Urzila Carlson

Urzila Carlson is a multi-award-winning South African–New Zealander and one of the biggest names in comedy across Australia and New Zealand. A much-loved comedian, bestselling author and television presenter, Urzila has built an international reputation for her trademark deadpan delivery, razor-sharp observations and cheeky wit.

A firm television favourite in both countries, Urzila is a long-standing series regular on the Australian and New Zealand editions of the award-winning comedy panel show Have You Been Paying Attention? Her quick-thinking humour and commanding presence have made her one of the most recognisable faces on screen.

In 2019, Urzila became the highest-selling comedian in the 33-year history of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival — one of the three largest comedy festivals in the world. In the same year, she won the festival’s prestigious People’s Choice Award and made her Netflix debut in Comedians Around the World, filmed at Just For Laughs in Montreal, where she was handpicked as one of just 47 global comedians to feature in the series.

Her career reached another milestone with the release of her standalone one-hour Netflix special, Overqualified Loser, introducing her to an even broader international audience. She also joined the panel of Network Ten’s hit show The Masked Singer Australia, further cementing her place as a prime-time television personality.

Since first stepping onto the comedy stage in 2008, Urzila has become a touring powerhouse, selling out seasons across London, Edinburgh, Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, Adelaide, Brisbane, Auckland, Wellington, Queenstown and Christchurch. Her extensive television credits include The Project, Spicks and Specks, Hughesy, We Have a Problem, Dirty Laundry, The Great Debate, ABC Comedy Up Late, 7 Days, Super City, Road Madness and the Melbourne International Comedy Festival Galas. She was also a key cast member in Nazeem Hussain’s sketch series Orange Is the New Brown.

Urzila’s accolades are extensive. She has won Best Female Comedian at the New Zealand Comedy Guild Awards six times, received the Variety Artists Club of New Zealand’s Rielly Comedy Award, claimed the New Zealand International Comedy Festival People’s Choice Award (twice), the Sydney Comedy Festival Director’s Choice Award and was nominated for Australia’s Helpmann Award for Best Comedy Performer. In 2019, she was named Australasian Ambassador for South African Tourism in Australia and New Zealand.

Her autobiography, Rolling With the Punchlines, further showcases her candid storytelling and humour, adding bestselling author to her long list of achievements.

Whether headlining international festivals, starring on Netflix or hosting major events, Urzila Carlson brings bold energy, authenticity and world-class comedic talent to every stage.