Akmal Saleh migrated from Egypt with his family when he was quite young, with his parents hoping he would pursue a medical degree.
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Instead, he took up comedy.
“They don’t really understand it because in Egypt they don’t have stand up comedy or it wasn’t a viable profession,” Saleh said.
“The first time I got paid, I earnt in 15 minutes what I would in 12 hours working as a taxi driver.”
The funnyman has now had numerous television and film roles and is currently working on a new animated version of Blinky Bill, as the voice of lizard Jack.
Catch Akmal’s new show Transparency at the Fraternity Club June 2 and Wests Illawarra June 3. www.akmal.com.au/tour/