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40 Facts About Richard Hammond

Jolee Whatley

Written by Jolee Whatley

Published: 13 Jan 2025

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Source: Irishexaminer.com

Who is Richard Hammond? Richard Hammond, born December 19, 1969, in Solihull, England, is a well-known English journalist, television presenter, mechanic, and author. Best recognized for his work on Top Gear and The Grand Tour, Hammond's career spans radio, television, and writing. He began in local radio before transitioning to TV, where he gained fame alongside Jeremy Clarkson and James May. Known as "The Hamster" due to his smaller stature, Hammond has also hosted shows like Brainiac: Science Abuse and Total Wipeout. Despite a serious brain injury in 2006, he continues to captivate audiences with his passion for cars and adventure.

Key Takeaways:

  • Richard Hammond's journey from local radio to global motoring fame showcases his passion for cars and versatile presenting skills, inspiring a generation of car enthusiasts.
  • Despite facing serious accidents and challenges, Richard Hammond's resilience and engaging style have left a lasting impact on motoring culture, earning him numerous awards and recognition.
Table of Contents
01Early Life and Career Beginnings
02Rise to Fame with Top Gear
03Diverse Television Projects
04Radio and Special Appearances
05Science and Nature Documentaries
06The Grand Tour and Beyond
07Personal Life and Challenges
08Family and Early Interests
09Career Milestones and Public Appearances
10Technology and Science Series
11Accidents and Recovery
12Awards and Recognition
13Richard Hammond's Lasting Impact

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Richard Hammond's journey to becoming a household name in motoring television started with humble beginnings. His early life and career laid the foundation for his future success.

  1. Early Life and Education: Born on December 19, 1969, in Solihull, England, Hammond's early years were marked by a passion for cars and speed.

  2. Career in Local Radio: Hammond's career began in local radio, where he worked for several BBC radio stations, including Radio Cleveland, Radio York, Radio Cumbria, Radio Leeds, and Radio Newcastle.

  3. Motoring Journalism: While working in radio, Hammond developed a keen interest in motoring journalism, often inviting motoring journalist Zog Zieglar as a regular guest.

  4. Break into Television: Hammond's television career started with satellite TV channel Men & Motors, which eventually led to his audition for Top Gear.

Rise to Fame with Top Gear

Hammond's big break came when he joined the revamped Top Gear in 2002. His chemistry with co-presenters Jeremy Clarkson and James May made the show a global hit.

  1. Top Gear Presenter: In 2002, Hammond became a presenter on Top Gear, earning the nickname "The Hamster" due to his smaller stature compared to his co-hosts.

  2. Top 10 British TV Talents: By July 2005, Hammond's popularity soared, and he was voted one of the top 10 British TV talents.

Diverse Television Projects

Beyond Top Gear, Hammond has been involved in various television projects, showcasing his versatility as a presenter.

  1. Brainiac: Science Abuse: From 2003 to 2008, Hammond presented Brainiac: Science Abuse, a show known for its quirky scientific experiments.

  2. Total Wipeout: Hammond hosted Total Wipeout from 2009 to 2012, a game show featuring contestants tackling physically demanding challenges.

  3. Richard Hammond's 5 O'Clock Show: He also hosted Richard Hammond's 5 O'Clock Show on ITV, further expanding his television repertoire.

  4. Holy Grail Special: In 2006, Hammond presented Richard Hammond and the Holy Grail, exploring the history of the Holy Grail at various locations.

Radio and Special Appearances

Hammond's talents extend to radio and special television appearances, demonstrating his broad appeal.

  1. Red Nose Day Appearance: For Red Nose Day 2007, Hammond stood for nomination to co-present BBC Radio 4's Woman's Hour, though he was defeated by Andy Hamilton.

  2. BBC Radio 2 Specials: Hammond presented one-off specials on BBC Radio 2 in April and August 2007, engaging audiences with his unique style.

