Tony Armstrong announces his surprising new career switch
Tony Armstrong announces his surprise new career switch – after leaving the AFL to join ABC News Breakfast and win a Logie
Tony Armstrong has revealed his new career ambition of becoming an actor.
The former AFL star turned TV presenter says winning the 2022 Graham Kennedy Award for Most Popular New Talent at the Logies has inspired him to pursue his acting dreams.
Tony, 33, is currently a sports presenter on ABC News Breakfast and the presenter of the new four-part series, Great Australian Stuff.
‘[A Logie] definitely reminds you of people who put together shows,” said Tony The Sydney Morning Herald.
“I still can’t believe I have one. It wasn’t on the bingo card.’
Tony Armstrong has revealed his new career ambition of becoming an actor
He added: “It’s still weird for me, but I’m very humble, and that was very much a vote for [ABC] News Breakfast, so my success is only due to the people I’m lucky enough to work with.’
Speaking of his new show, he said the program takes a deeper look at “the weird and crazy, wonderful things that make us, us, warts and stuff.”
Last October, Tony revealed that his request for a raise was approved by ABC management just hours after winning a Logie Award.
The former AFL star turned TV presenter says winning the 2022 Graham Kennedy Award for Most Popular New Talent at the Logies inspired him to pursue his acting dreams
He had jokingly asked his bosses for more money and was surprised when his tongue-in-cheek request was granted the next day.
“I get a call from my management, ‘We got a call from the ABC; they gave you a raise,'” he told the Ausmerican Aces Sports Club podcast.
The former AFL player also said his success sent a strong signal to his critics.
Last October, Tony revealed that his request for a raise was approved by ABC management just hours after winning a Logie Award
“It turns out for all the naysayers that winning a Logie is worth something,” he said.
Tony revealed earlier this year that there was one aspect of fame he found uncomfortable.
He told the I’ve Got News for You podcast in June that he doesn’t like the commentary about his physical appearance.
Often praised for his good looks, Tony was asked by presenter Rowdie Walden what he thought of people saying he’s a heartthrob.
Tony cemented his star status when he won the Graham Kennedy Award for Most Popular New Talent at the Logie Awards last year. (Pictured with Gold Logie winner Hamish Blake)
“It doesn’t necessarily put me at ease,” he replied.
“I’m not really comfortable with all the press stuff anyway, but when I’m being talked about and I’m not really a part of it, I think it’s a bit strange.”
Tony rose to fame on the football field playing for the Adelaide Crows, Sydney Swans and Collingwood Magpies between 2010 and 2015.
He changed careers in 2020 when he joined the ABC as a sports presenter and commentator for Grandstand AFL and the host of Offsider’s summer series.
Great Australian Stuff premieres Tuesday, April 11 at 8 p.m. on the ABC.
Tony rose to fame on the football field playing for the Adelaide Crows, Sydney Swans and Collingwood Magpies between 2010 and 2015