Ever heard of Bert Kreischer? Known as "The Machine," Bert Kreischer is a stand-up comedian, podcaster, and reality TV host who has captivated audiences with his wild stories and shirtless performances. Born on November 3, 1972, in St. Petersburg, Florida, Kreischer's journey from a college party legend to a comedy superstar is nothing short of fascinating. His infamous tale of helping the Russian mafia rob a train during a college trip earned him his iconic nickname. With multiple Netflix specials, a popular podcast, and even a movie based on his life, Kreischer's career continues to soar. Let's dive into 50 intriguing facts about this comedic powerhouse.
Key Takeaways:
- Bert Kreischer, the legendary comedian, earned his nickname "The Machine" after a wild college trip. His unique storytelling and fearless comedy style have made him a beloved figure in the entertainment industry.
- From wild college days to hosting TV shows and releasing hit comedy specials, Bert Kreischer's journey to stardom is filled with adventure, humor, and heartfelt moments. His charisma and talent continue to captivate audiences worldwide.
50 Facts About Bert Kreischer
Early Life and Education
Bert Kreischer's journey to comedy stardom began in Florida. His early life and education played a significant role in shaping his unique comedic style.
- Birth and Early Life: Born on November 3, 1972, in St. Petersburg, Florida, Kreischer grew up in Tampa.
- College Life: He attended Florida State University, majoring in English.
- Party Animal Reputation: Rolling Stone magazine named him "the top partier" at Florida State University in 1997.
- Fraternity Membership: Kreischer was a member of the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity during his college years.
The Machine and Career Beginnings
Kreischer's career took off with a mix of wild stories and raw talent. His nickname "The Machine" became legendary.
- Nickname "The Machine": He earned this nickname after an incident involving the Russian mafia during a college trip.
- Career Beginnings: Kreischer started performing stand-up in bars and nightclubs in his hometown.
- First Comedy Special: "Bert Kreischer: Comfortably Dumb" aired on Comedy Central in 2009.
Television and Reality Shows
Kreischer's charisma and humor made him a natural fit for television, leading to several hosting gigs and appearances.
- FX Network Shows: Co-hosted "The X Show" and later starred in "Hurt Bert."
- Reality TV Shows: Hosted "Bert the Conqueror" and "Trip Flip" on the Travel Channel.
- Comedy Central Series: His stand-up routines were featured in "Shorties Watchin' Shorties."
National Lampoon's Van Wilder
Kreischer's college antics inspired a popular film, cementing his status as a cultural icon.
- Film Inspiration: The 2002 film "National Lampoon's Van Wilder" was loosely based on his college experiences.
Stand-up Comedy and Tours
Kreischer's stand-up comedy career has taken him around the world, performing for diverse audiences.
- International Performances: He has performed internationally and appeared on late-night talk shows.
- Stand-up Comedy Style: Known for his unique storytelling and performing shirtless.
Podcasting and Writing
Kreischer expanded his reach through podcasting and writing, sharing more of his life and thoughts with fans.
- Podcasting Career: Launched "Bertcast" in 2012, part of the All Things Comedy Network.
- Book Publication: Published "Life of the Party: Stories of a Perpetual Man-Child" in 2014.
Personal Life
Kreischer's personal life often features in his comedy, adding a relatable and heartfelt touch.
- Marriage and Family: Married to LeeAnn Kemp, with two daughters.
- Man Cave: Has a dedicated space in his house for podcasting and creative projects.
Unique Traits and Adventures
Kreischer's adventurous spirit and unique traits make him stand out in the comedy world.
- Height and Physical Appearance: Stands at 5 feet 11 inches tall, often performs shirtless.
- Fear of Heights: Despite his adventurous nature, he has a fear of heights.
- Bear Wrestling: Wrestled a bear for his 2004 reality show "Hurt Bert."
Netflix Specials and The Machine Movie
Kreischer's work on Netflix and his life story adaptation have brought his comedy to a wider audience.
- Netflix Specials: Released several specials, including "Secret Time" (2018) and "Razzle Dazzle" (2023).
- The Machine Movie: A 2023 film adaptation of his life story, focusing on his Russian mafia incident.
Production and Festivals
Kreischer's entrepreneurial spirit led to the creation of his production company and a comedy festival.
- Berty Boy Productions: Produces and hosts various podcasts and supports the Fully Loaded Comedy Festival.
- Fully Loaded Comedy Festival: Inspired by outdoor music festivals, bringing top comedic talents together.
Charity and Community Involvement
Kreischer uses his platform to give back to the community and support charitable causes.
