Andrew O'Keefe

Legal career

O'Keefe worked as an intellectual property lawyer with law firm Allens Arthur Robinson.

Media career

O'Keefe first started his television career in 2003 in Channel Seven's show Big Bite. Later the same year he began hosting Deal or No Deal, staying for 10 years.

In 2005, O'Keefe co-hosted the tri-network tsunami appeal Reach Out for relief efforts around Asia, which aired on Seven, Nine and Ten. In the same year, he hosted the short-lived Dragons Den and co-hosted the 47th TV Week Logie Awards.

From 2005 to 2017, O'Keefe co-hosted Weekend Sunrise on Saturday and Sunday mornings. He was co-hosting with Samantha Armytage from 2007, when Lisa Wilkinson moved to Today, until 2013, when Armytage moved to the main Sunrise program. Armytage was replaced with Monique Wright on Weekend Sunrise as a result. He also regularly substituted for David Koch on Sunrise.

From 2007 to 2009, O'Keefe hosted the quiz show The Rich List.

On 31 May 2013, O'Keefe commenced playing the role of King Herod in the Australian tour of the Jesus Christ Superstar arena show. However, on 14 June 2013, he was admitted to hospital with a neck injury requiring surgery and was forced to relinquish the role for the rest of the tour. O'Keefe believed the injury was aggravated during a performance of the show.

In 2015, O'Keefe began presenting Seven's new game show, The Chase Australia.

In December 2017, O'Keefe announced his resignation as co-host of Weekend Sunrise after 12 years with the show.

O'Keefe's contract with the Seven Network expired at the end of 2020, and he was replaced by Larry Emdur for The Chase Australia.

Community and charity work

O'Keefe is a former chairman of the White Ribbon Australia, an organisation dedicated to the prevention of violence against women. He was one of the founding members of the campaign in Australia and was an ambassador from 2004, prior to the organisation's dissolution in 2019.

As a result of his work with the White Ribbon Australia, O'Keefe was appointed to the inaugural National Council for the Prevention of Violence Against Women in May 2008, which drafted the report Time for Action: Australia's National Plan for Reducing Violence Against Women and their Children on behalf of the federal government.

Honours

In January 2017, O'Keefe was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for his television and charity work. His appointment was terminated by the Governor-General in June 2025.

Personal life

O'Keefe is one of five children. His father is Barry O'Keefe, a judge of the Supreme Court of New South Wales. He is a nephew of the Australian rock and roll singer Johnny O'Keefe.

In 2018 and 2019, Andrew performed some of his uncle's songs in a concert show entitled Andrew O'Keefe Shouts Johnny O'Keefe.

He attended Saint Ignatius' College, Riverview, and then studied arts and law at the University of Sydney.

O'Keefe was married and has three children. In 2017, the couple separated; in 2019, they divorced.

Arrests and criminal charges

In January 2021, O'Keefe was arrested and charged with domestic violence and common assault against his partner. An interim apprehended violence order was sought against O'Keefe by NSW Police on behalf of his partner. In June 2021, O'Keefe had the charges dismissed as the community magistrate found that he was in a hypomanic bipolar state when the offending occurred during the altercation. He was ordered to complete an intensive mental health treatment program.

In September 2021, O'Keefe was arrested by police for domestic violence–related offences, including contravening an apprehended violence order and assault. Footage was later released during his court session in November 2023 showing O'Keefe hurling abuse at police. In January 2024, he was found guilty of the charges and sentenced to a 12-month community corrections order and three 18-month community corrections orders.

On 27 January 2022, O'Keefe was arrested after he allegedly grabbed a woman by the throat, pushed her to the ground, and punched and kicked her at his sister's unit in Sydney. He was later refused bail after his arrest.

On 11 February 2022, he pleaded guilty to possession of 1.5 grams of marijuana. He has a long history of drug abuse, including cocaine and methamphetamine abuse.

On 4 May 2022, O'Keefe was denied bail and served five months in jail after failing a drug test. The magistrate said, "There will be a contempt citation unless he retracts and apologises for his behaviour". On 23 May, O'Keefe appeared in the Supreme Court of New South Wales and was granted bail, with strict conditions that he be sent to a drug and alcohol rehabilitation facility in Swan Bay, north of Sydney, for up to a year. Justice Hulme said O'Keefe had long struggled with mental health issues and that rehabilitation was a "good opportunity" for him. He was scheduled to appear before the Downing Centre Local Court in June 2022 for sentencing after earlier pleading guilty to one charge of possessing 1.6 grams of cannabis.

