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Andrew O'Keefe

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For the railway engineer, see Andrew O'Keefe (engineer).

Andrew O'Keefe
AM
O'Keefe in 2006
Born
Sydney, Australia
Other namesA.O.K
Years active2003–2020
Known for
SpouseEleanor Campbell (div. 2019)
Children3
ParentBarry O'Keefe (father)
FamilyJohnny O'Keefe (uncle)

Andrew Patrick O'Keefe AM is an Australian former television presenter and lawyer. He co-hosted the weekend edition of breakfast program Weekend Sunrise from 2005 until 2017 as well as the Australian versions of game shows Deal or No Deal, and The Chase Australia. In 2024, he was convicted of drug and domestic violence offences.

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O'Keefe worked as an intellectual property lawyer with law firm Allens Arthur Robinson.[1]

Media career

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O'Keefe first started his television career in 2003 in Channel Seven's show Big Bite. Later the same year he began hosting Deal or No Deal, staying for 10 years.[2]

In 2005, O'Keefe co-hosted the tri-network tsunami appeal Reach Out for relief efforts around Asia. In the same year, he hosted the short-lived Dragons Den and co-hosted the 47th TV Week Logie Awards.[3]

From 2005 to 2017, O'Keefe co-hosted Weekend Sunrise on Saturday and Sunday mornings. He was co-hosting with Samantha Armytage from 2007, when Lisa Wilkinson moved to Today, until 2013, when Armytage moved to the main Sunrise program.[4] Armytage was replaced with Monique Wright on Weekend Sunrise as a result. He also regularly substituted for David Koch on Sunrise.[5]

From 2007 to 2009, O'Keefe hosted the quiz show The Rich List.[5]

On 31 May 2013, O'Keefe commenced playing the role of King Herod in the Australian tour of the Jesus Christ Superstar arena show.[6][7] However, on 14 June 2013, he was admitted to hospital with a neck injury requiring surgery and was forced to relinquish the role for the rest of the tour. O'Keefe believed the injury was aggravated during a performance of the show.[7]

In 2015, O'Keefe began presenting Seven's new game show, The Chase Australia.[8]

In December 2017, O'Keefe announced his resignation as co-host of Weekend Sunrise after 12 years with the show.[9][10][11]

O'Keefe's contract with the Seven Network expired at the end of 2020, and he was replaced by Larry Emdur for The Chase Australia.[12][13]

Honours

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In January 2017, he was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for his television and charity work.[14]

Personal life

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O'Keefe is one of five children.[15] His father is Barry O'Keefe, a judge of the Supreme Court of New South Wales. He is a nephew of the Australian rock and roll singer Johnny O'Keefe.[16][1]

In 2018 and 2019, Andrew performed some of his uncle's songs in a concert show entitled Andrew O'Keefe Shouts Johnny O'Keefe.[17]

He attended Saint Ignatius' College, Riverview,[18] and then studied arts and law at the University of Sydney.[1]

O'Keefe was married and has three children. In 2017, the couple separated; in 2019, they divorced.[19]

Community and charity work

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O'Keefe is a former chairman of the White Ribbon Australia, an organisation dedicated to the prevention of violence against women.[20] He was one of the founding members of the campaign in Australia and was an ambassador from 2004, prior to the organisation's dissolution in 2019.[21][22]

As a result of his work with the White Ribbon Australia, O'Keefe was appointed to the inaugural National Council for the Prevention of Violence Against Women in May 2008, which drafted the report Time for Action: Australia's National Plan for Reducing Violence Against Women and their Children on behalf of the federal government.[23][24][25]

Arrests and criminal charges

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In January 2021, O'Keefe was arrested and charged with domestic violence and common assault against his partner. An interim apprehended violence order was sought against O'Keefe by NSW Police on behalf of his partner.[26][27][28] In June 2021, O'Keefe had the charges dismissed as the community magistrate found that he was in a hypomanic bipolar state when the offending occurred during altercation.[29][30] He was ordered to complete an intensive mental health treatment program.[31]