- Hurricane Relief Efforts: Organized a benefit show for Hurricane Helene victims in 2022.
- 2 BEARS 5K: Participated in a charity run presented by Netflix is a Joke Fest in May 2024.
Las Vegas Residency and Industry Recognition
Kreischer's success has led to prestigious opportunities and industry recognition.
- Residency at Resorts World Theatre: Performing a limited residency in Las Vegas in September 2024.
- Pollstar Rankings: Listed as #4 in the "Top 10 Highest Grossing Tours" in 2022.
- Forbes Recognition: Hailed as "one of the best storytellers of his generation" by Forbes.
Cooking Show and TV Appearances
Kreischer's versatility extends to cooking shows and various TV appearances.
- Comedy Cooking Show: Created "Something’s Burning" in 2018, featuring cooking and drinking with friends.
- TV Show Appearances: Appeared in "The Loud House" (2017) and "The Cabin with Bert Kreischer" (2020).
Memorable Stories and Incidents
Kreischer's life is filled with memorable stories that have become central to his comedy.
- Russian Mafia Incident: Claims to have participated in a robbery with the Russian mob during a college trip.
- Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity: His fraternity days are often referenced in his comedy.
Career Highlights and Achievements
Kreischer's career is marked by numerous highlights and achievements, showcasing his talent and hard work.
- National Lampoon Live: New Faces – Volume 2: Featured on this DVD release in 2004.
- Shorties Watchin' Shorties: One of his stories appeared in this animated Comedy Central series.
- Hurt Bert: Gained his own show on the FX Network in 2004.
- The Shield: Had a role in an episode of this police drama in 2004.
Hosting and Voice Acting
Kreischer's talents extend to hosting and voice acting, adding to his diverse portfolio.
- Bert the Conqueror: Hosted this Travel Channel show starting in 2010.
- Trip Flip: Hosted this Travel Channel show from 2012 to 2015.
- The Loud House: Voiced Rip Hardcore in a 2017 episode.
Recent Projects and Future Plans
Kreischer continues to take on new projects and plan for the future, keeping his career dynamic and exciting.
- The Cabin with Bert Kreischer: Starred in this 2020 show where he detoxed in the woods with friends.
- The Machine (2023): The movie adaptation of his life story, focusing on his Russian mafia incident.
Stand-up Comedy Specials
Kreischer's stand-up specials showcase his latest comedic endeavors and continue to attract a large audience.
- Bert Kreischer: Comfortably Dumb: His first comedy special aired in 2009.
- Bert Kreischer: The Machine: Released in 2016, featuring his famous Russian mafia story.
- Bert Kreischer: Razzle Dazzle: Released in 2023, showcasing his latest material.
Financial Success
Kreischer's successful career has led to significant financial success, reflecting his hard work and talent.
- Net Worth: As of 2024, his net worth is approximately $5 million.
Podcasting and Digital Presence
Kreischer's digital presence through podcasting has allowed him to connect with fans on a deeper level.
- Podcast Launch: Launched "Bertcast" in 2012, part of the All Things Comedy Network.
Continued Success in Comedy
Kreischer's ongoing success in comedy is a testament to his talent, hard work, and ability to connect with audiences.
- Comedy Specials: Released several specials, including "Comfortably Dumb" (2009) and "Razzle Dazzle" (2023).
- TV Show Hosting: Hosted several reality TV shows, including "Bert the Conqueror" and "Trip Flip."
Industry Recognition and Awards
Kreischer's contributions to comedy have been recognized by industry professionals and fans alike.
- Forbes Recognition: Hailed as "one of the best storytellers of his generation" by Forbes.
Bert Kreischer: A Comedy Powerhouse
Bert Kreischer's journey from a college party legend to a comedy icon is nothing short of remarkable. Known as "The Machine," Kreischer's wild tales, fearless stunts, and unique storytelling have captivated audiences worldwide. His stand-up specials, like "Secret Time" and "Razzle Dazzle," showcase his comedic genius. Hosting shows like "Bert the Conqueror" and "Trip Flip," he brings humor to adventurous escapades. Kreischer's podcast, "Bertcast," offers fans a deeper look into his life and thoughts. With a movie adaptation of his infamous Russian mafia story and a successful production company, Berty Boy Productions, Kreischer continues to expand his comedic empire. His blend of humor, authenticity, and adventurous spirit makes him a standout in the comedy world. Whether performing shirtless on stage or sharing personal anecdotes, Kreischer remains a beloved figure in entertainment.
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