SHANE JACOBSON - MY AUSTRALIA
Shane Jacobson, aka “Dunny Man”, is an Australian entertainment treasure. While he is probably best known for his eponymous character Kenny Smyth, a plumber working for a portable toilet rental company, in the 2006 film Kenny and the spin-off TV series, Kenny’s World, Shane now spends his time as a director, writer, TV host and comedian, and his latest role is as one half of the iconic duo – The Odd Couple – with his best mate Todd McKenney – in a new stage play.
What do you love most about life in Australia?
Well, it’s living in Australia surrounded by Australians. I think Australians have a fantastic sense of humour. But we are also so multicultural, so you get a little bit of everything from around the world all in one continent. But most of all, it’s home where my family and friends live.
What is something you would change about Australia that would make it even better?
I wish everyone in Australia had access to a free education to do whatever it is people have an interest in. I think that would help people get a job that would make their life more fulfilling and that might make us a happier place. I also think everyone should have access to a private jet!
What is the perfect busy weekend for you?
It is honestly being at home with my family. Nothing’s more enjoyable to me than literally having a beer and sitting beside the pool watching my kids and all in the pool together. Having a BBQ as a family is a cliché I know – but I am proven right everytime. It’s pure happiness.
Having been the face of many Australian brands, why is it important for us all to shop Aussie made?
All I should say is that it would be great if we can try to support local wherever possible. There are many families that are shopping to a very tight budget at the moment which means it is often price that dictates a decision. So, we sometimes need to do our homework.
But the thing with IGA supermarkets, for example, is that they do support local producers.
So, if you were to shop at a place like your local IGA, then you’re doing that inherently anyway.
What’s been your career highlight working in Australia?
Having a career in entertainment in Australia is the highlight!
There’s a whole bunch of people who would just love a chance to get paid to live their dream. And for me, it’s not a dream. It’s actually my job. Now that’s a dream come true!
But I guess you’re going to want one specific answer and that answer is always going to be “Kenny” the plumber. That’s what that’s what launched my career so it’s going to be the favourite.
Tell us about the new role in the iconic The Odd Couple!
Well, the new role is the old role. I’m playing Oscar. And so, the character has been the same through Neil Simon’s play, the movie and TV show.
While it’s a new role for me, it’s the character that’s been played perfectly and brilliantly by every actor who’s done it before. So, I can’t wait to have my chance to get on stage and walk in Oscar Madison’s shoes. It is iconic, and for that, I’m thrilled.
What are you looking most forward to in return to the stage and how do you think Australian audiences will respond?
Australian audiences respond, honestly. So, I look forward to the response if they like it and if they don’t they will let me know!
I get to do this show with a mate, Todd McKenney, who’s one of my best friends, and it feels a bit silly to be honest, as we are both getting paid to hang out as mates.
So, we’re going to turn up and have a ball and then at some point, someone’s going to go you’ve actually got to go on stage now! It’s a pretty nice place to be as a workplace with a friend working on a play that is a global masterpiece.
Come see The Odd Couple!
