The Wiggles: What happened to the founding members?

With their vibrant personalities, catchy tunes, and colourful attire, The Wiggles quickly became household names in the world of children's entertainment. "At first glance, the notion of preschool teachers selling out Madison Square Garden is downright absurd," director of their upcoming documentary Sally Aitken said.

"How did a group of teachers become like The Beatles for preschoolers?"

But to their audience, they were legends.

As time passed, the original members who brought this iconic group to life stepped down from their roles letting a new generation, including a female Wiggle, continue their legacy.

While they may have handed over the baton, their friendships are as enduring as their love of music.

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Anthony Field - The Blue Wiggle

Anthony got into music at a young age forming pop group The Cockroaches with his brothers and Wiggles bandmate, Jeff Fatt.

While studying early childhood education at Macquarie University with Murray Cook and Greg Page, they founded the kids' band The Wiggles.

Anthony, 60, is the only founding member that remains in the band today but he is now joined on stage by his daughter Lucia, 19, as the backup Blue Wiggle.

"I was away so much (of her childhood), nine months a year. I’ve gotten to know her as an adult now, and I just love her," he gushed about the past year with her in the group while on Sunrise.

"Also having the new energy of all these wonderful people, we have a great time."

Murray Cook - The Red Wiggle

Murray Cook played a significant role in shaping The Wiggles' musical direction as the songwriter of the group.

After departing The Wiggles in 2012, Murray continued working in music, playing in various bands including Soul Movers, a rock and soul band, where he showcases his guitar skills and passion for music.

"The thing with The Wiggles connection is you are not always taken that seriously as a musician," he told the Sydney Morning Herald about having to earn respect as a musician.

"That old attitude has changed as people see me at a gig and all the fans went nuts when I came out on stage at Splendour in the Grass because they have all grown up with me," he added.

One thing Murray, 62, doesn't miss was The Wiggles hectic touring schedule!

Jeff Fatt - The Purple Wiggle

Jeff Fatt was known for his laid-back demeanour (Wake up Jeff!) and love for playing the keyboard. After retiring from his active role in The Wiggles, Jeff chose a quieter life away from the limelight.

“Anthony’s the driving force. Essentially it was his idea to do The Wiggles," Jeff, 70, revealed.

"He gets so passionate about things, and he absolutely loves performing on stage. Murray and myself are more of a backseat sort of thing."

However, his love for music never waned and he continues to 'dabble' in musical projects but his main joy now is surfing.

"I have a long board, it’s a very laid-back way of surfing," he said.

Greg Page - The Yellow Wiggle

Greg Page holds a special place in the hearts of Wiggles fans with his two major health scares that were very public. In 2006 it was announced he was leaving the group due to health reasons.

“This emotional decision was one which was very difficult, as I have dedicated almost half my life to the Wiggles," Greg said in a statement at the time. "I wish the guys continued success."

He returned to the group briefly in 2012 before retiring with original members Jeff and Murray.

From time to time he performed again with the group and then in 2020 he collapsed on stage suffering a cardiac arrest. A nurse in the audience and crew members helped to revive him.

Greg, 51, now raises awareness for heart health and more widespread knowledge of CPR.

Sam Moran - The 'other' Yellow Wiggle

When Greg retired in 2006, Sam Moran stepped into his shoes making sure the show could go on. He'd been involved in The Wiggle's crew since 1998 in supporting roles.

After leaving The Wiggles in 2012, Sam, 45, went on to host a new preschool series, Play Along with Sam, on Nick Jr.

To learn more about The Wiggles journey, tune in to their new documentary Hot Potato: The Story of The Wiggles, Tuesday October 24 on Prime Video.

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