Chris Hardwick: Five Things You Need to Create a Highly Successful Career in the Entertainment Industry
…Share that knowledge with others. Understand that we’re part of a community where everyone brings something unique and enjoyable to the table. Be an active part of that community rather than focusing solely on yourself. This is especially true in fandom and with our show. Our show thrives because of the wonderful community of Disney fans. They all bring their own stories, making it not just about me and my experiences. It’s about why someone loves something from Epcot or listening to another person’s story. It’s about valuing and listening to what everyone has to share.
I had the pleasure to talk to Chris Hardwick. Chris, born in Louisville, Kentucky, has carved a unique niche in the entertainment industry, leveraging his early passion for pop culture into a diverse career spanning comedy, acting, hosting, and producing. The son of professional bowler Billy Hardwick, Chris’s early years were spent immersed in the worlds of bowling and arcade games, a blend of experiences that foreshadowed his future as a pop culture aficionado.
Hardwick’s journey into entertainment began after moving to Los Angeles for his final year of high school and attending UCLA, where he studied philosophy. His college years not only honed his intellectual pursuits but also placed him in the heart of a city synonymous with the entertainment industry, providing the perfect launching pad for his career. Initially making waves as a DJ on Los Angeles radio station KROQ-FM, Hardwick’s early forays into the entertainment world were marked by a blend of music and comedy, setting the stage for his later ventures.
Perhaps most recognized for his work on the Emmy Award-winning show @midnight, Hardwick’s role as host cemented his reputation as a sharp, witty commentator on pop culture phenomena. This show, along with his hosting duties on AMC’s Talking Dead, an aftershow for the network’s popular series The Walking Dead, showcased Hardwick’s ability to engage both guests and audiences with his insightful, humorous takes on entertainment and fandom.
Beyond television, Hardwick has made significant contributions to the podcasting world, notably through his podcast The Nerdist Podcast, later rebranded as ID10T. This platform has allowed him to explore a wide range of topics with various guests, further establishing his voice in the realm of pop culture commentary.
Hardwick’s interests are not limited to hosting and podcasting. He is also a stand-up comedian, highlighting his versatility and creative range. His stand-up special Mandroid, which aired on Comedy Central, received positive reviews, demonstrating his ability to connect with audiences through humor.
In addition to his entertainment career, Hardwick is an avid collector, particularly of Disney memorabilia, a passion that inspired his latest venture, UP FOR AUCTION. This series delves into the high-stakes world of Disney collectible auctions, blending Hardwick’s personal interests with his professional expertise to offer viewers an inside look at the excitement and intricacies of collecting.
Chris Hardwick’s journey from a childhood spent in bowling alleys and arcades to becoming a prominent figure in entertainment underscores his multifaceted talents and enduring appeal. As he continues to explore new projects and platforms, Hardwick’s contributions to entertainment and pop culture remain a testament to his passion, creativity, and versatility.
Yitzi: Before we dive in, our readers would love to learn about your personal origin story. Can you share the story of your childhood?
Chris: Sure. Looking back, my childhood was quite unique. My father was a professional bowler, one of the greatest in the sport’s history. I spent my early years traveling with my parents to bowling centers across the United States. Then, in the early 80s, my dad opened a bowling center in Memphis, Tennessee. Growing up in a bowling center meant I was constantly around bowling, but it also coincided with the rise of arcade games. My interest in arcade games led my dad to install an arcade in the bowling center. So, my childhood was this wonderful mix of bowling and video games, which was quite magical to experience.
Yitzi: That’s fascinating. Can you share with us a story of how that led you to this specific career path?
Chris: I’ve always been a huge Disney fan, loving the movies and the parks from a young age. This wasn’t particularly unique; like many kids, I adored Disney and soaked up everything related to it — watching the movies, visiting the parks, and cherishing the whole experience. My parents saw this passion and encouraged it. As I grew older, my connection to Disney only deepened. Moving to Los Angeles for my last year of high school and attending college there gave me the chance to frequent the parks as a local. I was fascinated by how the parks evolved, introducing new rides and attractions. This love never faded, and recently, taking my two-year-old to the park for the first time was an incredible experience. It fueled my desire to collect Disney memorabilia.
The idea for the show I’m involved in now stemmed from this passion for collecting and a curiosity about the behind-the-scenes processes. Brian, the owner of Nacelle and a fellow collector of action figures and Star Trek memorabilia, and I had a casual chat about documenting the process of collecting. We agreed it was a story worth telling, so we reached out to Van Eaton Galleries, which was about to auction the world’s largest single Disney collection. They allowed us to document it, and that’s how everything fell into place. It’s been an incredibly wonderful and positive experience.
Yitzi: It’s an amazing story. With so many diverse and fascinating parts of your own career, can you share one or two of the most interesting stories or anecdotes from your career?
Chris: Definitely, exploring the Disney collection was a highlight for me. I’ve been lucky to engage in work that aligns closely with my passions, making it feel less like work and more like pursuing my interests. For example, hosting a podcast for years allowed me to meet and learn from people I admire greatly. Then there’s my involvement with “The Walking Dead,” which was incredible because I was already a huge fan. Being part of this television phenomenon and experiencing its cultural impact firsthand was truly special.
Another memorable aspect of my career has been participating in Comic-Con, immersing myself in the fandom, and moderating panels for films I’m excited about. I’ve had the privilege of doing many things that I deeply appreciate, and I never take these opportunities for granted. The show about the Disney collection is just one example of the unique jobs I’ve had, offering me the chance to delve into the auction process, meet other enthusiasts, and hear their personal connections to the parks and rides. Each person’s story adds a unique layer to the show, making it a rich and rewarding experience.
