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At the age of 11, Akmal Saleh's parents gathered up their children and left Egypt headed for Australian shores. Growing up in a typical Sydney suburb, Akmal began to recognise the differences between his Arab heritage and the Australian way of life, which would later shape him as a comedian. Akmal began his comedy career going by the name Peter, so he could get booked in RSL Clubs. It wasn't before too long however, that Akmal gained his uncanny gift to walk on stage and instantly have the audience eating out of the palm of his hand. After only a few years, Akmal became one of the most sort after acts, touring with International Comedians such as Steven Wright, Ben Elton and the Amazing Johnathan. In 1992, Akmal teamed up with fellow comedians Anthony Mir and Gary Eck to co-write and star in "All Aussies are Boofta" - a sketch comedy show which enjoyed successful runs and rave reviews at the Harold Park Hotel, Parramatta Riverside Theatre and Harbourside Brasserie in Sydney. Their next show, "Bound and Gagged" once again received rave reviews. Their third award-winning show "Hoot", enjoyed a successful run at the 1996 Adelaide Fringe and Melbourne Comedy Festival and was subsequently invited to appear at the Guided Balloon in the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Upon returning to Australia, the comedy trio created their own TV Series "The 50 Foot Show", which aired on the Comedy Channel in Australia and New Zealand. In 2002, Akmal co-wrote and starred in the Miramax feature film "You Can't Stop the Murders". Akmal continually displays an incredible ability to deal with hot topics in a non-offensive way, as he touches on issues such as religion, terrorism and hysterical looks at modern day life in Australia. This has resulted in regular appearances on TV shows such as "Rove Live", "The Footy Show", "The Glass House" and on "Triple M", "2 Day FM" and "Triple J" radio. TV Appearances
"Just Kidding" - Nine Network
"A Current Affair" Nine Network
"Hey Hey It's Saturday" Nine Network - 3 appearances
The Footy Show - Nine Network
110% with Tony Squires - Seven Network
ROVE LIVE - Ten Network
The Glasshouse - more than 10 appearances- ABC TV
Melbourne International Comedy Festival Gala. |
