Australia's King of Showbiz, From Hollywood Insider to Beloved TV Personality
Richard Reid is one of Australia’s most beloved TV and radio personalities, renowned for his infectious humour, sharp style, and unapologetic love for all things showbiz. Originally from Salem, Oregon, Richard’s journey to fame began with a childhood obsession for entertainment TV and a passion for celebrity culture. By the time he was 13, he was already determined that TV would be his career. With a degree in broadcast journalism from Hunter College in New York, Richard quickly transitioned from behind the scenes to on-air talent, securing his first job as an entertainment reporter in Seattle.
In the early 2000s, Richard gained attention for his daily entertainment segment, ‘Richard’s Reels’, and later for his Emmy-nominated series, ‘Northwest Flix and Pix’, where he interviewed A-list stars like Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie. His talent didn’t go unnoticed in Hollywood, where he worked for ‘Access Hollywood’, ‘Entertainment Tonight’, ‘The Insider’, and ‘Celebrities Uncensored’ before making his way to Australia.
In 2006, Richard burst into Australian homes as the 'Hollywood Gossip Guru' on Channel Nine's ‘Today Show’. His infectious personality and wit quickly won over the hearts of viewers, leading to a recurring role that lasted for seven years. In addition to his TV work, Richard became an ambassador for the feel-good renovation series ‘Domestic Blitz’ and appeared on ‘Celebrity Apprentice Australia’, where he reached the final four in 2015, raising $15,000 for Foodbank Australia.
Richard’s true breakout moment came in 2019 when he joined ‘I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! Australia’ for its fifth season. His down-to-earth, genuine nature and resilience in the jungle endeared him to viewers, culminating in his crowning as King of the Jungle. His win not only secured his place as a beloved TV figure but also saw him raise $100,000 for mental health charity Beyond Blue.
His distinctive voice could be heard internationally on Kuala Lumpur’s #1 Hitz FM and South Africa’s Jacaranda FM, where he brought his unique take on pop culture and entertainment to global audiences. He also captivated magazine readers with his cheeky weekly column ‘What the Frock!’ in Women’s Day, where he dissected the over-the-top wardrobes of celebrities around the globe with his signature wit and style.
Currently a regular panellist on Studio 10 and a contributor to ‘Kyle & Jackie O’ and other major radio stations across Australia, Richard continues to bring his unique perspective on entertainment, pop culture, and current affairs. Whether it’s offering celebrity gossip, cracking a joke, or tackling serious issues with sensitivity, Richard’s authenticity shines through. A passionate advocate for mental health and an ambassador for Delta Airlines, Richard also lends his talents to theatre, having starred in ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’ in 2019.
Through it all, Richard remains the charming, quick-witted, and lovable personality that Australians have come to know and adore. With an impressive career spanning numerous continents, Richard Reid proves that sometimes, a little bit of laughter is the best way to connect with the world.