Comedian Anh Do Wins 2017 Archibald Prize People’s Choice

Anh Do has won the 2017 Archibald Prize People’s Choice award with his portrait of legendary Indigenous actor Jack Charles.

Announced today at the Art Gallery of New South Wales (AGNSW), this year’s award sees the comedian and author collect a tidy $3500 cash prize.

Charles said he was “extremely chuffed” with Do’s “extraordinary portrait of moi”, which followed the pair’s prior interview and portrait sitting on ABC TV’s Anh’s Brush with Fame – which produced a similar painting entered into this year’s competition.

“It was a hoot sitting for this legend in his sexy little Sydney studio,” he said.

“I count him as one of the best extractors of information – from his engaging smile, wit, genuine interest and listening to the dribs and drabs of my story, my reason for living. I’m blessed thrice over."

AGNSW Director Michael Brand said “Do’s striking portrait of Jack Charles has clearly moved visitors at this year’s Archibald exhibition".

“It is fantastic to celebrate this vibrant collaboration between two of Australia’s most talented creatives,” he added.

The Archibald Prize People’s Choice was first awarded in 1988 and this year was voted for by more than 15,000 members of the public who visited the exhibition before 2 October 2017.

The winning portrait and finalist works for the 2017 Archibald, Wynne and Sulman Prizes are on show at the Art Gallery of New South Wales until Sunday, 22 October.

Archibald Prize finalists will then go on a regional tour until October 2018.