Is The Bachelor even The Bachelor without Chris Harrison? Since the premiere of the reality television show, Harrison was the host. Not only did he always creep in to announce when there was one final rose left during each rose ceremony, but he was also a mentor to many of the bachelors and bachelorettes throughout the show. However, in March 2021, after much-heated controversy, the show's host decided to back down and depart from the franchise that gave him a name.
His leave of absence was his choice after much reflection, and after the backlash he received, it's what fans and The Bachelor Nation family believe should've happened. But, avid Bachelor Nation fans have had his face in their living rooms all these years, so what's going to happen next?
For now, this is our after the rose special, where we'll let you know some facts about Harrison.
10 What Is He Worth?
Every season of The Bachelor franchise, according to the famous host, was "the most dramatic season" (if you know, you know). However, what's even more shocking, is his net worth.
The entertainer/host has been with us since 2002, and if the show has lasted nearly two decades, the iconic host must've done something right. So, what's he worth? According to an Insider report from 2019, an estimated $16 million is the big number. That includes other gigs though, like hosting Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?
9 He Went To The Chapel
So, did hosting reality TV make a stink of his dating life?
Before Chris Harrison became synonymous with The Bachelor, he was well on his way in the love department. The host, who quickly became a mediator through dramatic seasons, was once married to his college sweetheart, Gwen. The two were married between 1993 and 2012, as they divorced after 18 years together. Although the divorce came amid his career on the reality show, according to People, the split went well as the two are "the best of friends."
8 More Than A Host
While we know him as the man who helps others find their soulmates, others know him as "dad." Yes, many don't know that Harrison is a proud father of two, a daughter and son who he shares with his ex-wife. Who ever said Harrison wasn't a family man? And there's no denying that the two are his blood as they look so much like their successful father.
According to the busy TV personality, he shares an inseparable bond with both Joshua and Taylor.
7 Father Duty
Although Harrison has led a hectic (and dramatic) life because of his career, his closeness with his children is heartwarming.
According to Bustle, Harrison's son Joshua, who's very intact with his talents, helped his dad with The Bachelor: The Greatest Seasons―Ever!. The pandemic forced many people to alter their professional lives and work from home, and so, Joshua took on the role of his father's cameraman and producer. As an appreciative father, he would proudly give his son shout-outs, too!
6 He's A Romantic At Heart
Although we know him as a TV personality and the face of The Bachelor Nation, Harrison has a few other talents up his sleeve. Oh, and he's also a man of many wise words.
Ever heard of the novel The Perfect Letter? Well, it's Harrison himself who penned it. Funnily enough, at the beginning credits of a season of Bachelor in Paradise, Harrison is seen happily holding his book - we bet you didn't notice that!
Before you drop everything to check it out, it follows the story of a book editor that goes to Texas and finds old letters waiting to haunt her with her secrets.
5 A Businessman
Although his success in the entertainment industry is well-known, Harrison, who's also business savvy, embarked on another adventure.
Back in his hometown of Dallas, Texas, in-between all of his worldwide travels because of the infamous franchise, Harrison decided to open something of his own. It's a brewery in Dallas called the Steam Theory Brewery - who knew?
According to Insider, at the beginning of Colton's The Bachelor season, during the live parties, they used Harrison's location.
4 He Had Another Career Path In Mind
So, he's known as the face behind the franchise, as well as the therapist, friend, and mediator of contestants, but what was his first love?
Although he's clearly a natural on television, according to Harrison's biography that can be found on ABC.com, being a host was not his go-to choice. He actually attended Oklahoma City University on a soccer scholarship. And he was no amateur, as he played in a semi-pro league and could've moved on to the big boy stuff.
3 The Beginning Of It All
Listen to your heart, because look where it got Harrison!
The Bachelor Nation has been a part of our lives for almost twenty years now, but when it all began, and Harrison was appointed the role, he didn't make much of it.
In fact, according to a Guide Live interview, the man with the infamous face was quite skeptical of his newest gig. He said, "My second thought, 'I hope it lasts a couple of episodes so I can meet someone at the network and maybe get a real job out of it." Little did he know of the fame and success that was to follow.
2 Is Harrison In Love?
We know he's helped people find love, but what's his current status?
If you're a fan of Entertainment Tonight, you may be in love with Harrison's comical leading lady, Lauren Zima. According to Harrison's above adorable Instagram post, when the two first met, they were just "sneaking" around and enjoying each other's company. In a People interview, the couple spoke of their time together during the pandemic, and how it's done nothing but help strengthen their bond.
In April, Harrison posted a photo of the two exchanging a smooch, and The Bachelor Nation ALMOST thought the two tied the knot. False alarm!
1 Fatherly Advice
Harrison has seen everything and anything possible happen on the show - no, we don't need to go over all that funky business. That being said, what would he say if his daughter Taylor wanted to audition for the show?
In an interview with Salon, Harrison recounted, "Oh, if she came me to and asked to do it, I would absolutely let her do it. Look, I feel my job as a parent is to instill in her as much love and respect and hopefully decision-making ability as possible. If either of them wanted to go on the show, absolutely — I trust them to do what’s good, to live their own life and make their own decisions."
They've both got the approval stamp!
