Anthony Field
Anthony Field is an Australian musician, actor, songwriter, and producer best known as the Blue Wiggle and co-founder of the globally successful children's entertainment group The Wiggles.[1] Born in Sydney in 1963, he grew up as the youngest of seven children and developed an early interest in music influenced by artists like Elvis Presley and the Rolling Stones.[2] After serving as an infantry soldier and bagpiper in the Australian Army from 1982 to 1985, Field pursued higher education at Macquarie University, where he earned a Diploma in Teaching in early childhood education in 1990.[1][2] Field's music career began in the 1980s as a guitarist and member of the rock band The Cockroaches, alongside his brothers Paul and John Field as well as future Wiggle Jeff Fatt.[2] Following the band's disbandment in the early 1990s, he co-founded The Wiggles in 1991 with university classmates Murray Cook and Greg Page, plus Fatt and Phillip Wilcher, initially to produce an educational children's album informed by his teaching background.[3][4] Under Field's leadership as creative director and primary songwriter, The Wiggles became the world's most popular children's group, selling over 30 million albums and DVDs worldwide, earning 18 gold, 13 platinum, and multiple multi-platinum certifications, and securing a record 15 ARIA Awards for Best Children's Album.[3][4] The group has performed thousands of live shows, including 12 sold-out concerts at Madison Square Garden, and continues to produce over 20 hours of new content annually, with Field remaining a core member alongside newer performers.[4][5] In addition to his stage persona as the Blue Wiggle—originally the Green Wiggle before switching colors for filming reasons—Field has portrayed characters like Captain Feathersword and Wags the Dog, while also hosting the Australian TV series RSPCA Animal Rescue and serving as an ambassador for organizations including the Australian Spinal Research Foundation and Anaphylaxis Australia.[1][4] His contributions to children's entertainment and charity work earned him an honorary doctorate from the Australian Catholic University in 2006, another from Macquarie University in 2009, and appointment as a Member of the Order of Australia in 2010.[1] Field has openly shared his personal struggles with chronic pain, depression, and illness in his 2012 memoir How I Got My Wiggle Back: A Memoir of Healing, detailing his recovery through fitness routines like gymnastics and cycling, and he released a candid autobiography, Out of the Blue, in 2024.[1] Married to Michaela Field, he is a father of three children—Lucia, Marie, and Antonio—and maintains a focus on family alongside his ongoing professional commitments.[2]Early Years
Family and Childhood
Anthony Field was born on 8 May 1963 in Kellyville, New South Wales, Australia, as the youngest of seven children in a devout Catholic family.[6] He grew up in Sydney with six siblings, including brothers Paul and John Field, who shared his early interest in music.[7] Field's parents both had musical backgrounds that profoundly influenced the household; his mother, a homemaker, played the organ at church services and instilled in her children the belief that music was as vital as reading and writing.[8][7] The family home was vibrant with music, featuring frequent sing-alongs and performances that exposed young Anthony to the joys of musical expression from an early age.[7] Field attended St Bernadette's Primary School in Lalor Park, where music teacher Sister Dominic introduced him to the basics of music theory and stage performance within a faith-filled community.[7] He later went to St Joseph's College, Hunters Hill, continuing his education amid an environment that nurtured his growing passion for music.[7] As a teenager, Field began exploring his musical talents more actively, learning to play the guitar and joining informal music sessions with his siblings that foreshadowed his lifelong career in performance.[7]Education and Military Service
Field served in the Australian Army from 1982 to 1985 as a rifleman in the 5th/7th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, based at Holsworthy Barracks.[1] During his three-year enlistment, which began on 13 July 1982, he also served as a piper, performing on the bagpipes during parades and training exercises.[9] The rigorous military discipline instilled in him a strong sense of structure and teamwork, which later reinforced his commitment to creating supportive educational environments for young children.[10] Though he has reflected positively on the personal growth gained from the experience, noting, "I loved every minute of life in the Army and I have fantastic memories,"[10] this military insight into discipline and welfare directed him toward a career blending music and education to support children's holistic growth. Following his discharge in 1985, Field enrolled at Macquarie University in 1986 to pursue studies in early childhood education, earning a Diploma of Teaching in 1991.[11][12] His decision was motivated by witnessing the joyful effects of music on children during family gatherings, drawing from his upbringing in a musical household where such interactions highlighted music's developmental benefits.[13] At university, Field studied alongside future Wiggles collaborators Murray Cook and Greg Page, where the curriculum's emphasis on empowering children through understanding their perspectives shaped his pedagogical approach, as he later explained: "It’s all about empowering a child by understanding what their world looks like."[12][13] This academic foundation, combined with his military insights into discipline and welfare, directed him toward a career blending music and education to support children's holistic growth.Musical Career