In September 2021, O'Keefe was arrested by police for domestic violence related offences, including contravening an apprehended violence order and assault.[32][33] Footage was later released during his court session in November 2023 showing O'Keefe hurling abuse at police.[34] In January 2024 he was found guilty of the charges and sentenced to a 12-month community corrections order and three 18-month community corrections orders.[35]

On 27 January 2022, O'Keefe was arrested after he allegedly grabbed a woman by the throat, pushed her to the ground, and punched and kicked her at his sister's unit in Sydney.[36] He was later refused bail after his arrest.[37]

On 11 February 2022, he pleaded guilty to possession of 1.5 grams of marijuana.[38] He has a long history of drug abuse, including cocaine and methamphetamine abuse.[39]

On 4 May 2022, O'Keefe was denied bail and served five months in jail after failing a drug test.[40] The magistrate said, "There will be a contempt citation unless he retracts and apologises for his behaviour".[41] On 23 May, O'Keefe appeared in the Supreme Court of New South Wales and was granted bail, with strict conditions that he be sent to a drug and alcohol rehabilitation facility in Swan Bay, north of Sydney, for up to a year. Justice Hulme said O'Keefe had long struggled with mental health issues and that rehabilitation was a "good opportunity" for him. He was scheduled to appear before the Downing Centre Local Court in June 2022 for sentencing after earlier pleading guilty to one charge of possessing 1.6 grams of cannabis.[42]

On 24 November 2022, after months on bail, O'Keefe was arrested again at his Vaucluse home for allegedly breaching his bail conditions.[43]

On 4 April 2023, O'Keefe was arrested after failing a random breath test at Sydney's Eastern Suburbs.[44]

On 19 August 2023, O'Keefe was arrested for allegedly breaching an apprehended violence order.[45] He was released from jail a few days later.

On 5 December 2023, O'Keefe pleaded guilty after he was charged with drug driving at Point Piper.[46]

On 28 July 2024, O'Keefe tested positive at a roadside drug test at Bellevue Hill in Sydney's Eastern Suburbs. He was later charged with driving under the influence, and with contravening an apprehended violence order and stalking or intimidating. He was bailed to reappear on 14 August.[47]

On 14 September 2024, O'Keefe was revived by paramedics after overdosing on drugs at a party in Vaucluse.[48]

On 16 September 2024, O’Keefe was arrested for breaching his bail conditions.[49]

Filmography

[edit]
Title Year Role
Big Bite 2003–2004 Host
Deal or No Deal 2003–2013 Host
NewsWeek 2004 Host
Carols in the Domain 2004 Himself
Weekend Sunrise 2005–2017 Host
Rove Live 2005 Himself
Dragons Den 2005 Host
The Chaser's War on Everything 2006 Himself
Kath and Kim 2007 Himself
The Rich List 2007–2009 Host
TV Burp 2009 Himself
Stefan and Craig: Slightly Live 2010 Himself
Review with Myles Barlow 2010 Himself
31 Questions 2012 Himself
Dirty Laundry Live 2014 Himself
Back Seat Drivers 2014 Himself
The Chase Australia 2015–2021 Host
Shaun Micallef's Mad as Hell 2020 Himself
Beat the Chasers Australia 2020 Himself

