Jean Kittson AM

About Jean

Jean Kittson has spent four decades at the centre of Australian comedy, theatre and writing — from her breakthrough years on The Big Gig to Let the Blood Run Free and Kittson Fahey, and later Good News Week, The Glasshouse, The Einstein Factor and Talkin' 'Bout Your Generation. The voice that made her a household name is now equally well known for the way she writes and speaks about ageing, caregiving and women's health.

Her books on midlife, menopause and the often-unfunny business of looking after ageing parents — You're Still Hot To Me and We Need to Talk About Mum and Dad — have made her an unusually credible voice on subjects most workplaces are only just starting to take seriously. The combination of comic timing and lived honesty disarms the room and leaves audiences with both perspective and practical handles. Her advocacy work runs alongside it: she has chaired the National Gynaecological Cancer Foundation and holds ambassador roles with the Macular Disease Foundation Australia and Northcott Disability Services. She was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in the 2023 Australia Day Honours.

For event organisers, Jean is a strong fit for women's events, wellbeing programs, leadership conferences and any in-house program where the audience would value warmth, intelligence and the courage to talk about what isn't usually on the agenda. She works well in-person and virtually, and is equally effective as a keynote speaker and a moderated fireside guest.