Science and Nature Documentaries

Hammond's curiosity and enthusiasm for science and nature have led him to present several documentaries.

  1. Richard Hammond's Crash Course: In 2012, Hammond presented Richard Hammond's Crash Course, focusing on various aspects of motoring and driving techniques.

  2. Planet Earth Live: Co-presenting Planet Earth Live with Julia Bradbury in May 2012, Hammond recorded animals living in extreme conditions.

  3. Science of Stupid: In June 2014, Hammond hosted Science of Stupid on National Geographic Channel, exploring the application of physics in everyday life.

  4. Wild Weather with Richard Hammond: In December 2014, Hammond presented Wild Weather with Richard Hammond, a three-part series on Earth's extreme weather systems.

The Grand Tour and Beyond

After Top Gear, Hammond continued his motoring adventures with The Grand Tour on Amazon Prime Video.

  1. The Grand Tour: From 2016 to 2024, Hammond co-presented The Grand Tour with Jeremy Clarkson and James May, embarking on global automotive adventures.

  2. DriveTribe: In 2016, Hammond, Clarkson, and May launched DriveTribe, an automotive social media platform for car enthusiasts.

Personal Life and Challenges

Hammond's personal life and the challenges he has faced, including a serious brain injury, have been well-documented.

  1. Personal Life: Hammond is married to Mindy Hammond, and they have two daughters. His family life has often been in the public eye.

  2. Brain Injury Incident: In September 2006, Hammond suffered a serious brain injury while filming for Top Gear, resulting in a coma for several weeks.

  3. Recovery and Return to Work: After recovering, Hammond documented his journey in his book On the Edge, detailing his accident and rehabilitation.

  4. Skiing Challenge: Post-recovery, Hammond took on a skiing challenge for Top Gear, testing his balance and coordination.

Family and Early Interests

Hammond's family background and early interests played a significant role in shaping his career.

  1. Family Background: Coming from a family with a strong engineering background, Hammond's father was an engineer, influencing his interest in mechanics.

  2. Early Interest in Cars: Hammond's fascination with cars and speed began early, often performing stunts on his bicycle.

  3. Teenage Life and Jobs: During his teenage years, Hammond worked at various radio stations, gaining valuable experience in the media industry.

Career Milestones and Public Appearances

Hammond's career is marked by numerous milestones and public appearances, showcasing his versatility.

  1. Meeting Mindy: Hammond met his wife Mindy during his radio days, and they have two daughters together.

  2. Career Milestones: Voted one of the top 10 British TV talents in 2005, Hammond has presented various special shows, including Richard Hammond and the Holy Grail.

  3. Public Appearances: Hammond has made numerous public appearances, including standing for nomination to co-present Woman's Hour during Red Nose Day 2007.

  4. BBC Radio 2 Specials: In addition to television, Hammond has presented one-off specials on BBC Radio 2, engaging audiences across different media platforms.

Technology and Science Series

Hammond's interest in technology and science has led to several series exploring these fields.

  1. Richard Hammond's Tech Head: Since February 2011, Hammond has presented Richard Hammond's Tech Head, an online series exploring technological advancements.

  2. Journey to the Centre of the Planet: In July 2011, Hammond presented Richard Hammond's Journey to the Centre of the Planet, focusing on Earth geology and plate tectonics.

  3. Animal Documentaries: Co-presenting Planet Earth Live in May 2012, Hammond recorded animals living in extreme conditions.

  4. Crash Course Series: Hammond also presented Richard Hammond's Crash Course, focusing on motoring and driving techniques.

  5. Science Documentaries: In June 2014, Hammond hosted Science of Stupid on National Geographic Channel, exploring physics in everyday life.

  6. Wild Weather Series: In December 2014, Hammond presented Wild Weather with Richard Hammond, a three-part series on Earth's extreme weather systems.

Accidents and Recovery

Hammond's career has not been without its dangers, including several significant accidents.