On 24 November 2022, after months on bail, O'Keefe was arrested again at his Vaucluse home for allegedly breaching his bail conditions.

On 4 April 2023, O'Keefe was arrested after failing a random breath test in Sydney's Eastern Suburbs.

On 19 August 2023, O'Keefe was arrested for allegedly breaching an apprehended violence order. He was released from jail a few days later.

On 5 December 2023, O'Keefe pleaded guilty after he was charged with drug driving at Point Piper.

On 28 July 2024, O'Keefe tested positive at a roadside drug test at Bellevue Hill in Sydney's Eastern Suburbs. He was later charged with driving under the influence, and with contravening an apprehended violence order and stalking or intimidating. He was bailed to reappear on 14 August.

On 14 September 2024, O'Keefe was revived by paramedics after overdosing on drugs at a party in Vaucluse. It was later revealed in April 2025 that the 38 year old socialite gave O'Keefe Narcan, a drug which reverses overdose by locking the effects of opiates on the brain and by restoring breathing.

On 16 September 2024, O’Keefe was arrested for breaching his bail conditions.

In January 2025, O'Keefe was charged for drug driving for the second time. He was scheduled to appear in court on 20 January. He was issued a $440 fine and banned from driving for six months.

Filmography

References

References

1. (2014-03-19). "No Deal says Andrew O'Keefe {{!}} TV Tonight".
2. (26 January 2017). "Home And Away's Alf in Australia Day Honours".
3. Vickery, Colin. (22 November 2011). "Seven Network's Andrew O'Keefe admits he's restless from Deal or No Deal and Weekend Sunrise". [[News Limited]].
4. Rolfe, Brooke. (28 January 2022). "Former TV presenter Andrew O'Keefe's downfall".
5. Irving, Caitlin. (27 February 2013). "Australian tour of Jesus Christ Superstar kicks off in Perth". [[Fairfax Media]].
6. Doherty, Elissa. (14 June 2013). "Andrew O'Keefe pulls out of Jesus Christ Superstar with serious neck injury". [[News Limited]].
7. Knox, David. (18 July 2015). "Media gets on board with AOK to host The Chase".
8. Hornery, Andrew. (8 December 2017). "Andrew O'Keefe quits Weekend Sunrise". [[Fairfax Media]].
9. Knox, David. (8 December 2017). "Andrew O'Keefe quits Weekend Sunrise".
10. (24 January 2024). "Andrew O'Keefe found guilty of domestic violence, drug possession". The Age.
11. Knox, David. (2 February 2021). "Seven parts company with Andrew O'Keefe".
12. Bucklow, Andrew. (8 February 2021). "The Chase Australia: Larry Emdur tipped to replace Andrew O'Keefe". [[News Corp Australia]].
13. (15 May 2013). "Appointment of a new Chair of White Ribbon Australia". White Ribbon Foundation.
14. [http://www.formerministers.fahcsia.gov.au/1885/nat_council_violence_26may08/ Members of National Council to reduce violence against women and children announced. Australian Government 26 May 2008. Retrieved 14 June 2013] {{webarchive. link. (16 May 2013)
15. Tatham, Harriet. (28 January 2022). "Woman bit former TV presenter Andrew O'Keefe to break free of him, court hears". Australian Broadcasting Corporation.
16. (3 October 2023). "White Ribbon Australia | Stop men's violence against women".
17. (November 2015). "White Ribbon Breakfast".
18. (March 2009). "National Plan to Reduce Violence Against Women and Their Children". Commonwealth of Australia.
19. (26 January 2017). "Mr Andrew Patrick O'KEEFE". [[Australian Government]].
20. Rice, Stephen. (2025-06-30). "Governor-General strips Andrew O’Keefe of Order of Australia honour". The Australian.
21. Beck, Chris. (12 January 2006). "Chris Beck talks to Andrew O'Keefe". [[Fairfax Media]].
22. Leys, Nick. (19 November 2012). "Ten questions: Andrew O'Keefe". [[News Limited]].
23. Cashmere, Paul. (10 July 2018). "Andrew O'Keefe Will Be Johnny O'Keefe For Two Nights Only In Melbourne".
24. "Old Ignatians' –".
