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If you're a fan of science, technology, and creativity, chances are you've heard of Adam Savage. But did you know that this celebrated TV host and maker extraordinaire has a backstory that's as wild and wacky as some of the projects he's tackled on screen? From his early days as a special effects artist to his rise to fame as a co-host on the hit TV show MythBusters, Savage's journey is one for the books. So, buckle up and get ready to dive deep into the life and times of one of the most iconic personalities in pop culture today. It's a story that's as savage as it is inspiring, and we're here to tell it all.
The Humble Beginnings of Adam Savage
If you've ever wondered how a New Yorker with a passion for building and a love for performance ended up as a celebrated TV host, then you're in the right place. Adam Whitney Savage, born on July 15, 1967, in New York City, had humble beginnings in North Tarrytown, which is now called Sleepy Hollow. His father, Whitney Lee Savage, was a painter, filmmaker, and animator, while his mother, Karen, was a psychotherapist.
Adam was the second youngest of six children, and his family was blended with four older siblings from his parents' previous marriages. He's come a long way from those early days, now living in San Francisco with his wife Julia Ward, whom he married on September 11, 2004, and his twin sons from a previous relationship. It's not surprising to learn that Adam Savage, who is an atheist, was always more interested in doing things with his hands than in acting, which he abandoned by the time he was 19.
Adam’s Life Before Television
Before Adam Savage became a household name as a TV presenter, he dabbled in a wide range of jobs that would make even the most versatile person dizzy. He animated, designed graphics, built sets, and even owned a gallery! That's not all, Adam also worked as a carpenter, projectionist, toy designer, and model maker on numerous films like Star Wars: Episode II, The Mummy, and The Matrix Reloaded. You name it, he's probably done it.
Not to forget his acting chops, he played a helpful engineer in Ever Since the World Ended and an army surplus store owner in The Darwin Awards. Adam has also become a regular presenter at James Randi's annual Skeptics conference and a guest speaker at Maker Faire since 2008. He hosted an episode of the Discovery Channel series Curiosity, where he speculated on whether humans could live forever. Oh, and he received an honorary doctorate for popularizing science and technology! Suffice it to say, Adam Savage's humble beginnings were anything but humble.
Savage’s Evolution In Television
Adam Savage's evolution into television was a journey filled with twists and turns, and he made sure to leave his mark on every stop along the way. Before he delved into TV presenting, Savage kept busy as a judge on the game show Unchained Reaction and even delivered a keynote address at the South by Southwest conference. He also dabbled in podcasting, co-hosting the weekly Still Untitled: The Adam Savage Project, where he conversed with his colleagues about everything from science to DIY.
Savage's hunger for more didn't stop there. He went on to tour with Michael Stevens on Brain Candy LIVE! tour and even made a cameo appearance in Blade Runner 2049. Not only did Savage win the Heinz Oberhummer Award for Science Communication in the same year, but he also collaborated with Weta Workshop to create and star in the short film A Farewell to Arms. As if that wasn't enough, Savage was recently appointed as the Creative Director of SiliCon, taking over from none other than Steve Wozniak. It's clear that Savage has a passion for science, but his creativity and wit have made him an undeniable force in the entertainment industry.
Adam Savage And The Mythbusters
Adam Savage and the Mythbusters is like a match made in science heaven. The show premiered in 2003 with Adam and Jamie Hyneman as the dynamic duo, disproving or confirming myths through testing and experiments. Adam's personality is just as explosive as some of the experiments they conducted, providing an energetic and animated presence on the show. In the second season, the team expanded to include the likes of Kari Byron, Tory Belleci, Scottie Chapman, and later, Grant Imahara, who replaced Scottie.
They continued to bust myths left and right until their final episode aired in 2016 but the Science Channel saw the potential for more explosions and revived the show in 2017 with new hosts Jon Lung and Brian Louden. Adam's love for science continued to shine through as he hosted the spin-off series Mythbusters Jr. in 2019, featuring a group of talented teenagers. Watching Adam and his fellow myth busters at work was truly a sight to behold, and we're grateful for all the knowledge they imparted to us over the years.
Adam’s Numerous Awards
Adam Savage is a man of many talents, and his numerous awards prove it. From the Emmy Awards to the Hugo Awards, Savage's trophy cabinet is almost as impressive as his handlebar mustache. He has won multiple Emmy Awards for his work on MythBusters, and the Hugo Award for Best Dramatic Presentation, Short Form, for his contributions to the web series The Guild.
Savage’s accolades don't stop there. He has also been recognized with the Edward R. Murrow Award for his coverage of the Mars Rover landing, and the California State Legislature's Speaker's Award for his promotion of science and technology education. If awards were a currency, Savage would be a millionaire. Luckily for us, his wealth comes, not only in the form of money but also in the form of knowledge and inspiration.
Sources: IMDb, The Famous People, Grunge