David Smiedt

David Michael Smiedt is a South Africa-born, Sydney-based journalist, author, and comedian. He has written seven books, including From Russia With Lunch: A Lithuanian Odyssey, Are We There Yet: Chasing a Childhood Through South Africa and Boom Boom: 100 Years of Australian Comedy.

David Smiedt

Early life and education

David Michael Smiedt[citation needed] was born in Johannesburg, South Africa, and grew up in the suburbs of Parkwood and Saxonwold. His family emigrated from South Africa to Australia in 1986.

Having completed high school in Johannesburg, Smiedt received a Bachelor of Arts (Communication) at Sydney's Macquarie University before undertaking a Diploma in Journalism at Macleay College.

Career

Early career and journalism

Smiedt began his journalism career at Penthouse magazine and has since worked across a number of lifestyle titles, including Cleo, Cosmopolitan, Madison, Men’s Health, GQ, Sunday Life, Elle, Home Beautiful, Voyeur and The Rake.

Comedy

Smiedt started his stand-up comedy career at the Local in St Kilda in 2006, and went on to perform at the Comedy Store in Sydney, the Harold Park Hotel, the Roxbury, the Friend in Hand, the Melbourne International Comedy Festival and the Comic Strip in New York City.

Selected publications

References

  1. ↑ Roth, Phoebe (7 May 2014). "Helping hand for stand-up career". Australian Jewish News. Retrieved 6 November 2026.