# John-Michael Howson

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**John-Michael Howson** (born 8 August 1936) is an Australian writer, reporter, entertainer and [Melbourne](/source/Melbourne) radio commentator. His involvement in the Australian entertainment scene as a writer, producer and performer spans more than 50 years.

## Early life

Howson was born on 8 August 1936, in [Elwood, Victoria](/source/Elwood,_Victoria).[1][2] His parents separated when he was young and he moved to [Western Australia](/source/Western_Australia) with his mother and step-father (a former policeman and publican).[3] He was educated at [St Ildephonsus College](/source/New_Norcia#Colleges), [New Norcia](/source/New_Norcia), where he was a [boarder](/source/Boarding_school).[citation needed]

## Career

Howson began his media career as a cadet reporter on [Mildura](/source/Mildura)'s *[Sunraysia Daily](/source/Sunraysia_Daily)*.[4] After moving to [Melbourne](/source/Melbourne) he started writing sketches and songs for amateur and professional groups and subsequently moved to [London](/source/London). There he worked for a men's fashion magazine and covered fashion topics in London and Europe. He pursued his writing career with comedy scripts for live revues, stand-up comedians and television including the top British show *[That Was The Week That Was](/source/That_Was_The_Week_That_Was)*.[2] In 1964, he was invited to write topical material for the fledgling Melbourne television station [ATV-0](/source/ATV_(Australian_TV_station)) and specifically for their new variety programme *The Ray Taylor Show*.[citation needed]

He became primarily known in television for his involvement in the acclaimed ATV-0 children's fantasy television series *[The Magic Circle Club](/source/Magic_Circle_Club)* (1965–67) in which he played Fee Fee Bear (his face never seen on camera due to the bear suit), and as Clown in the follow-up [ABC](/source/Australian_Broadcasting_Corporation) show *[Adventure Island](/source/Adventure_Island_(TV_series))*, (1967–72). Howson, with [Godfrey Philipp](/source/Godfrey_Philipp), was co-creator of both shows. Howson wrote the vast bulk of the scripts (five 30-minute shows per week) and the lyrics to the original songs used in them, the music usually composed by [Bruce Rowland](/source/Bruce_Rowland_(composer)). Owing to Howson's intense workload, many of the *Adventure Island* scripts were written on a typewriter positioned behind the set. Howson also contributed scripts and sketches to [Graham Kennedy](/source/Graham_Kennedy)'s *[In Melbourne Tonight](/source/In_Melbourne_Tonight)* and to *[The Mavis Bramston Show](/source/The_Mavis_Bramston_Show)*. His 1965 *Bramston* "Flower arranging" sketch – in which a section of [Constance Spry's](/source/Constance_Spry) definitive text book on the subject is quoted verbatim in a lascivious manner by the Chief Censor ([Gordon Chater](/source/Gordon_Chater)) to hilarious and scandalous effect – created a national uproar and remains a television classic.[citation needed]

### Film and television acting

In 1975, Howson appeared as an over-attentive bellboy in the Australian movie *[Alvin Rides Again](/source/Alvin_Rides_Again)*. In 1976, producer-director George Stamkoski filmed a documentary portrait of Howson entitled "Hollywood Hollywood" with a grant from the Australian Film Commission. Howson revealed the serious side of his acting skills in the 1976 ABC television adaptation of [Frank Hardy](/source/Frank_Hardy)'s *[Power Without Glory](/source/Power_Without_Glory)*. He also briefly appeared in the 1978 film *[The ABC of Love and Sex: Australia Style](/source/The_ABC_of_Love_and_Sex:_Australia_Style)* and also in the soft porn film *Felicity*, directed by [John D. Lamond](/source/John_D._Lamond).[5] During the 1980s, he starred in *[Houseboat Horror](/source/Houseboat_Horror)*, an Australian [feature film](/source/Feature_film) shot to [videotape](/source/Videotape), and often included on lists of the [worst movies ever made](/source/Worst_movies_ever_made).[citation needed]

### Theatrical productions

In the late 1960s, Howson also turned his talents as a scriptwriter and lyricist to the creation of original Australian stage musicals, working in collaboration with local composers. Early examples included *Razza-ma-tazz (and all that Jazz)*, which was set in Melbourne's pre-war [Red-light district](/source/Red-light_district), [Little Lonsdale Street](/source/Little_Lonsdale_Street). With a cast that included veteran stage actress [Madeleine Orr](/source/Madeleine_Orr), the show was produced at the Southland Theatre in 1968. That same year, Howson collaborated with [Peter Pinne](/source/Peter_Pinne) and [Don Battye](/source/Don_Battye) on the musical *It happened in Tanjablanka*, which was a spoof of Hollywood in the 1940s. In 1972, Howson wrote *What's in a name*, a straight play on the subject of prejudice and intolerance in modern society, which was performed at St Paul's Cathedral in Melbourne.[6] The following year, he adapted the play *[Norman, Is That You?](/source/Norman,_Is_That_You%3F)* for Australian audiences, which had successful seasons in Melbourne and [Sydney](/source/Sydney). The adaptation included a new title song, co-written by Howson with composer [Peter Best](/source/Peter_Best_(composer)), which was recorded and released as a single by the show's star, [Bobby Limb](/source/Bobby_Limb).[7]

