The Happiest Refugee

1. A Perilous Journey: Escaping Vietnam by Boat

"There was nothing but flat, blue water in every direction. The heat of the tropical afternoon sun clung to our skin and shoulders, and people tried to shield their eyes from the glare as the boat skidded along the frothy waves."

Harrowing escape. In 1980, Anh Do's family fled Vietnam on a small, overcrowded fishing boat. They faced numerous challenges during their journey:

• Attacks by pirates who stole their belongings
• Severe dehydration and lack of food
• Treacherous weather conditions, including violent storms
• The constant threat of drowning or being caught by authorities

Survival and resilience. Despite these obstacles, the family's determination and quick thinking helped them survive. Anh's father's leadership and resourcefulness played a crucial role in keeping everyone alive during the perilous voyage.

2. Adapting to a New Life in Australia

"What a great country!"

Culture shock and gratitude. Upon arriving in Australia, the Do family experienced a mix of excitement and bewilderment at their new surroundings. They were overwhelmed by:

• The generosity of locals and charitable organizations
• Access to basic necessities and luxuries they had never experienced before
• The challenge of learning a new language and cultural norms

Embracing opportunities. The family quickly recognized the potential for a better life in Australia and worked tirelessly to make the most of their new circumstances. They took on various jobs, learned English, and actively participated in their new community.

3. The Power of Family and Community Support

"Mum, Grandma, Khoa, Tram and I packed into our car— we must have looked like a Vietnamese version of The Beverley Hillbillies."

Strong family bonds. Throughout their struggles and successes, the Do family remained incredibly close-knit. This support system was crucial for:

• Emotional stability during difficult times
• Pooling resources to overcome financial challenges
• Encouraging and motivating each other to pursue their goals

Community connections. The family also benefited from the support of their wider community, including:

• Vietnamese immigrants who shared similar experiences
• Kind-hearted Australians who welcomed them
• Religious and charitable organizations that provided assistance

4. Education as a Path to Success

"Mrs Borny not only taught us drama but also how to write it, creating stories from scratch. One day she said to me, 'Anh, you're a very talented storyteller.'"

Valuing education. Despite financial hardships, Anh's parents prioritized their children's education, recognizing it as a key to a better future. This included:

• Sacrificing to send Anh to a prestigious private school
• Encouraging academic excellence and extracurricular activities
• Supporting Anh's diverse interests, from law to art

Inspirational teachers. Throughout his schooling, Anh encountered educators who recognized his potential and nurtured his talents, particularly in creative fields like drama and writing.

5. Pursuing Creative Passions Despite Challenges

"I worked like I was possessed. Any club that would have amateurs, I would sign up for, and so I was doing six or seven gigs a week."

Taking risks. Despite having a law degree, Anh decided to pursue a career in comedy and entertainment. This bold move required:

• Intense dedication and hard work
• Willingness to perform at any venue, often for little or no pay
• Constant refinement of his craft through practice and experience

Diverse talents. Anh's creative pursuits extended beyond comedy to include:

• Acting in television shows and films
• Writing and producing his own projects
• Participating in reality TV shows like "Dancing with the Stars"

6. Overcoming Adversity and Cultural Barriers

"I realised it was because the Australian public had voted for me. The judges' vote was worth fifty per cent and the home viewers' vote was worth the other fifty. It was a revelation. This funny looking Vietnamese kid was getting voted through each week by the Australian public."

Breaking stereotypes. As an Asian-Australian, Anh faced various challenges in the entertainment industry, including:

• Limited roles available for actors of his background
• Occasionally encountering racism or prejudice
• The pressure of representing his community

Winning hearts. Through his talent, humor, and authenticity, Anh was able to connect with audiences across Australia, transcending cultural barriers and becoming a beloved public figure.

7. Finding Success in Comedy and Entertainment

"Dave used to say the hard gigs were an opportunity to test your mettle: 'Learn from them Anh, treat them like a rare gift.'"

Perseverance and growth. Anh's journey to success in the entertainment industry was marked by:

• Continuous learning and improvement
• Willingness to take on challenging gigs and audiences
• Developing a unique comedic style that resonated with diverse crowds

Expanding horizons. As his career progressed, Anh branched out into various areas of entertainment:

• Hosting television shows
• Writing and starring in his own film projects
• Participating in popular reality TV programs

8. Reconnecting with Estranged Family Members

"I gently put her back on her feet and got down on one knee. 'You know you are my soulmate and I've always loved you. Will you marry me, Suzanne?'"

Healing relationships. After years of estrangement, Anh made efforts to reconnect with his father and understand his past. This process involved:

• Confronting painful memories and emotions
• Seeking to understand his father's perspective and struggles
• Finding forgiveness and rebuilding their relationship

Building a new family. Anh's marriage to Suzie marked a new chapter in his life, blending his Vietnamese heritage with his Australian upbringing and creating a loving family of his own.

9. The Importance of Giving Back and Gratitude

"Mum and Dad always told us kids to 'Do as much as you can to give back to this beautiful country that gave us a second chance.' So we all do a fair bit of charity work."

Remembering roots. Despite achieving success, Anh never forgot his humble beginnings and the opportunities Australia provided. He demonstrated his gratitude through:

• Participating in various charitable endeavors
• Using his platform to raise awareness for important causes
• Mentoring and supporting young people from disadvantaged backgrounds

Inspiring others. Anh's story of perseverance and success became an inspiration to many, particularly within the immigrant and refugee communities. He used his experiences to:

• Motivate others to pursue their dreams
• Highlight the positive contributions of immigrants to Australian society
• Promote understanding and acceptance between different cultural groups

Last updated: January 22, 2025