Mr Matt Okine 

Comedian / Actor / Author

Matt Okine was part of the class of 2002 at Brisbane State High. Since graduation, Okine has thrived in the arts industry, particularly in stand-up comedy and acting. He developed this passion for the arts during his time at Brisbane State High. At school, Okine was not only fuelled by his passion for drama, but also his talent in AFL. 

After leading his team to the premiership during his final year of schooling, Okine was approached by a talent scout  and was faced with the decision to choose either the arts or AFL as a career pathway. After much thought, he understood that he had only just begun to harness his creativity and passion for performing and saw drama as a 'calling', a feeling that he found what he was looking for. Only one year into university, Okine became a Triple J RAW finalist, having only participated in 3 gigs prior to the competition. 

After graduating from the Queensland University of Technology with a Bachelor of Fine Arts, he continued on to host the Triple J breakfast radio and won the Best New Comer award in the Melbourne International Comedy Festival among several other winnings and nominations. He also produced and starred in an autobiographical show, The Other Guy, and debuted his coming-of-age novel, Being Black n' Chicken & Chips. His novel mirrored experiences in his life and paid homage to State High.

Okine believes that BSHS reflects the real world, including the diversity of backgrounds and skill levels, which taught him the importance of accepting different people and their experiences. One piece of advice he would give to those studying at this school is to do what makes you happy and to find your passion in a school that provides a variety of opportunities.

Written by Prerna Nagesh*

*NB: This alumni profile was crafted by a State High student as part of the school's student/alumni interview project during the 2021 Centenary celebration.