The Cockroaches
The Cockroaches were formed in 1979 by brothers Paul Field on lead vocals, John Field on rhythm guitar and vocals, Anthony Field on lead guitar and vocals, and Tony Henry on drums while the Fields attended St Joseph's College in Sydney.[14] The band initially performed at school events before transitioning to Sydney's pub circuit, starting with a gig at the Heritage Hotel in King's Cross, where they honed their pop-rock sound through frequent live shows in the early 1980s.[14] Keyboardist Jeff Fatt joined soon after, solidifying the core lineup that would later influence children's music, while bassist Phil Robertson and others rotated through the group.[14] In 1986, the band signed with the independent label Regular Records, distributed by Festival Records, marking their entry into professional recording.[15] Their self-titled debut album, The Cockroaches, released in March 1987 and produced by Charles Fisher, peaked at No. 9 on the Australian Kent Music Report albums chart and sold over 70,000 copies, earning platinum certification.[16] The lead single "She's the One" reached No. 7 on the Kent Music Report singles chart, followed by top-40 hits like "Some Kind of Girl" and a cover of "Double Shot (Of My Baby's Love)," which helped establish their energetic pop-rock style.[16][14] The group followed with Fingertips in 1988, which peaked at No. 32 on the ARIA albums chart, and Positive in 1991, achieving moderate success at No. 121 on the ARIA chart with singles including "Permanently Single" and "Hey What Now."[17][18] These releases featured top-40 singles that sustained their pub and festival performances, though the band never secured a major label deal despite their growing popularity.[14] Anthony Field contributed as lead guitarist, backing vocalist, and occasional co-writer, often providing rhythmic drive and harmonies that complemented his brothers' lead work, while his collaboration with Fatt laid early groundwork for future projects.[14] The Cockroaches disbanded in the early 1990s amid a declining pub rock scene, influenced by occupational health and safety regulations, the rise of poker machines in venues, and shifting industry priorities that favored larger acts over independent pub bands.[14]The Wiggles
Anthony Field founded The Wiggles in 1991 alongside Murray Cook, Greg Page, Jeff Fatt, and Phillip Wilcher, drawing inspiration from his studies in early childhood education at Macquarie University and his interest in creating engaging children's music.[3] Field and Fatt had previously collaborated in the adult-oriented pop band The Cockroaches.[3] The group self-financed their debut self-titled album, The Wiggles, released that year by ABC Music, which sold approximately 100,000 copies and earned gold certification from the Australian Recording Industry Association.[19][19] Field adopted the signature blue skivvy as his on-stage uniform and took on key roles as lead guitarist, backing vocalist, and production manager, contributing to the band's songwriting and instrumentation across guitar, drums, and other instruments.[20] The Wiggles developed a distinctive educational performance style emphasizing interactive elements like dancing, original songs, and colorful costumes to promote learning and physical activity for preschool-aged children.[3] During the 1990s and 2000s, The Wiggles achieved international expansion, performing live tours across Australia, North America, and Europe while amassing millions of fans worldwide.[21] Their television presence began with the production of a 13-episode series in 1997, which aired on the Seven Network in Australia starting in 1998 and later expanded globally through partnerships like Disney. In 2004, Field nearly retired from the group due to burnout, exacerbated by chronic depression and fatigue amid the band's rising demands, though he ultimately stayed on.[22] Following the 2012 retirement of Cook, Fatt, and Page, Field became the sole remaining original member, rebuilding the lineup with Simon Pryce, Lachlan Gillespie, and Emma Watkins to sustain the group's momentum.[21] Since 2020, Field has maintained his leadership role, continuing live performances and guiding reboots that incorporated diverse new members like Tsehay Hawkins and Evie Ferris to reflect multicultural audiences.[23] He made a guest appearance alongside Gillespie and Watkins in The Soul Movers' "Circles Baby" music video, a workout-themed track released that year to boost spirits during the COVID-19 pandemic.[24]Other Musical Projects
