Karl Stefanovic may have spent years waking up the nation, but it seems there’s one alarm clock he’d rather hit snooze on: comedian and radio host Henry Bretz.
The Sunshine Coast funnyman has built an unexpected side hustle impersonating Stefanovic in a series of viral social media clips, lovingly roasting everything from the broadcaster’s new podcast persona to his tales of growing up in barefoot, Vegemite-fuelled Australia. Think less hard-hitting journalism, more “Dad bought five houses with a $20 note and a firm handshake”.
At first, Stefanovic appeared to be in on the joke. Bretz says the former breakfast TV king even followed him online and liked one of the early videos. But as the impressions became a little sharper and the laughs a little louder, the digital friendship reportedly went the way of dial-up internet and VHS tapes.
Bretz now believes he has been blocked.
“My friends who are savvier on social media tell me that means I’ve been blocked,” he joked, before adding the line that has since become almost as popular as the videos themselves: “Freedom of speech does have a ceiling, apparently.”
The comedian insists there is no personal grudge, describing the whole thing as comedy rather than a crusade. Still, the irony hasn’t gone unnoticed by fans, particularly given Stefanovic’s recent public comments about free speech and open debate.
Meanwhile, Bretz’s videos have attracted admirers in some surprising places, with former colleagues and media personalities reportedly sharing and enjoying the clips from the sidelines. Even bookmakers briefly listed him as an outside chance to replace Stefanovic on breakfast television – proof that in Australian media, today’s parody artist can apparently become tomorrow’s rumoured host.
As for Stefanovic, he has remained publicly silent on the alleged blocking. Which is probably wise. After all, if there’s one thing worse than becoming a meme, it’s arguing with the bloke doing the impression of you.
Images: Instagram
