Bear Grylls

Bear Grylls Biography

Bear Grylls is a well-recognized face all over the planet due to his survival shows flashed on several television channels. He has attained recognition and respect as the host of Man vs Wild and Born Survivor television series.

Bear Grylls was born as Edward Michael Grylls on June 7, 1974 to his politician father Sir Michael Grylls and mother Lady Sarah Grylls. He spent his toddling days in Donaghadee in Northern Ireland before moving to Benbridge located in the Isle of Wight.

Edward got his nickname Bear when he was only a week old from his only other sibling, his elder sister Lara Fawcett. Bear studied at Ludgrove School followed by Eton College and then at the University of London. In addition, he engaged in climbing and sailing with his father while skydiving as he got older. He also learnt Shotokan Karate and managed to earn his second black belt in the sport.

His desire to join the armed forces resulted in serving for 3 years with the British Special Forces as part of the 21 SAS. However, a parachute accident in Zambia during 1996 landed Bear in a hospital with three broken vertebrae. While doctors pondered on whether he would be able to walk again, Bear proved everyone wrong by not only walking, but also climbing Mount Everest while becoming the youngest climbers to do so and that too, a mere 18 months after his accident.

The next few years were based on his past rigorous training in the armed forces as he crossed the North Atlantic Ocean, circumnavigated the UK, hosted a dinner party at 7,600 meters above sea level in a balloon, flew over Mount Everest, and attempted to climb an inhospitable peak in Antarctica.

However, it was Discovery Channel’s TV series Man vs Wild and Born Survivor that transformed Bear Grylls into a household figure while taking the shows to Emmy nominations. In addition, Bear hosted several other television shows including Escape to the Legion, Worst Case Scenario, Bear’s Wild Weekend, Escape from Hell, and Get out Alive with Bear Grylls.

Bear Grylls has also written 11 books that include his autobiography Mud, Sweat, and Tears which went on to become a bestseller. Bear also markets outdoor clothing and survival equipment manufactured for him by Craghoppers of the UK and Gerber respectively.

Bear Grylls is actively involved in charitable work by way of raising money for various charitable institutions. He is also a motivational speaker and addresses schools, churches, and corporations encouraging people to save the environment, work towards their dreams, and help countries in crisis.

Bear Grylls is married to Shara Cannings Knight and the couple has three sons by the names of Huckleberry, Marmaduke, and Jesse. Bear was elected as the Chief Scout in 2009 by The Scout Association which actually made him the youngest Chief ever in the history of the Association.

Bear Grylls has certainly taken his passion for the outdoors to an entirely new level. His passion and skills have fuelled a healthy interest by avid viewers all around the globe and motivated people to become fit. Bear continues to promote his outdoor skills and encourage like-minded people to embark on their own adventures.