Hollywood list puts Tim as 'one to watch'

For most British and Australian fans, he is already a comedy star – now Tim Minchin has been identified as one of the hottest acts in the States.

The musical comic, with UK arena tours and a forthcoming West End musical to his name, has made it on to the ‘top 10 comics to watch’ list published by Hollywood trade bible Variety.

The annual list, released to coincide with Montreal’s Just For Laughs festival, is seen as an influential guide to future screen stars – although Minchin says his ambitions remain in live performance, telling the paper: ‘I hope I can be the first person to play the Hollywood Bowl without actually being in a movie.’

Minchin’s Australian compatriot Rebel Wilson has also made the list, thanks to her scene-stealing performance in the Bridesmaids movie. She has just moved to Los Angeles and co-stars with Matt Lucas in the forthcoming indie comedy film Small Apartments.

However, no British comedians have made the list.

The others are Americans Jerrod Carmichael, Chris D’Elia, Josh Fadem, Pete Holmes, Amy Schumer, Harris Wittels, and Canadian Thomas Middleditch.

Jack Whitehall was on the 2010 list, and Russell Brand on 2008’s.

Published: 27 Jul 2011