15 Interesting Facts About Howard Stern You Probably Didn’t Know
Howard Stern is a famous American radio and television personality. He is known for his long and often controversial career. Many people know him as the “King of All Media.” This title reflects his success across different media platforms.
For decades, Stern has been a major figure in entertainment. His interviews are known for being very direct and personal. He has changed the radio industry in many ways. But there are many things about him that people might not know. This article will share some interesting facts about this media giant.
He Worked at His College Radio Station
Howard Stern’s radio career started early. He worked at his college radio station at Boston University. The station was called WTBU. He hosted a show there and learned the basics of radio. This was his first time on the air.
At WTBU, he also met some of his future collaborators. Fred Norris, who would become a longtime member of his show, also worked at the station. This early experience was very important for his future career. It helped him develop his unique style.
He Was Fired from Several Jobs
Early in his career, Howard Stern was fired from multiple radio stations. He worked at WNBC in New York in the early 1980s. His show was successful, but his content was considered too controversial. NBC fired him in 1985.
This was not the only time he was let go. Before WNBC, he also had a short and difficult time at a station in Hartford, Connecticut. These firings were due to his edgy and provocative humor. However, they also helped build his reputation as a “shock jock.”
He is an Accomplished Author
Besides radio, Howard Stern has written successful books. He has written three major books. His first book, “Private Parts,” was released in 1993. It was a huge success and became a bestseller.
The book was a memoir about his life and career. It was later made into a popular movie. His second book, “Miss America,” was also a bestseller. In 2019, he released his third book, “Howard Stern Comes Again.” It features transcripts of his best interviews.
Private Parts (1997)
Howard Stern’s life was turned into a movie. The film “Private Parts” was released in 1997. It is based on his first book of the same name. Stern stars as himself in the movie. The film shows his journey from his childhood to becoming a famous radio host.
The movie was a critical and commercial success. It showed a different side of Stern to the public. Many people who were not his radio listeners enjoyed the film. It helped to make him even more famous.
He is a Talented Photographer
Many people don’t know that Howard Stern is a skilled photographer. He has been passionate about photography for many years. His work has been featured in magazines. He often takes pictures of his wife, Beth Stern.
He has also photographed many of his celebrity guests. Stern’s photography is another creative outlet for him. It shows a more artistic and less public side of his personality. He takes his photography very seriously.
He Ran for Governor of New York
In 1994, Howard Stern ran for Governor of New York. He ran as a Libertarian candidate. His main campaign promise was to fix road construction delays. He also wanted to bring back the death penalty.
He eventually dropped out of the race. The reason was that he would have had to disclose his personal finances. He did not want to do this. His campaign, though short-lived, attracted a lot of media attention.
He is a Big Animal Lover
Howard Stern and his wife, Beth, are dedicated animal lovers. They have fostered hundreds of cats and kittens. Their home is often full of animals waiting for adoption. They work with animal rescue organizations.
Beth Stern is a spokesperson for the North Shore Animal League America. Howard often talks about their foster animals on his show. He uses his platform to promote animal adoption and welfare.
He is a Judge on America’s Got Talent (2012-2015)
Howard Stern was a judge on the popular TV show “America’s Got Talent.” He was on the show for four seasons, from 2012 to 2015. Many people were surprised by his role as a judge. They were used to his shocking radio persona.
On the show, he was a thoughtful and constructive critic. He showed a different, more serious side of himself. He was popular with viewers for his honest and fair judging. His time on the show introduced him to a new audience.
He is a Health Enthusiast
Despite his wild public image, Howard Stern is very focused on his health. He is a pescatarian, meaning he eats fish but not other meat. He is also very disciplined about his diet and exercise.
He often talks about his health routines on his show. He practices transcendental meditation to manage stress. This focus on health and wellness might be surprising to some of his listeners.
He Was a Pinball Wizard
In his younger years, Howard Stern was an avid pinball player. He was very good at it. He has said that he would spend hours playing pinball. It was one of his favorite hobbies.
This was before he became a famous radio host. He has talked about his love for the game on his show. It is a nostalgic part of his past that many fans find interesting.
His Father Was a Sound Engineer
Howard Stern’s father, Ben Stern, was a sound engineer. This likely influenced Howard’s interest in radio. Ben worked at a recording studio in Manhattan. Howard has said his father was very critical of his voice and on-air delivery.
This criticism pushed him to improve his skills. The relationship with his father has been a frequent topic on his show. It has provided both comedic and emotional moments.
He is a Fan of Chess
Howard Stern is an avid chess player. He plays the game regularly. He has often spoken about his love for chess on his show. He finds the game to be a great way to challenge his mind.
He has played against some famous chess players. He even had chess master Dan Heisman on his show for lessons. This hobby shows a more strategic and intellectual side of his personality.
He Inducted Bon Jovi into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
In 2018, Howard Stern inducted the band Bon Jovi into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. This was a significant moment for him and the band. Stern and Jon Bon Jovi are longtime friends.
Stern’s speech was both funny and heartfelt. He talked about the band’s long career and their impact on music. It was a role that showed his deep appreciation for rock music and his friendship with the musicians.
He Has Been Sued by the FCC
Howard Stern’s show has been the subject of numerous fines from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The FCC regulates content on the radio. They found his show to be indecent on many occasions.
Over the years, the companies that owned his show paid millions of dollars in fines. These battles with the FCC were a major part of his career. They also solidified his image as a rebel in the media. This is a key reason he moved to satellite radio, which is not regulated by the FCC.
He is One of the Highest-Paid People in Media
Howard Stern is consistently one of the highest-paid people in the entertainment industry. His move to Sirius Satellite Radio in 2006 came with a massive contract. It was reportedly worth $500 million over five years.
He has since signed several new contracts with SiriusXM. These deals have kept him at the top of the list of media earners. His success in radio has made him incredibly wealthy.
