5 things Phil Keoghan has done that will blow your mind: From bicycle tours to cooking dinner on top of a volcano
At 32 seasons and 373 episodes, 'The Amazing Race' is easily one of the longest-running reality TV shows. Synonymous with adrenaline and adventure, there's a whole generation that's grown up watching duos make their way across foreign locations, solving intricate puzzles and tasks, to make it to their final goal. And at the center of it all was host Phil Keoghan, dishing out wisdom and guiding teams, while helping viewers keep a track of their progress.
Keoghan was a TV personality back home in New Zealand, but landing ' The Amazing Race' is what made him a household name across the globe. As the host of such a mentally and physically demanding show, it comes as no surprise that Keoghan is a man of many talents.
Here are five cool things we bet you didn't about this multi-talented TV personality.
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He's made two cross country bike tour documentaries
It comes as no surprise that Keoghan is passionate about travel. At the age of 40, he rode from Santa Monica to New York on a bicycle and raised nearly half a million for multiple sclerosis research in the process. His journey was documented and later released as a film titled 'The Ride'. The film raised over a million dollars and Keoghan donated the entire profit away.
His second documentary was the story of the first English-speaking team to ride the Tour de France, which consisted of a New Zealander and three Australians, who participated in 1928. Keoghan, who wanted to tell the story as accurately as possible retraced the same route on a 1928 bicycle. He and his team even followed the exact same schedule. The documentary aptly called 'The Ride' even features photographs from the journey.
He originally auditioned to host 'Survivor'
In fact, he even made the shortlist. But, the CBS network ultimately went with Jeff Probst for 'Survivor'. They did offer Keoghan 'The Amazing Race' instead and the rest is history.
He's done a lot of cool things, including having dinner on top of a volcano
As reported by Inside Hook, Keoghan took a five-star chef on top of the Stromboli Volcano. The chef made a meal of his using the active volcano's natural heat — he dug a hole and cooked pasta and fish.
He's won multiple Emmy awards
Keoghan has been a producer on the show for a number of years now, his role definitely goes beyond just that of a host, seeing that he actively participates in research and ideation as well. The show has won 15 Emmys over the years, including 10 for the Outstanding Reality-Competition Program.
He and his wife are the executive producers of 'Tough as Nails'
It comes as no surprise that Keoghan and his wife, Louise, are the producers behind a show that celebrates the human spirit. As per the official CBS network website synopsis, 'Tough As Nails' is a competition series that celebrates everyday Americans who roll up their sleeves and don’t think twice about working long hard hours and getting their hands dirty, in order to keep their country running.'
Keoghan is also the front-runner and host of the show. With season 2 back on screen, we can't wait to see Keoghan back in action!
Catch ‘Tough As Nails’ season 2 on Wednesdays at 8/7c on CBS. For more information, check your local listings.