References

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  1. ^ a b c Weekly, Lawyers (12 August 2011). "Changing Channels: Andrew O'Keefe on Allens to showbiz". Lawyers Weekly. Retrieved 17 December 2022.
  2. ^ "No Deal says Andrew O'Keefe | TV Tonight". tvtonight.com.au. 19 March 2014. Retrieved 15 September 2024.
  3. ^ "Home And Away's Alf in Australia Day Honours". Television.AU. 26 January 2017. Retrieved 17 December 2022.
  4. ^ Vickery, Colin (22 November 2011). "Seven Network's Andrew O'Keefe admits he's restless from Deal or No Deal and Weekend Sunrise". The Daily Telegraph. Sydney: News Limited. Archived from the original on 12 June 2017. Retrieved 15 June 2013.
  5. ^ a b Rolfe, Brooke (28 January 2022). "Former TV presenter Andrew O'Keefe's downfall". news.com.au.
  6. ^ Irving, Caitlin (27 February 2013). "Australian tour of Jesus Christ Superstar kicks off in Perth". WAtoday. Fairfax Media. Retrieved 14 June 2013.
  7. ^ a b Doherty, Elissa (14 June 2013). "Andrew O'Keefe pulls out of Jesus Christ Superstar with serious neck injury". news.com.au. News Limited. Archived from the original on 14 June 2013. Retrieved 14 June 2013.
  8. ^ Knox, David (18 July 2015). "Media gets on board with AOK to host The Chase". TV Tonight. Retrieved 18 July 2015.
  9. ^ Hornery, Andrew (8 December 2017). "Andrew O'Keefe quits Weekend Sunrise". The Sydney Morning Herald. Fairfax Media. Retrieved 8 December 2017.
  10. ^ Knox, David (8 December 2017). "Andrew O'Keefe quits Weekend Sunrise". TV Tonight. Retrieved 8 December 2017.
  11. ^ McPhee, Sally; Rawsthorne, Sarah (24 January 2024). "Andrew O'Keefe found guilty of domestic violence, drug possession". The Age.
  12. ^ Knox, David (2 February 2021). "Seven parts company with Andrew O'Keefe". TV Tonight. Retrieved 12 February 2021.
  13. ^ Bucklow, Andrew (8 February 2021). "The Chase Australia: Larry Emdur tipped to replace Andrew O'Keefe". news.com.au. News Corp Australia. Retrieved 12 February 2021.
  14. ^ "Mr Andrew Patrick O'KEEFE". Australian Government. 26 January 2017. Retrieved 18 August 2023.
  15. ^ Beck, Chris (12 January 2006). "Chris Beck talks to Andrew O'Keefe". The Age. Fairfax Media. Retrieved 15 June 2013.
  16. ^ Leys, Nick (19 November 2012). "Ten questions: Andrew O'Keefe". The Australian. News Limited. Archived from the original on 30 June 2013. Retrieved 15 June 2013.
  17. ^ Cashmere, Paul (10 July 2018). "Andrew O'Keefe Will Be Johnny O'Keefe For Two Nights Only In Melbourne". Noise11. Retrieved 23 April 2024.
  18. ^ "Old Ignatians' –". Potentiality Online Communities. Retrieved 17 December 2022.
  19. ^ Doyle, Erin (24 October 2019). "Andrew O'Keefe says he felt life was "meaningless" after marriage breakdown". Woman's Day. Now To Love. Retrieved 17 December 2022.
  20. ^ "Appointment of a new Chair of White Ribbon Australia" (PDF). White Ribbon Foundation. 15 May 2013. Archived from the original (PDF) on 14 May 2013. Retrieved 14 June 2013.
  21. ^ Members of National Council to reduce violence against women and children announced | Australian Government 26 May 2008. Retrieved 14 June 2013 Archived 16 May 2013 at the Wayback Machine
  22. ^ Tatham, Harriet (28 January 2022). "Woman bit former TV presenter Andrew O'Keefe to break free of him, court hears". ABC News. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved 28 January 2022.
  23. ^ "White Ribbon Australia | Stop men's violence against women". White Ribbon. 3 October 2023. Retrieved 19 February 2024.
  24. ^ "White Ribbon Breakfast". AnglicareNT. November 2015. Retrieved 28 January 2022.
  25. ^ "National Plan to Reduce Violence Against Women and Their Children". Department of Social Services. Commonwealth of Australia. March 2009. Retrieved 28 January 2022. Time for Action: The National Council's Plan for Australia to Reduce Violence against Women and their Children, 2009-2021
  26. ^ Buckley, John (31 January 2021). "Channel 7 personality Andrew O'Keefe facing domestic violence charge". The Sydney Morning Herald. Nine Entertainment. Retrieved 31 January 2021.