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26. Doyle, Erin. (24 October 2019). "Andrew O'Keefe says he felt life was "meaningless" after marriage breakdown". Now To Love.
27. Buckley, John. (31 January 2021). "Channel 7 personality Andrew O'Keefe facing domestic violence charge". [[Nine Entertainment]].
28. Parkes-Hupton, Heath. (31 January 2021). "Channel 7 star Andrew O'Keefe arrested in Sydney, faces domestic violence charge". [[News Corp Australia]].
29. (4 February 2021). "Channel 7 confirms it dumped Andrew O'Keefe". [[News Corp Australia]].
30. Mitchell, Georgina. (25 June 2021). "Andrew O'Keefe domestic violence charges dismissed on mental health grounds". [[Nine Entertainment]].
31. Shams, Housnia. (25 June 2021). "Domestic violence charges against TV personality Andrew O'Keefe dismissed". [[Australian Broadcasting Corporation]].
32. Parkes-Hupton, Heath. (25 June 2021). "Andrew O'Keefe assaulted ex-partner during argument over 'ice pipe': court told". [[News Corp Australia]].
33. Zemek, Steve. (11 September 2021). "Ex-TV star Andrew O'Keefe facing fresh DV claims". [[News Corp Australia]].
34. Zemek, Steve. (11 September 2021). "Australian TV host Andrew O'Keefe faces fresh domestic violence claims". [[NZME]].
35. Murray, Duncan. (1 November 2023). "'Righteous rage': Andrew O'Keefe abused cops in heated arrest". [[Nine Entertainment]].
36. (24 January 2024). "TV presenter's 'degrading' attack on woman". [[News Corp Australia]].
37. Rawsthorne, Sally. (26 January 2022). "Former TV host Andrew O'Keefe arrested over allegations he choked woman". [[Nine Entertainment]].
38. Goodenough, Cheryl. (8 March 2022). "Ex-TV presenter O'Keefe refused bail". [[Australian Community Media]].
39. Noble, Freya. (11 February 2022). "Andrew O'Keefe pleads guilty to drug possession". [[Nine Entertainment]].
40. "Andrew O'Keefe's journey from TV star to a jail cell". [[Nine Entertainment]].
41. Knox, David. (5 May 2022). ""No justice": Court rejects new bail application for Andrew O'Keefe".
42. Ferri, Lauren. (4 May 2022). "TV host Andrew O'Keefe warned by magistrate after explosion in court". [[News Corp Australia]].
43. Reddie, Mark. (23 May 2022). "Andrew O'Keefe to spend up to a year in rehab to address 'significant descent'". [[Australian Broadcasting Corporation]].
44. Ferri, Lauren. (24 November 2022). "Former TV host Andrew O'Keefe allegedly failed drug test, breached bail". [[News Corp Australia]].
45. Meacham, Savannah. (5 April 2023). "Andrew O'Keefe update: Embattled TV host charged with drug driving". [[Nine Entertainment]].
46. Chung, Laura. (20 August 2023). "Andrew O'Keefe charged with breaching AVO". [[Nine Entertainment]].
47. Gramenz, Jack. (5 December 2023). "Former TV host enters plea on drug-driving charge". [[Seven West Media]].
48. McKeith, Sam. (2024-07-29). "Former TV star Andrew O'Keefe released on bail after stalking and intimidating charge".
49. Harris, Christopher. (2024-09-16). "Andrew O'Keefe revived after overdose in Sydney's eastern suburbs".
50. Lai, C. (2025) Sydney socialite Elisha Dalah saved Andrew O’Keefe from overdose after supplying heroin, City Hub. Available at: https://cityhub.com.au/sydney-socialite-elisha-dalah-saved-andrew-okeefe-from-overdose-after-supplying-heroin/ (Accessed: 08 December 2025).
51. Lewin, R. (2025). Socialite sold O’Keefe heroin before overdose. News.com.au. Available at: https://www.news.com.au/national/nsw-act/courts-law/sydney-socialite-elisha-dalah-convicted-of-drug-supply-after-westfield-ban/news-story/d069fb5e819798212af9a777537c3741 [Accessed 7 Dec. 2025].
52. Harris, Christopher. (2024-09-16). "Andrew O'Keefe arrested after overdose in Sydney's eastern suburbs".
53. https://tvtonight.com.au/2025/01/andrew-okeefe-facing-a-new-drug-driving-charge.html
54. (7 February 2025). "Former TV star Andrew O’Keefe has been slapped with a fresh fine and driving ban after he was caught with drugs in his system".