The late 1990s saw Howson return to the creation of stage musicals, albeit this time in the form of [jukebox musicals](/source/Jukebox_musical) rather than entirely original shows with original music. *[Shout! The Legend of The Wild One](/source/Shout!_The_Legend_of_The_Wild_One)*, a stage musical about the life of singer [Johnny O'Keefe](/source/Johnny_O'Keefe), was co-written by Howson with [Melvyn Morrow](/source/Melvyn_Morrow) and David Mitchell, and made its premiere in Melbourne in the early 2000s (decade). With the same team, Howson also co-wrote a musical about [Dusty Springfield](/source/Dusty_Springfield) called *[Dusty – The Original Pop Diva](/source/Dusty_%E2%80%93_The_Original_Pop_Diva)*, which opened in Melbourne in 2006. In 2007, it was reported that Howson was collaborating on a new musical, *Hotel Havana*, with composer Jason Sprague.[8] Other original musicals Howson developed included *Pyjamas in Paradise*,[9] about teenage parties at [Surfers Paradise](/source/Surfers_Paradise), Queensland, and *[Dream Lover](/source/Dream_Lover:_The_Bobby_Darin_Musical)*, a jukebox musical about [Bobby Darin](/source/Bobby_Darin).

### Reporter

He is sometimes referred to as "John-Michael 'Hollywood' Howson" when filing showbiz news reports, a nickname first coined by [Mike Walsh](/source/Mike_Walsh_(TV_host)) when Howson began appearing on *[The Mike Walsh Show](/source/The_Mike_Walsh_Show)*. His reports continued when the show was replaced by *[The Midday Show with Ray Martin](/source/Midday_(Australian_TV_program))*. Howson became well known for his flamboyant, clever and catty commentary on the celebrity A-list. Determined to further his writing career, Howson moved to [West Hollywood](/source/West_Hollywood) but remained a reporter for [Network Ten's](/source/Network_10) *[Good Morning Australia](/source/Good_Morning_Australia_(1992_TV_program))* with [Bert Newton](/source/Bert_Newton). He also reported for [3AW](/source/3AW) with [Ernie Sigley](/source/Ernie_Sigley), and remained a 3AW regular until his dismissal over controversial comments in November 2017.

### Writer

Howson's book *I Found It at the Flickers*, an autobiographical account of his growing up in Melbourne emphasising his love of the cinema, was published by Horwitz Grahame Books in 1985. Howson has published two collections of horror stories – *Once Upon a Nightmare: Ten Tales with a Twist* ([Pan Macmillan](/source/Pan_Books), 1998) and *Deadly Dreams: Ten More Tales with Twist* (Pan Macmillan, 2000).

### Radio panelist

Howson was a regular panelist on 3AW's Sunday morning program, 'Sunday Morning'. During his appearances on 3AW, Howson has adopted vehemently [anti-Muslim views](/source/Islamophobia), indicating that he would prefer not to talk to Muslims and referring to Muslims as "skilled propagandists".[10] The [Australian Broadcasting Corporation](/source/Australian_Broadcasting_Corporation)'s *[Media Watch](/source/Media_Watch_(TV_program))* program did a segment outlining Howson's behaviour and views in May 2010.[10]

In February 2011, Howson had an abusive on-air tantrum over the Seven Network's treatment of Opposition Leader and future Prime Minister [Tony Abbott](/source/Tony_Abbott), in an interview with journalist [Mark Riley](/source/Mark_Riley_(journalist)). He verbally abused his radio 3AW co-presenter [Nick McCallum](/source/Nick_McCallum), who was also a Channel Seven reporter and hurled sexist insults at a female producer, Cushla Travers.[11]

In 2012, he called [Julian Assange](/source/Julian_Assange)'s mother "a pig" and taunted her with a Nazi slogan, for which he apologised but was suspended for a month.[12] In 2016, Howson used a derogatory term when discussing African gangs. He told the *[Herald Sun](/source/Herald_Sun)*, "I don’t care if people think it was racist, it was a name that came into my head". 3AW management issued a statement later that day, "3AW does not condone the use of a derogatory term by John-Michael Howson on the Sunday Morning program today".[13]

