis also leaving law and moving to
Melbourne to pursue comedy.
Legally funny
Uncovering the real
Shaun Micallef
STORY BY KIMBERLEY HOILE
ALUMNI MAGAZINE - SPRING 2022
11
