Celeste Barber, the Australian comedian and social media sensation, has emerged as one of the most relatable figures on the internet, captivating audiences with her parody videos of celebrities. With almost 10 million followers on Instagram, she parodies the unattainable beauty standards set by influencers, making millions laugh worldwide. Through her humor, she has also opened up about her personal struggles with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), which has greatly influenced her life and career.
Barber, who rose to fame around 2015, didn’t have it easy during her formative years. Growing up in northern New South Wales, she battled undiagnosed ADHD, leading to relentless bullying throughout high school. Reflecting on these turbulent years, Celeste admits, "I feel like I'm not smart. That's my biggest insecurity." This narrative of self-doubt is common among many who struggle with the mental health condition, underscoring the stigma associated with ADHD.
The social ramifications of bullying left deep scars on Celeste. Her sister, Olivia Barber-Hays, recalled how initial rejection by peers “demolished her sense of self” and how it took years to build up her confidence. Celeste identified similar feelings, stating, "You still question it. And then if something in life happens and it brings back those feelings, you’re like, 'Oh, I knew it, I knew I was shit.'"
Despite these challenges, it was the exact qualities for which she was bullied—her loud personality and humor—that eventually led her to success. After her diagnosis at age 16, she began taking medication, which she describes as life-changing. "It really helped me stabilize my focus and embrace my creativity," she explained. This breakthrough allowed her to pursue her dreams of becoming an actor more fervently.
With dreams of acting, Celeste continued to hone her comedic skills. She studied performing arts, securing minor roles before gaining significant recognition for her comedic talent on the series All Saints. It was during these early roles where she met her best friend and mentor, Mark Priestley, who played pivotal roles both on and off-screen. Mark’s support helped boost her confidence, making her believe she could succeed.
Following Mark's tragic passing due to depression, Celeste found herself grappling with despair and uncertainty. The loss was devastating, but it also pushed her to honor his memory by pursuing her dreams fiercely. She took to social media, initially to mock the unrealistic portrayals of celebrity life, and to her surprise, it evolved her career dramatically. "I wanted to make people laugh, and I wanted to cut through the bullshit," Celeste recalled about her inspiration for starting her parody videos. Her aim has always been clear—challenge the absurdity of social media portrayals of women.
Celeste’s content resonates with many, including influential figures like supermodel Cindy Crawford, who admires her ability to turn the narrative on beauty standards. Crawford stated, "Celeste just flips it all on its head and I love it. I think it takes the pressure off women to have this perfect Instagram persona all the time." Starbucks have viewed her work as empowering, allowing women to embrace their reality rather than striving for perfection.
Her approach soon caught the eye of producers, leading her to pursue live comedy. Barber explained, "I think it's the first time I felt smart because I flipped it. It was about time someone called out the nonsense. We have so much more to offer than just our looks—there's power and joy in being real.”
Her rise to fame is touted as being 20 years in the making, shaped by resilience and the myriad of challenges she faced, from bullying to familial responsibilities. Even the entertainment industry, notorious for its fickle nature, has shared its fair share of struggles with rejection which only intensified her self-doubt. Through it all, her family's unwavering support and encouragement have been fundamental. Kath Barber, her mother, proudly states, "The reason I'm so proud of her is she’s just been herself. She’s being celebrated just for being her, where she never was."
Today, Celeste Barber continues to thrive, combining her passion for comedy with her new makeup line targeted at women over 40, allowing her to embrace her personal experiences and connect with her wide audience effectively. It’s clear her career is more than just success on the surface; it’s led her to explore the intricacies of identity, self-acceptance, and the importance of mental health advocacy.
Standing tall on stages across the globe, Celeste Barber remains committed to celebrating individuality through relatable comedy and genuine vulnerability. Her story serves as both entertainment and testimony, bridging the gap for many dealing with similar struggles, allowing for open conversations about mental health and body image.