John Barresi

John Barresi is a veteran comic writer, performer and creator whose entertainment career spans more than 50 years. Across stage, television, radio and live events, he has built a reputation for creating big, audience-driven comedy rooted in character, culture and heart. He is widely regarded as one of the original voices of Italian-Australian comedy and a foundational figure in the wave of multicultural entertainment that later became known to mainstream audiences as WOG comedy. Barresi is the creator of the long-running stage hit What’s Goin’ On?, a warm, broad commercial comedy built around an Italian family, class collision and a cross-cultural love story. The show has entertained large live audiences and established characters that have resonated across generations. He also featured in the stage production of The Wog Boys, one of the landmark comedy properties in this space, further cementing his standing as a performer capable of connecting with mass audiences. Across a body of work that has made millions laugh, Barresi has consistently blended popular appeal with authentic character work. His career has also included collaborations and appearances alongside major personalities in comedy and entertainment, including Sooshi Mango and Joe Avati. On 29 March, he also participated in the Guinness World Records-recognised event presented to John St. Peeters for the world’s largest Italian production show ever staged. For producers and development executives, Barresi brings something rare: a proven comic voice, decades of live audience connection, and underlying IP with genuine stage-to-screen potential.