Encore: Wendy Harmer on overcoming her fractured childhood

Wendy Harmer has enjoyed huge success over four decades as a comedian, tv host and as a radio presenter. A long way from her origins in country Victoria, where she was born with a facial disfigurement, into a struggling family.

When her mother left, Wendy often had to look after her young siblings.

After her talent for writing was spotted by a lecturer at Deakin University, Wendy became a cadet journalist at the Geelong Advertiser.

And then Wendy's life was transformed one night in Melbourne when she saw stand-up comedy for the first time and decided to try it herself.

She bought records of Joan Rivers, Whoopi Goldberg and Woody Allen, and studied their acts.

The first night she stood up at an open mic night for her 5 minute set, she knew it was the perfect role for her.

Soon she was headlining her own shows at the Melbourne comedy venue the Last Laugh, and her life set off on a completely different path.

Further information

Wendy's memoir is called Lies My Mirror Told Me

This episode of Conversations was produced by Nicola Harrison, the Executive Producer was Carmel Rooney.It explores family, separation, cleft lip and palate, facial surgery, siblings, poverty, alcoholism, physical abuse, journalism, comedy, broadcasting, writing for children, country Victoria, stand up comedy, television, memoir.

To binge even more great episodes of the Conversations podcast with Richard Fidler and Sarah Kanowski go the ABC listen app (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts. There you’ll find hundreds of the best thought-provoking interviews with authors, writers, artists, politicians, psychologists, musicians, and celebrities.