Guy Sebastian is an Australian singer and songwriter who has gained immense popularity in his home country as well as in other parts of the world. From his various albums, to becoming Australia’s first winner of the ‘Idol’ music competition, and later serving as a judge on ‘The X Factor Australia’, it is no exaggeration to say that Sebastian has become a household name in Australia.
However, despite his immense fame, not much is known about his parents. Through the few facts discovered so far by researchers and curious fans, let’s delve into some information about the parents of the famous singer – Guy Sebastian’s parents: All That We Know About Them.
Who Are Guy Sebastian’s Parents?
Guy Sebastian’s parents are Ivica and Nellie Sebastian, who are of Malaysian and Sinhalese descent. They were both born in Malaysia but settled in Australia.
Ivica Sebastian is Malaysian and has Sri Lanka ancestry, while Nellie Sebastian is also Malaysian and of African-American and French-Canadian descent.
Where Does Guy Sebastian’s Family Come From?
Guy Sebastian’s family is of Malaysian and Sri Lankan descent, with both his parents born and raised in Malaysia. His father, Ivica Sebastian, is of both Malaysian and Sri Lankan heritage, while his mother, Nellie Sebastian, is of Malaysian descent, being of African-American and French-Canadian ancestry.
The Story of Guy Sebastian’s Parents’ Immigrant Journey
Guy Sebastian’s parents immigrated to Australia, in search of a better future, in the early 1980s, when Guy was still a toddler. This came to be after the economic hardship they faced in Malaysia had become too much to bear.
The family initially settled in Melbourne, where Guy spent the initial few years of his life, before they later moved to Adelaide. In an interview, Guy recalls the hardships his family faced in those days, a testament to their determination:
“My parents were immigrants who had arrived from Malaysia with next to nothing. It was a case of find a job and survive, so Dad worked whatever he could and Mum stayed at home to look after me and my two sisters.”
What Are Guy Sebastian’s Parents’ Occupations?
Guy Sebastian’s parents were both hard-working individuals.
Ivica Sebastian worked as a digital and offset printing specialist, dividing his time between two jobs and never taking leave or holidays so as to ensure that his family had a stable home.
His mother, Nellie Sebastian, put aside her dreams of becoming a lawyer and chose motherhood as a priority instead. She played the role of her family’s biggest supporter and well-wisher, often being the first to provide unconditional support and love.
How Guy Showed Gratitude Towards His Parents
Having spent 16 years writing music and collaborating with many artists, Guy Sebastian was finally crowned the winner of Australian Idol in 2003. This marked his big break into the music scene and changed the lifestyle of his family.
As a tribute to his parents, one of the first thing Guy did with his newfound fame was to purchase a house for his family, which he later redecorated to a luxurious and comfortable level.
Guy has shown his gratitude and appreciation for his parents on several occasions. In an interview, Guy recalled how his parents have always been there for him, even in his darkest moments.
“My parents have always had my back, even when I was at my worst. From there I had to quickly realise that life could really take care of you if you just put in the hard work.”
Why Guy Is Proud To Be Malaysian Despite Growing Up In Australia
Despite growing up in Australia, Guy Sebastian remains connected to his Malaysian parents’ heritage. Not only is he proud to be Malaysian, but he also feels a deep respect and reverence for his father’s country.
Throughout his life, Guy has given numerous performances in Malaysia. In 2017, he was invited to perform alongside Malaysian singer Siti Nurhaliza for a gala event in Roam Stadium. The crowd was awed by Guy’s friendliness towards everyone, his joyful personality and his deep respect towards Malaysia.
Guy Sebastian is an Australian singer and songwriter of both Malaysian and Sri Lankan descent, and no other than Ivica and Nellie Sebastian are the proud parents of this famous personality. The hardships the couple had to face, their courage and determination, and their big hearts have made them the pride and joy of their son who shows deep gratitude whenever he can.
The family’s immigrant journey, Ivica and Nellie’s occupations, Guy’s gratitude and respect and Guy’s proud connection to his parents’ heritage, are just some of the things we know about Guy Sebastian’s parents.
