Jim Gerald (1 January 1891 – 2 March 1971) born James Fitzgerald [1] was an Australian comedian, circus clown, acrobat, writer, director and troupe leader and filmmaker.

"[2] He is generally cited as one of the leading post-World War I comedians to work the Australasian variety circuits, the others being Nat Phillips, Roy Rene, and George Wallace.

[3] Born at Darlington, New South Wales, Gerald was the seventh son of Stephen Australia Fitzgerald, a tailor turned actor, and his wife Mary Ann, née Ingram.

[5] Gerald's move into variety entertainment began in 1912 when he toured with his father's "All Stars" drama and vaudeville company as both comedian and acrobat.

Later in 1912 he signed with Fullers' Theatres vaudeville circuit and Djubal suggests his early turns were often "comic routines that utilised his circus skills.

[4] In 1940 he rejoined the Australian Army, being given the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel and put in charge of the Entertainment Unit being set up to service troops in the Middle East.

[4] Djubal cites a reviewer for the Brisbane Courier who attempted to define Gerard's style of comedy in 1927: "The reason for Mr Gerald's success is not hard to find.