Written by: David Williams

Chris Hardwick: The King of Fandom Talk Shows

Chris Hardwick is an American comedian, actor, television and podcast host, writer, and producer, best known for hosting the popular talk shows Talking Dead and Talking with Chris Hardwick, where he delves into the world of pop culture and geek fandom.

Early Life and Career

Born on November 23, 1971, in Louisville, Kentucky, Chris Hardwick grew up in Memphis, Tennessee, with a passion for chess and comedy. He was the 1983 Memphis City Junior High Chess Champion and later attended St. Benedict at Auburndale before moving to Regis Jesuit High School.

Rise to Fame

Hardwick's career in comedy began as a stand-up comedian, performing with Mike Phirman in the musical comedy duo Hard n Phirm. He also hosted several TV shows, including Singled Out, Wired Science, and Web Soup. However, it was his work on Talking Dead, an after-show discussion series for The Walking Dead and Fear the Walking Dead, that brought him widespread recognition.

Talking Dead and Beyond

Hardwick's success with Talking Dead led to the creation of Talking with Chris Hardwick, a show where he interviews prominent pop culture figures. He has also hosted Talking Bad, a live talk show following the final episodes of Breaking Bad, and Talking Saul, a discussion series for the Breaking Bad spinoff Better Call Saul.

Nerdist Empire

In 2012, Hardwick founded Nerdist Industries, a multimedia company that operates the Nerdist Podcast Network, which features his podcast The Nerdist Podcast, later renamed to ID10T with Chris Hardwick. The network has produced over 1,000 episodes as of 2019, cementing Hardwick's status as a pioneer in the world of podcasting.

Awards and Honors

Hardwick has received numerous awards and nominations for his work, including a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Interactive Talk Show Host for Talking Dead.

Personal Life and Philanthropy

In his personal life, Hardwick is an avid chess player and has been involved in various charitable initiatives, including supporting the National Autism Association and the American Cancer Society.

Trivia and Fun Facts

• Hardwick's maternal grandfather was Italian-American and owned a bowling alley where his parents first met.
• He was raised in the Roman Catholic faith and grew up in Memphis, Tennessee.
• He is a lifelong friend of comedian Joan Rivers, whom he met at age four.

Chris Hardwick's dedication to the world of geek fandom and pop culture has made him a beloved figure in the entertainment industry. With his quick wit, infectious enthusiasm, and insightful interviews, he continues to inspire fans of all ages.

Legacy

As the king of fandom talk shows, Chris Hardwick has left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment. His contributions to the realm of podcasting, television, and pop culture as a whole will be remembered for years to come.