In 2018, Anthony Field co-founded the folk band The Unusual Commoners alongside fellow Wiggles member Lachlan Gillespie, with additional collaborators including Emma Watkins. The group specializes in acoustic performances of traditional Australian, Irish, English, Scottish, and folk songs tailored for adult audiences, providing a contrast to Field's primary work in children's entertainment.[25][26] The band has maintained a schedule of sporadic live shows during breaks from The Wiggles' commitments, featuring intimate pub and venue performances across Australia and abroad. Notable appearances include their debut at Sydney's Merton Hotel in 2018 and a 2022 gig at The Rock House in St. John's, Newfoundland, where proceeds supported Hurricane Fiona relief efforts; the setlist encompassed Celtic rock, Australian folk tunes, and covers of artists like Queen and AC/DC. Field has described these outings as highly enjoyable, noting the addition of new members, including his daughter Lucia, to "rock after dark."[27][26] Through The Unusual Commoners, Field explores genres beyond children's music, such as folk and rock, as a means to balance his professional obligations and pursue personal creative expression outside the family-friendly format of The Wiggles.[25][27]Media and Creative Works
Filmography and Voice Acting
Anthony Field has been a central figure in The Wiggles' television and film productions since 1998, portraying Anthony Wiggle in the long-running Australian children's TV series The Wiggles, which aired on networks including ABC and has spanned multiple seasons up to the present day.[28] He has also hosted the Australian TV series RSPCA Animal Rescue. In addition to acting, Field has contributed to various episodes and specials, such as the educational series Wiggle and Learn (2007), which focused on themes like animal habitats and physical activity to engage preschool audiences.[29] His involvement extends to numerous Wiggles films and videos, including The Wiggles Movie (1997, with ongoing re-releases and related content), Racing to the Rainbow (2006), and Go Santa Go! (2013), where he also served as director and writer, blending music, storytelling, and interactive elements tailored to early childhood development.[30] In voice acting, Field has lent his distinctive voice to characters in the acclaimed animated series Bluey since 2020, drawing on his background in early childhood education to portray relatable parental figures. He voices Postie, a friendly postal worker, in the episode "Dance Mode" (Season 2, Episode 1), where the character interacts with Bluey and her family during a playful delivery scenario. Additionally, Field voices Rusty's Dad, a supportive Red Kelpie father, in episodes such as "Army" (Season 2, Episode 16) and "Cricket" (Season 3, Episode 47), emphasizing themes of encouragement and family bonding that align with his expertise in preschool pedagogy.[31][32] These roles highlight Field's ability to infuse warmth and humor into brief but memorable appearances, contributing to Bluey's appeal as a show centered on everyday childhood experiences.[33] Beyond these series, Field has made guest appearances in music videos and Australian television. In 2020, he featured prominently in The Soul Movers' music video for "Circles Baby," a upbeat disco track directed toward uplifting viewers during the COVID-19 pandemic, where he performed alongside former Wiggles bandmates in a choreographed dance sequence. Field has also made minor cameos in long-standing children's programs like Play School, including early group appearances with The Wiggles that integrated music and educational play, though specific solo episodes remain limited in documentation.[34][24]Books and Writings
Anthony Field co-authored his first autobiography, How I Got My Wiggle Back: A Memoir of Healing, with his cousin Greg Truman, published in 2012 by John Wiley & Sons. The book chronicles his 25-year battle with clinical depression, chronic pain, and debilitating fatigue, which nearly derailed his career with the Wiggles, while highlighting his perseverance through yoga, dietary changes, and medical intervention. It emphasizes the pressures of mental health faced by performers in the entertainment industry, offering insights into resilience and recovery for public figures.[35][36] Field's second memoir, Out of the Blue: Everything this Wiggle Journey Has Taught Me, also co-written with Greg Truman, was released in October 2024 by Allen & Unwin. This work traces his childhood in a musical family of seven children, the formation of his first band the Cockroaches, the founding of the Wiggles during his university studies, and the profound influence of family dynamics on his creative path. It reflects on lessons in collaboration, innovation, and balancing professional success with personal well-being, providing a candid behind-the-scenes look at building a global children's entertainment empire.[37][38] In addition to his personal writings, Field has contributed to the Wiggles' extensive collection of songbooks and educational materials, such as the ABC For Kids Bumper Songbook and The Wiggles Party Song & Activity Book, which feature lyrics, chords, and interactive activities designed to foster early learning through music. Drawing from his Diploma in Early Childhood Teaching at Macquarie University, Field has shared in interviews how music serves as a therapeutic tool for children, promoting emotional expression, confidence, and holistic development to create happier, more engaged young learners.[39][40]Personal Life
