Wendy Harmer is an Australian author, children’s writer, journalist, playwright, dramatist, radio show host, comedian and television personality.
She has had a diverse career, including working as a political journalist, stand-up comedian, author, playwright and producer.
Harmer is best known for co-hosting ABC Radio Sydney’s Breakfast program with Robbie Buck.
She has also performed one-woman shows across the world, including in Melbourne, Edinburgh, London, Montreal and Glasgow.
Harmer is the author of several best-selling books for both adults and children, including Farewell My Ovaries, Love and Punishment, Nagging for Beginners and her series of children’s books Pearlie in the Park Fairy.
She has also produced, written and presented the ABC television documentary Stuff and recorded the national ABC podcast series Is It Just Me? with Angela Catterns.
Harmer is a member of the National People With a Disability and Carers’ Council and a patron of Interplast.
Wendy Harmer husband
Harmer is married to Brendan Donohue.
Harmer and Brendan got married in December 1994 at a yacht club in Sydney’s Rushcutters Bay; they have two children, a son named Marley Donohoe and a daughter named Maeve Donohoe.
Brendan is an activist and has worked with the Surfrider Foundation for more than 25 years.
Wendy Harmer career
Harmer’s career spans four decades and includes various roles in media and entertainment.
Her journalistic career began in Melbourne, where she worked for The Sun News-Pictorial newspaper on the rounds of transport, urban affairs, and state politics.
She also worked as an arts feature writer and was introduced to a comedy group performing at the Flying Trapeze comedy venue.
Harmer later forged a career in comedy at the Edinburgh Festival, London’s West End, and on stages in Ireland, the US and all over Australia.
She was a pioneer for women in media as MC of ABC TV’s The Big Gig and as the headliner in radio 2Day FM’s Morning Crew, which dominated Sydney radio ratings for 11 years.
Harmer is the author of seven books for adults, including It’s a Joke, Joyce, Love Gone Wrong and Nagging for Beginners.
She has also written some 30 fiction books for children, teens and women.
In addition, Harmer has written plays, an opera libretto, and has been a prolific columnist for many magazines and newspapers.
Additionally, she has appeared on various television shows, including The Drum, Q&A and Studio 10.
Harmer has also hosted radio shows, including The Morning Crew on 2Day FM and Mornings with Wendy Harmer on ABC Radio Sydney.
She holds a Doctor of Letters (Honoris Causa) from Macquarie University, and has also received various awards, including the 2018 Walkley Award for Women’s Leadership in Media.
