Chris Berman biography

Synopsis

Early Life and Career

Television sportscaster Chris Berman was born on May 10, 1955, in Greenwich, Connecticut. Known for his enthusiastic, fast-talking style and strong, booming voice, Chris Berman has become one of the best known television sportscasters. He grew up in Greenwich, Connecticut, and it would be while living in the state that he would make his mark in the world of sports reporting.

While a student at Brown University, Chris Berman served as a game commentator and the sports director for the school's radio station. He also worked as a freelancer for NBC Sports. After graduating in 1977, Berman worked for several jobs, covering sports and traffic for a Waterbury, Connecticut, radio station and serving as a weekend sports anchor for a Hartford television station -- a job that paid only $23 a day. In October 1979, he joined the then-fledging sports cable network ESPN. His first job with the station had him working late hours, serving as an anchor of the 3 a.m. edition of SportsCenter.

ESPN

Since then, Chris Berman has served as a host, anchor and commentator on numerous programs on ESPN, including NFL Countdown, NFL Sundays, SportsCenter and Baseball Tonight. He became famous for his catchphrases and for creating nicknames for numerous athletes. Known for clowning during his programs, Berman also developed a character called "The Swami" who makes predictions about sporting events. But one of the most striking moments of his career was in 1995 when he chosen to remain silent during the celebration for Baltimore Oriole Cal Ripken's 2,131 consecutive baseball game, setting a new record.

On air for almost three decades, Chris Berman has received numerous awards over the years. He was named National Sportscaster of the Year by the National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association six times -- in 1989, 1990, 1993, 1994, 1996 and 2001. Berman and his programs have also won several Emmy Awards and CableACE Awards.

Personal Life

A popular media figure, Chris Berman has appeared as himself on numerous television shows, including Arli$$, Spin City and Coach. He lives with his wife Kathy and their two children, Meredith and Douglas, in Connecticut.

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