  1. Jungle Quest Documentary: In September 2015, Hammond presented Richard Hammond's Jungle Quest for Sky 1, focusing on conservation efforts in the jungle.

  2. The Grand Tour Accidents: During The Grand Tour filming, Hammond was involved in two significant accidents, including one in Mozambique where he frequently fell off his motorbike.

  3. Rimac Concept One Crash: On June 10, 2017, Hammond crashed a Rimac Concept One while filming for The Grand Tour in Switzerland, resulting in a tibial plateau fracture.

Awards and Recognition

Hammond's contributions to television have earned him several awards and recognition.

  1. Awards and Recognition: Throughout his career, Hammond has received several awards, including a BAFTA Award, with six wins and two nominations in total.

  2. Legacy and Impact: Hammond's legacy extends beyond television, inspiring a generation of car enthusiasts and popularizing motoring culture through his engaging and humorous presenting style.

Richard Hammond's Lasting Impact

Richard Hammond's career is a testament to his versatility and passion for motoring. From his early days in local radio to becoming a household name on Top Gear and The Grand Tour, Hammond has left an indelible mark on the world of automotive entertainment. His resilience, especially after his 2006 crash, showcases his determination and love for his craft. Beyond television, his ventures like DriveTribe and various documentaries highlight his commitment to engaging with car enthusiasts worldwide. Hammond's journey, filled with highs, lows, and thrilling adventures, continues to inspire many. His legacy isn't just about cars; it's about perseverance, innovation, and a genuine love for what he does. Whether he's presenting a show, writing a book, or recovering from an accident, Richard Hammond remains a beloved figure in the motoring world.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Richard Hammond?
Richard Hammond, often known for his witty charm and daredevil antics, co-hosted the wildly popular TV show "Top Gear" alongside Jeremy Clarkson and James May. Not just a TV presenter, he's also a writer, journalist, and car enthusiast, making waves in the automotive world with his knowledge and passion for all things motor-related.
What happened to Richard Hammond in 2006?
In 2006, Richard Hammond was involved in a serious crash while driving a jet-powered car at speeds exceeding 280 mph for a "Top Gear" segment. Miraculously, he survived but suffered serious head injuries. His recovery was tough but he made a triumphant return to television, continuing to pursue his love for high-speed adventures.
Has Richard Hammond written any books?
Yes, indeed! Hammond has penned several books, sharing his adventures, thoughts on cars, and snippets from his life. Titles include "On the Edge: My Story," recounting his near-fatal accident and recovery, and "A Short History of the Motorcycle," exploring the history and culture of motorcycles. His writing offers fans a deeper insight into his passions and experiences.
Is Richard Hammond involved in any shows besides "Top Gear"?
Beyond "Top Gear," Hammond has hosted a variety of shows, showcasing his versatility. "The Grand Tour," reuniting him with Clarkson and May, continues their motoring escapades. He's also explored science in "Richard Hammond's Engineering Connections" and survival skills in "Richard Hammond's Crash Course." His curiosity and enthusiasm make each show a unique adventure.
What's a lesser-known fact about Richard Hammond?
Many might not know that Hammond has a deep love for the countryside and animals. He lives on a farm with his family, where they care for horses, dogs, cats, and even chickens. This rural life contrasts with his high-speed career, showing a different side to the adrenaline junkie.
How did Richard Hammond start his career in media?
Hammond's media career kicked off in radio, where his engaging voice and personality caught the attention of listeners. Working his way up through local stations, his transition to television was seamless, eventually leading him to "Top Gear" – a role that catapulted him to international fame. His journey is a testament to his talent and determination.
What kind of cars does Richard Hammond own?
Known for his love of cars, Hammond's collection is impressive and varied. From classic American muscle cars to rare European sports cars, his garage is a petrolhead's dream. Notable mentions include a 1968 Ford Mustang GT 390, a Porsche 911 GT3 RS, and a Morgan AeroMax. Each car in his collection has a story, reflecting his deep appreciation for automotive history and design.

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