Australian comedian Andy Lee made a memorable appearance on The Jennifer Hudson Show this week, winning over viewers back home as he tackled the program's famous backstage "Spirit Tunnel" ritual and opened up about his recent New York wedding to Rebecca Harding.
Lee, 45, appeared on the US talk show on Tuesday alongside actress Goldie Hawn, navigating the corridor of chanting staff and crew that has become one of daytime television's most recognisable pre-interview traditions.
Andy Lee's Spirit Tunnel Moment Goes Viral
The clip, captioned "Andy Lee got moves", showed the former radio host gliding and finger-pointing his way down the tunnel-like corridor as crew members chanted "the funny Andy Lee" in a catchy harmony. At one point, Lee stopped mid-stride and broke into a kangaroo hop, drawing instant comparisons to breakdancer Raygun, Australia's most talked-about athlete from the 2024 Paris Olympics.
The moment quickly drew comparisons to watching something completely unexpected yet utterly compelling unfold on screen. Waiting for Lee at the end of the tunnel was none other than his new wife, Rebecca Harding, in a sweet on-camera reunion.
The social media clip flooded with responses from Australian fans, media figures and friends. Brooke Warne wrote "OMFG this is EPIC!! 👏👏👏", while Lisa Wilkinson suggested Lee had a future on the American version of Dancing With The Stars, adding: "If Bindi and Robert can do it… 👏👏👏".
It was clear from the audience's reaction that many in the US studio were unfamiliar with Lee's profile and career, but the comedian handled the moment with his characteristic ease.
The New York Wedding With a Chaotic Twist
Lee's appearance on the show came weeks after he and Harding tied the knot in New York City in October, converting a stylish Chinese restaurant into a reception venue. High-profile guests included long-time collaborator Hamish Blake, actor Hugh Jackman, and comedian Nikki Glaser.
Speaking with Hudson, Lee revealed the couple had introduced an element of unpredictability into their reception with a game called "Surprise, Surprise Speech".
"As a surprise to all the guests at the reception. You normally hear from, you know, the best man or the father of the bride. We had a game called Surprise, Surprise Speech, where everybody's name was in a barrel, and we pulled out their number. They had to make a speech on the spot," Lee told Hudson.
Lee said Glaser, a friend of many years, immediately began scribbling jokes on a sheet of paper the moment the game was announced. Unfortunately for audiences, her name was never drawn. "I saw her when the idea came up, she just quickly grabbed a sheet and started writing down jokes. I'm like, 'Oh, I hope she gets pulled', but no, she didn't get pulled," he said.
Hamish, Bosnia and Years of Stunts
Lee also gave Hudson's audience a taste of the adventures that have defined his career alongside Blake, touching on the pair's many on-screen stunts over the years. Among the stories he shared was the time the duo jumped off a bridge in Mostar, Bosnia, an experience considered a coming-of-age ritual for locals and documented in a 2012 episode of their Gap Year television series.
The jump left both men worse for wear. "I bruised every vertebrae in my back. Hamish and I both got whiplash. And driving back into Sarajevo, we both couldn't look at each other because we couldn't move our heads, and so there was a lot of just eye darts," Lee said.
Lee and Blake are also known for co-founding Old Mates pub in New York, further cementing their ties to the city where Lee has now made his married life.
For fans curious about more Australian comedy talent making waves, the local scene continues to produce compelling stories worth following.