  27. ^ Parkes-Hupton, Heath (31 January 2021). "Channel 7 star Andrew O'Keefe arrested in Sydney, faces domestic violence charge". news.com.au. News Corp Australia. Retrieved 25 August 2023.
  28. ^ "Channel 7 confirms it dumped Andrew O'Keefe". news.com.au. News Corp Australia. 4 February 2021. Retrieved 25 August 2023.
  29. ^ Mitchell, Georgina (25 June 2021). "Andrew O'Keefe domestic violence charges dismissed on mental health grounds". The Sydney Morning Herald. Nine Entertainment. Retrieved 25 June 2021.
  30. ^ Shams, Housnia (25 June 2021). "Domestic violence charges against TV personality Andrew O'Keefe dismissed". ABC News. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved 25 June 2021.
  31. ^ Parkes-Hupton, Heath (25 June 2021). "Andrew O'Keefe assaulted ex-partner during argument over 'ice pipe': court told". news.com.au. News Corp Australia. Archived from the original on 26 June 2021. Retrieved 25 June 2021.
  32. ^ Zemek, Steve (11 September 2021). "Ex-TV star Andrew O'Keefe facing fresh DV claims". news.com.au. News Corp Australia. Retrieved 12 September 2021.
  33. ^ Zemek, Steve (11 September 2021). "Australian TV host Andrew O'Keefe faces fresh domestic violence claims". The New Zealand Herald. NZME. Retrieved 12 September 2021.
  34. ^ Murray, Duncan (1 November 2023). "'Righteous rage': Andrew O'Keefe abused cops in heated arrest". Nine News. Nine Entertainment. Australian Associated Press. Retrieved 19 February 2024.
  35. ^ Lang, Adelaide; Ferri, Lauren (24 January 2024). "TV presenter's 'degrading' attack on woman". news.com.au. News Corp Australia. Retrieved 19 February 2024.
  36. ^ Rawsthorne, Sally (26 January 2022). "Former TV host Andrew O'Keefe arrested over allegations he choked woman". The Sydney Morning Herald. Nine Entertainment. Retrieved 27 January 2022.
  37. ^ Goodenough, Cheryl (8 March 2022). "Ex-TV presenter O'Keefe refused bail". The Northern Beaches Review. Australian Community Media. Retrieved 5 April 2022.
  38. ^ Noble, Freya (11 February 2022). "Andrew O'Keefe pleads guilty to drug possession". Nine News. Nine Entertainment. Retrieved 12 February 2022.
  39. ^ "Andrew O'Keefe's journey from TV star to a jail cell". 9Now. Nine Entertainment. Retrieved 31 March 2023.
  40. ^ Knox, David (5 May 2022). ""No justice": Court rejects new bail application for Andrew O'Keefe". TV Tonight. Retrieved 17 December 2022.
  41. ^ Ferri, Lauren (4 May 2022). "TV host Andrew O'Keefe warned by magistrate after explosion in court". news.com.au. News Corp Australia. Retrieved 25 August 2023.
  42. ^ Reddie, Mark (23 May 2022). "Andrew O'Keefe to spend up to a year in rehab to address 'significant descent'". ABC News. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved 23 May 2022.
  43. ^ Ferri, Lauren (24 November 2022). "Former TV host Andrew O'Keefe allegedly failed drug test, breached bail". news.com.au. News Corp Australia. Retrieved 3 December 2022.
  44. ^ Meacham, Savannah (5 April 2023). "Andrew O'Keefe update: Embattled TV host charged with drug driving". Nine News. Nine Entertainment. Retrieved 26 August 2023.
  45. ^ Chung, Laura (20 August 2023). "Andrew O'Keefe charged with breaching AVO". The Sydney Morning Herald. Nine Entertainment. Retrieved 20 August 2023.
  46. ^ Gramenz, Jack (5 December 2023). "Former TV host enters plea on drug-driving charge". 7News. Seven West Media. Retrieved 19 February 2024.
  47. ^ McKeith, Sam (29 July 2024). "Former TV star Andrew O'Keefe released on bail after stalking and intimidating charge". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 29 July 2024.
  48. ^ Harris, Christopher (16 September 2024). "Andrew O'Keefe revived after overdose in Sydney's eastern suburbs". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 16 September 2024.
  49. ^ Harris, Christopher (16 September 2024). "Andrew O'Keefe arrested after overdose in Sydney's eastern suburbs". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 16 September 2024.
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