You probably remember him as Andrew G, the smooth-talking host of Australian Idol, but today he goes by Osher Günsberg—a name that signals a transformed life. This is the story of a television personality who publicly dismantled his old identity, wrestled with addiction and mental illness, and emerged as one of Australia’s most visible mental health advocates, with a single blue nail becoming an unlikely symbol of that journey.
Born: 29 March 1974 ·
Former stage name: Andrew G ·
Notable TV shows: Australian Idol, The Bachelor ·
Public battle: Mental illness and addiction ·
Children: 2
Quick snapshot
- Born Andrew Günsberg on 29 March 1974 (Wikipedia (online encyclopedia))
- Host of The Bachelor Australia and The Bachelorette Australia (Apple TV (streaming platform profile))
- Openly discusses depression, anxiety, OCD, and addiction (SANE Australia (mental health non-profit))
- Exact date of his legal name change from Andrew to Osher
- Specific timeline of some early radio career moves
- August 2017: Publicly revealed depression, social anxiety, and OCD (Wikipedia)
- Continues mental health advocacy via podcast “Better Than Yesterday” and public speaking
Six key facts, one pattern: Osher’s public image has been deliberately reshaped—from abbreviated stage name to full name to Hebrew first name—each shift reflecting an inner recovery.
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Full name | Osher Günsberg (born Andrew Günsberg) |
| Date of birth | 29 March 1974 |
| Nationality | Australian |
| Occupation | Television presenter, radio host, journalist |
| Known for | Australian Idol, The Bachelor Australia, mental health advocacy |
What illness does Osher Gunsberg have?
Mental health conditions he has discussed
- In August 2017, Osher publicly disclosed that he had been living with depression for many years. He also revealed a social anxiety disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder (Wikipedia (online encyclopedia)).
- Writing for SANE Australia in May 2017, he stated: “I still live with an anxiety disorder and a new OCD diagnosis” (SANE Australia (mental health non-profit)).
Addiction and recovery journey
Osher has been candid about his past alcoholism, psychosis, and suicidal ideation (Wikipedia). He takes medication daily to stay healthy (SANE Australia). His 2018 memoir Back, After the Break recounts this journey in detail.
Osher’s decision to go public with his diagnoses in 2017 shifted him from a tabloid curiosity to a trusted mental health voice, giving his advocacy a credibility that no publicity stunt could achieve.
Why did Osher Günsberg change his name?
The meaning of Osher
At age 38, he changed his first name to Osher, a Hebrew word meaning “happiness.” He said the change was meant to signal a changed outlook and attitude toward life (Wikipedia (online encyclopedia)).
Reasons for the change from Andrew G
Earlier, he had adopted the stage name Andrew G after a program director shortened his surname to its first letter (Wikipedia). He reverted to his full surname in 2009. But the shift to Osher was deeper: in interviews, he explained that changing his name helped him stop seeing himself as “that guy” anymore—the one who drank and self-medicated (YouTube (interview channel)).
The name change was not a publicity stunt—it was a public declaration of a new identity, one that freed him from the guilt of his earlier lifestyle. For a celebrity whose career depended on being “Andrew G,” that was a high-stakes move.
Why does Osher Gunsberg wear nail polish?
The blue nail symbol
Osher has spoken about painting one fingernail (often blue) as a small, personal ritual to help manage anxiety. In a 2024 interview, he described the habit as part of his broader mental-health coping toolkit (YouTube (interview channel)).
Broader meaning and mental health advocacy
While some online communities have assigned meanings to a single blue nail on a man—from solidarity with a cause to a subtle signal—Osher’s use is rooted in his own therapy. He has also painted his toenails as a way to manage anxiety (Mamamia (Australian women’s media)). The practice has become a visual shorthand for his message: men can take small, unconventional steps toward emotional regulation.
How many children does Osher Gunsberg have?
His children with Audrey Griffen
Osher and his wife, Audrey Griffen, have two children. The couple married in 2018 and reside in Australia. (Sources: public records, Instagram posts.)
The implication: Osher’s personal life has also undergone significant changes alongside his public transformation.
Who is Osher Gunsberg’s first wife?
Previous marriage details
He was previously married to a woman named Kelly. The marriage ended before his public mental health breakdown.
What this means: The details of his first marriage are private, but it marks a chapter before his public mental health journey.
Timeline
- 1974: Born in London, moved to Australia as infant. (Wikipedia)
- Early 2000s: Rose to fame as Andrew G on Australian Idol (Apple TV).
- Late 2000s: Battled mental health issues and addiction (Wikipedia).
- 2013: Hosted The Bachelor Australia (Apple TV).
- Mid 2010s: Changed name to Osher (Wikipedia).
- Ongoing: Mental health speaking and podcasting (Better Than Yesterday) (Wikipedia).
The pattern: Each milestone in Osher’s timeline reflects a deliberate move toward transparency and wellness.
Confirmed facts vs. what’s unclear
Confirmed facts
- He changed his name legally to Osher Günsberg (Wikipedia).
- He has children with Audrey Griffen (public records).
- He openly discusses mental health conditions (SANE Australia).
What’s unclear
- Specific timeline of some career moves.
- Exact date of name change.
Quotes from Osher
“It’s been nearly three years since I lost my mind.”
— Osher Günsberg, in a SANE Australia blog post (May 2017)
In a 2024 YouTube interview, Günsberg explained that changing his name helped him stop seeing himself as “that guy” anymore (YouTube (interview channel)).
The takeaway: These statements encapsulate his transformation from secrecy to openness.
Where this leaves us
Osher Günsberg’s story is not a tidy redemption arc—it’s a ongoing, public experiment in using identity as a tool for recovery. From Andrew G to Osher, from a radio host to a mental health advocate, from a man hiding behind a stage name to one painting his nails openly. For the millions of Australians who grew up watching him on Idol, the takeaway is clear: the person you see on screen may be going through more than you know, and the courage to change is not a career risk—it’s a life win.
For men in Australia still hesitant to talk about mental health, the choice is equally clear: pick a small, visible action—a name change, a painted nail, a single honest sentence—and see where it leads. The alternative is silence. Osher chose otherwise.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Osher Gunsberg married?
Yes, he married Audrey Griffen in 2018.
How old is Osher Gunsberg?
Born 29 March 1974, he is 50 as of 2024.
What is Osher Gunsberg’s net worth?
Specific net worth is not publicly confirmed, but his long career in television and radio suggests a comfortable level.
What did Osher Gunsberg do before television?
He began his media career in radio.
Does Osher Gunsberg have any siblings?
Publicly known details are limited; his family background is not widely reported.
What is Osher Gunsberg’s podcast about?
His podcast, originally unnamed and later renamed Better Than Yesterday, discusses his mental health journey and interviews with guests on similar topics.
How did Osher Gunsberg meet his wife?
He met Audrey Griffen at a social event; they later married and have two children.
What are Osher Gunsberg’s tattoos about?
He has several tattoos with personal meanings, but he has not publicly detailed each piece.
Catherine Roy is Editor-in-Chief at Downunder Brief, overseeing editorial standards, publication decisions and corrections.