Yitzi: Is there a particular story, a particularly compelling story from an episode that really stuck with you about the story behind the collectible?
Chris: Absolutely, the moment that stands out the most involved my mom visiting the exhibit. She had never been to an auction before, and I encouraged her to see the Van Eaton’s exhibit, which was themed around the Disney parks, with everything placed in its respective land. It was a walkthrough that I knew she’d find amazing. She came without knowing what to expect and was immediately overwhelmed with emotion. The exhibit brought back vivid memories of our trips to the park during my childhood. She pointed out different items, each evoking a story from the past. This experience could have been a series in itself; it only appears briefly in the show, but it was a profound moment for us. We spent considerable time reminiscing, and she shared stories that moved us both to tears. It was incredibly meaningful and underscored what the show is really about. While it focuses on an auction and the purchasing of items, it’s the personal stories and memories tied to these collectibles that are truly captivating. Seeing my mom’s emotional response, even though she isn’t a Disney collector, highlighted the universal impact of these stories. We shared a deeply connective moment that is now preserved forever. That experience was the most magical for me because of its personal significance.
Yitzi: How do you select the Disney collectibles featured on the show? What criteria do they have to meet to be included?
Chris: That’s a great question. The selection process is managed by Mike and Janine Van Eaton. The collection initially had around 5,000 to 6,000 pieces, which they needed to reduce to about 1,500 for practical reasons. The final count was 1,499 pieces to fit the auction into a three-day event. The Van Eaton Galleries, although not officially affiliated with Disney, is recognized as a premier auction house for Disney memorabilia. Mike has an exceptional knack for not only choosing the items for the auctions but also for organizing them thoughtfully. He maps out the exhibit like a walkthrough of a Disney park, starting with park maps at the entrance, similar to how you’d look at a map when entering a Disney park. The exhibit then progresses through various themed areas, including sections for attractions that no longer exist, Adventureland, Haunted Mansion, Fantasyland, Tomorrowland, and even items from Epcot and other parks. This meticulous attention to detail and deep understanding of Disney history and its significance to fans are what set their auctions apart. They’ve been doing this for a long time and have truly mastered the art of curating and presenting Disney collectibles in a way that captures the magic and nostalgia of the parks.
Yitzi: So this is the signature question that we ask in all of our interviews. You’ve been blessed with a lot of success now. Looking back to when you first started, can you share five things you need to create a successful career in the entertainment industry?
Chris: That’s a fantastic question and it does come with a bit of pressure to provide a meaningful answer. While I might struggle to list five off the top of my head, there are definitely some core principles that stand out to me.
- First and foremost, it’s crucial to follow what you love. Embracing your unique interests and being true to who you are is essential. The more authentic you are, the more you’ll stand out because no one else can replicate your individuality. I’ve always chased after what I’m passionate about, which has guided my career. It’s important to acknowledge that we aren’t always fortunate enough to start our careers in roles that ignite our passions, especially when we’re just beginning.
- I think the second point would be, even if you find yourself in a job that you don’t absolutely love, what’s your entry point to becoming interested in it? You can always find something. We do have some degree of choice over how we perceive things. So, how do you choose to like this job, which might be more of a survival job? You know, “I need to work, so I take this job.” How can you make it interesting? How can you find a way into it emotionally? Because that will translate to others. People can tell when you authentically like something. And if you don’t want to be there and it’s clear, that’s what others will pick up on. So, what can make you want to be there? Those two things — being present — is so important.
- We often think about the past or the future, focusing on what we want for our careers and what we haven’t achieved yet. But what do you currently have? What are your assets and strengths? What can you appreciate about this moment? Another important point is to appreciate your successes once you start achieving them, recognizing that you might be better off than you were a year ago. How can you be grateful for those achievements? It’s about being present, but also about appreciating success. Our culture spends a lot of time teaching people how to succeed but not enough on how to appreciate success in the moment, how to nurture and grow it without taking it for granted. So, although it might seem like I’m emphasizing being present in different aspects, it’s about being present through the various stages of your career.
- A fourth point is to share that knowledge with others. Understand that we’re part of a community where everyone brings something unique and enjoyable to the table. Be an active part of that community rather than focusing solely on yourself. This is especially true in fandom and with our show. Our show thrives because of the wonderful community of Disney fans. They all bring their own stories, making it not just about me and my experiences. It’s about why someone loves something from Epcot or listening to another person’s story. It’s about valuing and listening to what everyone has to share.
- Another important point, especially with hosting, is listening. When I was podcasting, I might have done something unconventional. I never wrote questions in advance. Instead, I preferred to see how the conversation would unfold so I could be in the moment and react naturally as if I were having a genuine conversation. And I really appreciate that. You’ve done a fantastic job of doing just that today as well. So, I appreciate your willingness to engage in this way and also for letting me ramble on as much as I have.
Yitzi: These are amazing insights. So, one final question. You’re a person of enormous influence. If you could spread an idea or inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be?
Chris: I believe it has a lot to do with being present. I’m focusing on this a lot right now, especially since we have a two-year-old. I want to cherish every moment. It’s so easy to get caught up in anything but the present. But being a dad has made every day a reminder that time is moving very fast. If I’m not fully present, I’ll miss it, and our daughter will sense that we’re not engaged, which isn’t good. So, I’m striving to be as present as possible, to appreciate and cherish each moment. The present keeps moving, and if we’re not careful, we’ll miss it. For me, the best way to live right now is to be as present as possible and enjoy the entire fabric of life’s tapestry as much as possible.
Yitzi: Chris, thank you so much for this amazing conversation.
Chris: Thank you so much. I appreciate you and your time. Thank you so much for the questions.
Chris Hardwick: Five Things You Need to Create a Highly Successful Career in the Entertainment… was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.