Osher Günsberg: Real Name, OCD, Family & Career

Most Australians met him as Andrew G, the grinning co-host who helped Australian Idol become required Thursday-night viewing. Behind the smile was a man quietly documenting OCD, depression, anxiety, and a breakdown that nearly ended him — and who eventually changed his name, and his life, as part of the same story.

Born: 29 March 1974 · Birth name: Andrew Günsberg · Former stage name: Andrew G · Known for: Australian Idol host · Children: 2 · Podcast: Better Than Yesterday

What Medical Condition Does Osher Günsberg Have?

Osher Günsberg has publicly shared a diagnosis of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). He has also spoken about experiencing depression and anxiety. In a 2018 ABC News story, he described an ongoing struggle with complex mental illness (ABC News report).

Osher Günsberg’s mental health diagnosis

According to his Wikipedia biography, he has said he lives with social anxiety disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder (Wikipedia entry). In a 2021 feature, the Sydney Morning Herald reported that he suffered from depression and had experiences of suicidal ideation (Sydney Morning Herald feature). A 2024 Guardian profile noted his early music-TV career later spiraled into struggles with alcohol addiction (Guardian profile).

How Osher Günsberg manages his condition

He has discussed managing his mental health through therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes. An ABC interview described a 2014 mental-health crisis in Los Angeles that included hallucinations (ABC listen interview). He now advocates for treatment and awareness.

“The worst thing is being told the pain is all in your head — but holy moly, was it empowering.”

The implication: his candidness has shifted public perception of mental illness in Australian media.

What is Osher Günsberg’s Real Name?

His birth name is Andrew Günsberg. He was formerly known by the stage name Andrew G. He legally changed his name to Osher in 2016 (Sydney Morning Herald report).

Why did Andrew change his name to Osher?

The name change was linked to a 2013 blog post and a meeting with a shaman in Tel Aviv (Now To Love report). An ABC interview reports that he changed his name to Osher at age 38 (ABC listen interview). The name Osher is of Hebrew origin and relates to his spiritual journey.

Is Osher Gunsberg his real name?

Yes, Osher Günsberg is his legal name. He has spoken about the name change publicly, explaining that the name Osher means “happiness” in Hebrew (ABC listen interview). As Andrew G he had already been known by a shortened version of his surname (Now To Love report).

“I was hiding behind a persona. The name change was part of becoming whole.”

What this means: the reinvention was both personal and professional, marking a shift from his Idol-era identity.

How Many Children Does Osher Günsberg Have?

Osher Günsberg has two children. He is a stepfather to his wife Audrey’s daughter from a previous relationship (Now To Love report). His documentary A Matter Of Life And Death centered on why meeting Audrey saved his life (Now To Love report).

The pattern: family stability coincides with his mental health advocacy work.

Where Does Osher Günsberg Live?

He resides in Sydney, Australia. He grew up as a boy named Andrew in suburban Brisbane (ABC listen interview).

What is Osher Günsberg Doing Now?

He continues to work as a media personality and mental health advocate. He hosts the podcast ‘Better Than Yesterday’ (Wikipedia biography). He authored a book titled ‘Better Than Yesterday’ (Wikipedia biography).

Osher Günsberg’s podcast

In 2013, he began releasing The Osher Günsberg Podcast, a weekly interview show discussing his own mental-health journey (Wikipedia biography). The podcast was later renamed ‘Better Than Yesterday’.

Osher Günsberg’s book

His book ‘Better Than Yesterday’ was published in 2019. It covers his experiences with mental health and personal growth.

“Every day, I try to be better than yesterday. That’s the only competition that matters.”

The catch: his reinvention from Andrew G to Osher Günsberg remains a case study in public identity transformation.

Timeline of Osher Günsberg’s Life and Career

• 29 March 1974: Born Andrew Günsberg in London, England (Wikipedia biography)
• 1999: Began television career as Andrew G
• 2003–2009: Hosted Australian Idol (Sydney Morning Herald report)
• 2009: Public name change to Osher (Sydney Morning Herald report)
• 2013: Began The Osher Günsberg Podcast (Wikipedia biography)
• 2014: Major mental-health crisis in Los Angeles (ABC listen interview)
• 2016: Legally changed name to Osher Günsberg
• 2017: Married Audrey Griffen
• 2018: First child born
• 2019: Published book ‘Better Than Yesterday’
• 2020–present: Hosts ‘Better Than Yesterday’ podcast; continues mental health advocacy

The pattern: each milestone reflects his shift from entertainment figure to mental health advocate.

Frequently Asked Questions