Family and Relationships
Field married Michaela Patisteas, a former Wiggles dancer of Greek-Australian heritage whose family owns Griffiths Coffee in Melbourne, on May 3, 2003, in a traditional Catholic ceremony.[41][42] The couple met through their professional involvement with The Wiggles productions.[43] Together, they have three children: daughters Lucia Maria Angela (born February 2, 2004) and Marie Claire (born October 1, 2005), and son Antonio Carlos (born April 13, 2007).[44][45] The family frequently participates in The Wiggles' live tours and performances, with Marie providing the voice for Dorothy the Dinosaur since 2017 and appearing as a dancer, Antonio making occasional on-stage cameos, and Lucia joining the group as a backing dancer in 2022.[46][47] Prior to his marriage, Field was named Cleo magazine's Bachelor of the Year in 1999, highlighting his status as a heartthrob during The Wiggles' early rise to fame.[48] This public persona shifted markedly after his wedding, as he embraced family life and reduced his personal media exposure.[49] Field's devout Catholic faith has profoundly shaped his family values, providing spiritual guidance through personal challenges and emphasizing commitment and community.[7] As a lifelong supporter of the Wests Tigers rugby league club—a joint venture between the Balmain Tigers and Western Suburbs Magpies—he has contributed creatively, including writing their 2018 club song and a 2025 victory anthem.[50] In 2023, he publicly expressed interest in acquiring the Wests Tigers to revive the Balmain Tigers as an independent NRL team, though the bid was deemed unrealistic by club officials.[51][52]Health Challenges and Advocacy
Field has endured chronic pain and fatigue originating from his military service in the Australian Army from 1982 to 1985, where the physical demands of training and performances as a musician exacerbated underlying issues. These conditions intensified during the demanding touring schedule of The Wiggles in the 2000s, leading to severe burnout and clinical depression. By 2004, the cumulative toll nearly prompted him to leave the group permanently, as he grappled with overwhelming exhaustion and suicidal ideation. Field sought professional help, engaging in cognitive behavioral therapy and taking mood-stabilizing medications for approximately three years, which enabled him to regain stability and continue his career.[53][54] Since 2007, Field has openly discussed his mental health struggles, including recurrent panic attacks that manifested as intense episodes of fear and physical distress during performances and daily life. This public disclosure marked a turning point, allowing him to destigmatize mental illness in the entertainment industry. As an ambassador for Beyond Blue, Australia's leading mental health support organization, he has actively advocated for awareness and access to resources, particularly emphasizing early intervention for anxiety and depression. Field has extended his efforts to children's mental health initiatives, partnering with organizations to promote emotional literacy through educational programs.[22][54] In early 2025, at age 61, Field was diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), which provided clarity on his lifelong mental health challenges, including depression and difficulties with focus and emotional regulation. He has described the diagnosis as a relief, improving his daily functioning, such as sustaining attention during activities and benefiting from ongoing therapy, family support, and lifestyle adjustments.[55] Field has highlighted the importance of work-life balance, crediting family support and structured downtime for sustaining his well-being amid ongoing health management. He continues to address these challenges through regular therapy and lifestyle adjustments, including exercise and mindfulness practices.[13] Field's experiences inform his contributions to early childhood education, where he integrates themes of resilience and emotional regulation into The Wiggles' music and content. By embedding messages of perseverance and self-care in songs and videos, he aims to equip young children with tools to navigate stress and build mental fortitude from an early age. This approach aligns with his advocacy, underscoring music's role in fostering psychological health in preschool settings.[56][57]Recognition
Awards and Honors
