Logie success hits home for seasoned performer

LOGIE award winner Glenn Butcher has never taken himself too seriously, despite a successful career in the Australian entertainment industry that has spanned almost 40 years.

The 63-year-old was the toast of Ballina when he was named Best Supporting Actor for his role as Viktor in the hit television comedy Fisk. The show has received international acclaim, with co-creator and star Kitty Flanagan winning multiple awards since its first season in 2021.

“I’ve never chased any particular role, so to have a Logie at this stage of my life is pretty hilarious,” Butcher said.

He was originally meant to play a smaller part but was cast as Viktor after Flanagan, a long-time friend, asked him to take on the role.

“I was originally meant to play the uncle, and I would have been happy enough just to have a scene here and there.

“They auditioned other people for Viktor, but Kitty eventually asked me to do it, and the rest is history.

“I did extra scenes that were meant for other characters and plans changed during the pandemic, but we were always able to work around that and it was just a great show to be part of.”

Butcher has known Flanagan for about 30 years, working together on Full Frontal before he managed her comedy tours. The sketch series helped launch Flanagan’s career and set Butcher up for a variety of roles, including Young Einstein, Kath & Kim the Movie, Play School, and as the singing voice of B1 in Bananas in Pyjamas.

“It is crazy when you see actors like George Clooney talking about watching the show on Netflix,” Butcher said. “The great thing about streaming is that shows from anywhere can catch on and have their moment in the spotlight, now.”

The show has won best comedy series awards internationally and made the Netflix top 10 in countries including South Africa, the United Kingdom and the United States.

Born in Murwillumbah and finishing high school in Lismore, Butcher still has family across the region and moved back to Ballina four years ago with his partner. He paid tribute to the town by wearing a pair of Big Prawn socks to the Logies.

“We couldn’t believe that we won all five awards we were nominated for,” he said. “When I meet anyone who hasn’t watched Fisk, I encourage them because it’s a show most people seem to relate to.

“There aren’t a lot of scripted shows on television anymore unfortunately, you have to shop around, and Kitty struggled to find anyone interested in making it at first.”

Butcher said he never plans for future roles but praised Flanagan and co-director Tom Peterson for being able to wrap up each of the three seasons on their own terms.