In November 2017, Howson went on a rant about "anti-coal nutjobs", suggesting [climate change activists](/source/Individual_action_on_climate_change) should kill themselves. He was forced to apologise later that day and meet management to discuss broadcasting codes and content.[14] He was subsequently dismissed from [3AW](/source/3AW).[15]

## Honours

Howson was awarded an [Order of Australia](/source/Order_of_Australia) Medal in the [2009 Queen's Birthday Honours](/source/2009_Queen's_Birthday_Honours_(Australia)) list "for service to the entertainment industry as a writer and performer".[16]

## Personal life

Howson lived in the Melbourne suburb of [Balaclava](/source/Balaclava,_Victoria) for many years. He then moved to Los Angeles for 17 years and now holds dual US-Australian citizenship.[citation needed]

Following the success of *Shout* he returned to Melbourne in 2006[17] where he lives with his [Guatemalan](/source/Guatemala) partner, Alfie, and their three dogs. In recent years, Howson has been publicly open about his homosexuality, a subject about which he was previously very guarded, mainly due to his conservative Roman Catholic beliefs.[3]

## Community service

Howson is a patron of both the [Melbourne Gay and Lesbian Chorus](/source/Melbourne_Gay_and_Lesbian_Chorus) and of the [St James the Great](/source/St_James_the_Great,_St_Kilda_East) annual [St Francis's Day](/source/Francis_of_Assisi) Blessing of Animals.[18]

## Filmography

### Film

Year Title Role Notes 1974 Alvin Rides Again Bell Boy 1978 The ABC of Love and Sex: Australia Style Leatherman at orgy Documentary 1978 Felicity Adrian/lingerie salesman 1980 Nightmares Bennett Collingwood Known as Stage Fright in the United States 1984 Second Time Lucky Devil's Assistant 1989 Houseboat Horror 'J' Direct-to-video 1994 Muriel's Wedding Himself Uncredited 2008 Not Quite Hollywood: The Wild, Untold Story of Ozploitation! Himself Documentary 2009 Remembering Nigel Himself 2022 Pushing the Boundaries: The Mavis Bramston Show[19] Himself Documentary

### Television

Year Title Role Notes 1965–1967 Magic Circle Club Fee Fee Bear Also writer 1967 Hey You! Writer Also creator (with Godfrey Philipp) 1969 Sounds Like Us Clown 1967–1972 Adventure Island Clown and Golden Harp Also creator (with Godfrey Philipp) and writer 1976 Power Without Glory Fashion Designer TV miniseries 1976–1983 The Don Lane Show Himself Various appearances 1978 Good Morning Sydney Himself Host Entertainment 1980 The Royal Charity Concert Himself TV movie 1980 Catch Us If You Can Himself TV special 1981–1984 The Mike Walsh Show Himself Various appearances (as Entertainment Reporter) 1994 The Gordon Elliott Show Himself 1997 Tracey Takes On... Reg Redpath 2000 Russell Gilbert Live Himself Guest 2001 Rove Live Himself Guest 2004–2005 Good Morning Australia Himself Various appearances (as Entertainment Reporter) 2005–2011 20 to One Himself Media commentator 2006 Bert's Family Feud Himself Contestant/Team captain/Audience member 2006 Spicks and Specks Himself Guest 2021 Studio 10 Himself Guest

## See also

- [List of playwrights](/source/List_of_playwrights)

## References

1. [John Michael Howson](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0398274/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1) on [IMDb](/source/IMDb) 15 May 2014

1. Staff Writer (2006). ["John-Michael Howson"](https://web.archive.org/web/20131202222157/http://www.melbourneopera.com/content/john-michael-howson). *Melbourne Opera*. Archived from [the original](http://www.melbourneopera.com/content/john-michael-howson) on 2 December 2013. Retrieved 25 November 2013.

1. [*Talking Heads*, 2006, "John-Michael Howson" (ABC-TV)](https://archive.today/20120717161511/http://www.abc.net.au/talkingheads/txt/s1641324.htm) (Access: 31 May 2012)

1. [Showman to the stars](http://www.theage.com.au/news/people/showman-to-the-stars/2005/07/08/1120704540657.html) *[The Age](/source/The_Age)*, 9 July 2005

1. Felicity film credits

1. "Dick has done everything – even 'freedom' dance", *The Age*, 26 April 1972, p 17.

1. "Dancers bobbled, she says", *The Age*, 20 March 1974, p 20.

