Dave ‘Hughesy’ Hughes has opened up about his traumatic childhood and how it shaped him into the comedian he is today.
The Project host, 54, got candid on Australian Story on Monday as he reflected on growing up with a dad who struggled with alcoholism and a home that was often rife with fear.
‘Knowing there’s a loaded gun in the house and someone who is not mentally stable and drunk in the house, it’s not a relaxing way to go through your childhood,’ he said on the program, which aired Monday night.
Dave said while his father, Desmond, was never physically violent, he did once threaten him with the rifle.
‘I still remember when he brought it out one day and said, “I will shoot you all.” That wasn’t relaxing,’ he says.
Dave lost his father, Desmond, known as Des, in November 2010 at the age of 78.
Dave ‘Hughesy’ Hughes (pictured) has opened up about his traumatic childhood and how it shaped him into the comedian he is today
The Project host, 54, got candid on Australian Story on Monday as he reflected on growing up with a dad who was plagued with alcoholism and a home that was often rife with fear
Growing up in such a difficult environment inspired Dave to not only kick his own unhealthy addiction with alcohol, but follow his dream of becoming a comedian.
‘I had the thought, “I don’t want alcohol to control my life”, and as I’d seen it, control family members’ lives. I didn’t want to be that. So, that was a big part of the reason why I stopped drinking’ he said.
Becoming one of Australia’s most recognisable comedians, however, came with its own set of obstacles, including crippling self doubt.
‘I’m on stage, microphone in hand, trying to be funny. But most of my brain is going, “You are a loser. You are useless. You’re never going to be a success in life”‘ shared The Project host.
Dave has previously attributed his career success to quitting drugs and alcohol.
Hughesy told TV Week in 2019 that it was only after getting sober in his early twenties that he had the confidence to launch a career as a stand-up comedian.
‘If I hadn’t quit drinking, I never would have gone into comedy,’ he said.
‘I wouldn’t have been able to get myself together. I’d be freaking out. It wasn’t good for my mental health,’ he added.
Dave said while his father, Desmond, was never physically violent, he did once threaten him with the rifle. ‘I still remember when he brought it out one day and said, “I will shoot you all.” That wasn’t relaxing,’ he says. Dave lost his father, known as Des (right), in November 2010
Becoming one of Australia’s most recognisable comedians, however, came with its own set of obstacles, including crippling self doubt. Pictured on Hey Hey It’s Saturday in 1998
The father-of-three began performing stand-up comedy in Perth when he was 22 and although he initially bombed, he eventually won over audiences.
In 2001, he launched a career in radio on Hughesy, Kate & Dave, before branching out into television work.
A few years ago, Dave told News.com.au how his battle with depression led him to abuse drugs and alcohol.
The Hit Network star, who has been sober for 25 years, said he hit rock bottom in his early twenties because he felt as though his life had no direction.
‘I was feeling depressed as a young man,’ he said.
‘I was drinking too much, and when I’d drink I would get drunk. As a teenager and in my early twenties I was struggling with my own ego… that whole struggle to feel like you’re achieving things,’ he added.
‘Young men and young people can take life too seriously and I think drinking certainly didn’t help that… as well as smoking marijuana.’
Dave’s depression began affecting his livelihood after he dropped out of two university degrees before ditching higher education altogether and eventually losing his job.
The funnyman said drugs and alcohol only made things worse and he ultimately felt ‘more lost’.
In the end, he turned to his mother, a nurse, who helped him quit drinking for good.
If this article has raised any issues, help is available at 1800RESPECT
If you or someone you know is struggling, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14
‘I’m on stage, microphone in hand, trying to be funny. But most of my brain is going, “You are a loser. You are useless. You’re never going to be a success in life”‘ shared The Project host
