Anh Do facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Anh Do
Do in 2011
Born	(1977-06-02) 2 June 1977 (age 48) Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Occupation	Actor Stand-up comedian Author
Spouse(s)	Suzanne Do
Children	4
Relatives	Khoa Do (brother)

Anh Do (born 2 June 1977) is a famous Vietnamese-born Australian artist. He is known for many things: he's an author who writes popular books, an actor, a stand-up comedian, and a talented painter.

You might have seen Anh Do on Australian TV shows like Thank God You're Here or Good News Week. He also came in second place on Dancing with the Stars in 2007. Anh Do is the brother of film director Khoa Do and has even acted in some of Khoa's movies, including Footy Legends. From 2016 to 2021, he hosted Anh's Brush with Fame on ABC TV, where he painted portraits of famous Australians while interviewing them. He has also been a finalist four times for the important Archibald Prize for painting and won the People's Choice Award in 2017.

Early Life and Journey to Australia

Anh Do and his family came to Australia as refugees in 1980. They had to leave their home in Vietnam. In his 2010 book, The Happiest Refugee, Anh shares the amazing story of their journey.

His family survived five days on a small, leaky fishing boat. It was only about nine and a half meters long and two meters wide. Forty people were packed onto the boat, trying to cross the Indian Ocean. Anh said, "We were crammed in like sardines."

During their trip, pirates attacked them twice. The first group stole one of their two engines. The second group of pirates took the other engine, even though it was broken. Luckily, Anh's father had fixed it with a piece of rubber from a thong (flip-flop). As the second group of pirates left, one of them threw a gallon of water onto the boat. This water helped almost everyone survive until a German merchant ship rescued them.

After their incredible journey, Anh Do's family settled in Yagoona, a suburb in Sydney, Australia.

The Happiest Refugee Book

Anh Do's book, The Happiest Refugee, tells his life story. It has won many important awards. These include the 2011 Australian Book of the Year, Biography of the Year, and Newcomer of the Year. It also won the Indie Book of the Year Award in 2011. The book was recognized for its powerful story of survival and hope.

Anh Do's Career Journey

Anh Do with his wife Suzanne in 2005, at the premiere of Footy Legends

Anh Do went to St Aloysius' College for high school. When he was just 14, he started his first small business. He bred and sold tropical fish!

Later, while studying law at the University of Technology, Sydney, he opened a stall. He sold American Indian artifacts. This business grew, and he soon had four stores.

Anh was close to finishing his law degree. Law firms offered him jobs that would mean working 60 hours a week. But Anh decided to follow a different path. He chose to become a stand-up comedian instead!

Since 2013, Anh has spent less time on comedy. He now focuses more on his painting. He has been a finalist in the famous Archibald Prize multiple times. This is a big achievement for an artist.

Anh's Brush with Fame

From 2016 to 2021, Anh Do hosted a popular TV show called Anh's Brush with Fame on ABC-TV. On the show, he would interview well-known Australians. At the same time, he would paint their portrait. It was a unique way to get to know famous people.

Personal Life

Anh Do is married to Suzanne (Suzie) Do. They have three sons and one daughter. Anh and Suzie met when they were both studying at university.

Anh's mother, Hien, is also involved in the arts. She played the role of Kim, the mother of Van Tuong Nguyen, in the film Better Man. This film was produced by Anh's brother, Khoa Do.

Awards and Achievements

Anh Do has received many awards for his work:

• 2011 Independent Booksellers Book of the Year (for The Happiest Refugee)
• 2011 Joint winner (with musician Paul Kelly) of the Biography of the Year (for The Happiest Refugee)
• 2011 Best Newcomer (for The Happiest Refugee)
• 2011 Book of the Year (for The Happiest Refugee)
• 2017 People's Choice Award, Archibald Prize (for his portrait of actor Jack Charles)
• 2024 Young Australian Best Book Award for Fiction for younger readers (for Hot Dog #10: Beach Time!)

Mo Awards

The Mo Awards were annual Australian awards for live entertainment. They recognized great achievements in the entertainment industry. Anh Do won one of these awards.

Filmography

Anh Do has appeared in many TV shows and movies. Here are some of them:

Books by Anh Do

Anh Do is a very popular children's author. He has written many book series that kids love!