Anthony Field has been recognized with several prestigious awards and honors for his pioneering work in children's music, education, and entertainment, often shared with his collaborators in The Wiggles. In 2010, Field was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for service to the arts, particularly through children's entertainment, and to the community via charitable initiatives.[58] As a founding member and longtime leader of The Wiggles, Field participated in the group's induction into the ARIA Hall of Fame in 2011, honoring their enduring impact on Australian music.[59] The Wiggles, with Field's contributions as songwriter and performer, also secured multiple ARIA Awards for Best Children's Album starting in 1995 and spanning through the 2010s, accumulating 15 wins in the category and establishing them as the most awarded act in that field.[60] Field and his Wiggles colleagues received honorary doctorates from the Australian Catholic University in 2006, acknowledging their significant role in early childhood education and development.[61] In 2009, they were conferred another set of honorary doctorates by Macquarie University, recognizing their innovative approach to educational entertainment.[62] Post-2020 recognitions include The Wiggles' receipt of the Ted Albert Award for Outstanding Services to Australian Music at the 2022 APRA Music Awards, which Field helped accept as a core member.[63] Additionally, Field provided voice roles in the animated series Bluey, which won the 2025 Logie Award for Most Outstanding Children's Program.[64]Legacy and Influence
Anthony Field's work with The Wiggles has pioneered the integration of educational content into music videos and live performances, shaping global children's media by emphasizing interactive learning through song and movement. This approach, rooted in Field's background as an early childhood educator, has influenced the format of subsequent children's programming worldwide, promoting physical activity and cognitive development in accessible, engaging formats. The group's success is evidenced by sales exceeding 30 million albums and DVDs globally, underscoring their widespread adoption and impact on family entertainment.[65] Field has played a pivotal role in mentoring subsequent generations of Wiggles performers, ensuring the group's evolution while fostering diverse and inclusive representations in children's content, such as incorporating multicultural elements and gender-balanced lineups. His leadership in expanding the ensemble to include members like Tsehay Hawkins reflects a commitment to cultural diversity, broadening the appeal and educational value of their material. This philosophy has indirectly influenced contemporary Australian children's shows like Bluey, where shared collaborators, including musician David McCormack, have drawn on similar principles of joyful, family-oriented education through entertainment.[23][66] Through The Wiggles, Field has contributed to early childhood music practices that support holistic development, often utilized in therapeutic contexts to enhance emotional well-being and motor skills in young children. He has emphasized that "music develops the whole child … and you get happier kids," highlighting its role in fostering joy and growth. In 2023, Field expressed interest in reviving the Balmain Tigers rugby league club, viewing it as a means to build community spirit and engagement, drawing parallels to the connective power of music in family settings.[40][51] As the sole remaining original member of The Wiggles since 2013, Field symbolizes the enduring legacy of the group as a cultural phenomenon in children's entertainment, maintaining its relevance across generations through consistent innovation and audience respect. His longevity has helped sustain the brand's position as a cornerstone of Australian family media, inspiring multigenerational fandom and ongoing global performances.[67]Discography
With The Cockroaches
Anthony Field served as the guitarist for The Cockroaches, an Australian pub rock band, during their primary period of activity in the 1980s and early 1990s. The band's releases during this time achieved moderate commercial success in Australia, with their debut album attaining platinum status and several singles charting on national lists.[68][69] The Cockroaches' discography from Field's tenure includes three studio albums on Regular Records. Their self-titled debut, produced by Charles Fisher, was released in March 1987 and peaked at No. 9 on the Kent Music Report albums chart, selling over 70,000 copies to earn platinum certification.[69][68] The follow-up, Fingertips, arrived in October 1988 and reached No. 32 on the ARIA albums chart.[69] The third studio album, Positive, came out in 1991.[17]| Album | Year | Label | Peak Position | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Cockroaches | 1987 | Regular Records | No. 9 (Kent Music Report) | Produced by Charles Fisher; platinum certified (70,000+ copies) |
| Fingertips | 1988 | Regular Records | No. 32 (ARIA) | |
| Positive | 1991 | Regular Records | - |