1. Cockington, James. "Shell out for these beach beauties", *The Age*, 16 May 2007.

1. ["Pyjamas in Paradise | David Spicer Productions"](https://www.davidspicer.com.au/shows/pyjamas-paradise#:~:text=Before%20there%20was%20Schoolies,%20there,put%20Surfers%20on%20the%20map.). *davidspicer.com.au*. Retrieved 5 January 2021.

1. Barry, Paul (17 May 2010). ["Veiled Censorship"](https://web.archive.org/web/20100521163322/http://www.abc.net.au/mediawatch/transcripts/s2901875.htm). Media Watch. Archived from [the original](http://www.abc.net.au/mediawatch/transcripts/s2901875.htm) on 21 May 2010. Retrieved 20 November 2013.

1. Carmody, Thomas (14 February 2011). ["'Up yours, darling': Howson slammed over radio meltdown"](http://www.theage.com.au/entertainment/tv-and-radio/up-yours-darling-howson-slammed-over-radio-meltdown-20110214-1at0l.html). *[The Sydney Morning Herald](/source/The_Sydney_Morning_Herald)*. Retrieved 17 January 2018.

1. Carmody, Broede (20 August 2011). ["Radio presenter Howson suspended for Nazi gibe"](http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/tv-and-radio/radio-presenter-howson-suspended-for-nazi-gibe-20120820-24hmj.html). *The Sydney Morning Herald*. Retrieved 21 November 2017.

1. ["'3AW's John-Michael Howson in hot water over racist jibe'"](https://web.archive.org/web/20180117132200/https://www.radioinfo.com.au/news/3aw%E2%80%99s-john-michael-howson-hot-water-over-racist-jibe). radioinfo. 22 August 2016. Archived from [the original](https://www.radioinfo.com.au/news/3aw%E2%80%99s-john-michael-howson-hot-water-over-racist-jibe) on 17 January 2018. Retrieved 17 January 2018.

1. Carmody, Broede (21 November 2017). ["Neil Mitchell takes fellow 3AW broadcaster to task over 'garbage' comments"](http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/tv-and-radio/neil-mitchell-takes-fellow-3aw-broadcaster-to-task-over-garbage-comments-20171121-gzpkhi.html). *The Sydney Morning Herald*. Retrieved 21 November 2017.

1. Quinn, Karl (1 December 2017). ["Too much to bear: John-Michael Howson dumped by 3AW following 'go hang yourself' anti-Greens tirade"](https://web.archive.org/web/20171203153859/http://www.canberratimes.com.au/entertainment/tv-and-radio/johnmichael-howson-dumped-by-3aw-following-go-hang-yourself-antigreens-tirade-20171201-gzwt5p.html). *[The Canberra Times](/source/The_Canberra_Times)*. Archived from [the original](http://www.canberratimes.com.au/entertainment/tv-and-radio/johnmichael-howson-dumped-by-3aw-following-go-hang-yourself-antigreens-tirade-20171201-gzwt5p.html) on 3 December 2017. Retrieved 8 January 2018.

1. ["Medal of the Order of Australia"](https://web.archive.org/web/20170305083246/http://www.itsanhonour.gov.au/honours/honour_roll/search.cfm?breif=true&page=1&search_type=simple). It's an Honour. Archived from [the original](http://www.itsanhonour.gov.au/honours/honour_roll/search.cfm?breif=true&page=1&search_type=simple) on 5 March 2017. Retrieved 29 June 2014.

1. Farouque, Farah (8 June 2009). ["Raconteur and writer of many roles and faces"](http://www.theage.com.au/national/raconteur-and-writer-of-many-roles-and-faces-20090607-bzu2.html). *[The Age](/source/The_Age)*. Retrieved 25 November 2013.

1. [St James' Church website](http://stjamesthegreat.org.au/2011-11-30-12-14-37/annual-blessing-of-the-animals.html) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20130502135602/http://stjamesthegreat.org.au/2011-11-30-12-14-37/annual-blessing-of-the-animals.html) 2 May 2013 at the Wayback Machine; The Annual Blessing of Animals

1. ["Pushing The Boundaries: The Mavis Bramston Show (2022) – The Screen Guide"](https://www.screenaustralia.gov.au/the-screen-guide/t/pushing-the-boundaries--the-mavis-bramston-show-2022/40748/). Screen Australia. Retrieved 24 February 2023.

## External links

- [ABC interview](https://archive.today/20120717161511/http://www.abc.net.au/talkingheads/txt/s1641324.htm)
- [Melbourne Gay and Lesbian Chorus](http://www.mglc.org.au)

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [John-Michael Howson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John-Michael_Howson) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John-Michael_Howson?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.