Tom Bergeron

Tom Bergeron
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Name	Tom Bergeron
Caption	Bergeron in 2012
Birth name	Thomas Bergeron
Birth date	6 May 1955
Birth place	Haverhill, Massachusetts, U.S.
Occupation	Television host, personality
Years active	1972–present
Spouse	Lois Bergeron, 1982

Tom Bergeron is an American television host and personality, best known for his long tenure as the host of the popular ABC competition series Dancing with the Stars and the syndicated comedy show America's Funniest Home Videos. His career spans over four decades, beginning in local New England broadcasting before achieving national fame. Bergeron is celebrated for his quick wit, improvisational skill, and affable on-screen presence, which have made him a fixture in American television.

Early life and education

Thomas Bergeron was born on May 6, 1955, in Haverhill, Massachusetts, to parents of French-Canadian descent. He developed an interest in broadcasting during his youth, listening to radio personalities on stations like WMEX in Boston. Bergeron attended Haverhill High School, where he was active in drama and worked at the school's radio station. He briefly attended Northern Essex Community College but left to pursue a full-time career in radio, landing his first professional job at WHAV in his hometown.

Career

Bergeron's broadcasting career began in radio, with early roles at stations including WHEB in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. He transitioned to television in the late 1970s, working as a host and announcer for WBZ-TV in Boston, where he contributed to programs like Evening Magazine. His big national break came in 1987 when he was chosen to host the FX network's first original program, Breakfast Time, a groundbreaking morning show that showcased his improvisational humor. This led to hosting duties on the Game Show Network and a stint as a guest host on the CBS morning show The Early Show.

In 2001, Bergeron took over as host of America's Funniest Home Videos, succeeding original host Bob Saget and bringing his own comedic style to the long-running ABC staple. His most defining role began in 2005 when he was selected as the host of the new BBC format adaptation Dancing with the Stars. For 28 seasons, he guided the celebrity dance competition, earning critical acclaim and multiple Emmy Award nominations for his work. During this period, he also hosted the Hollywood Squares revival and made guest appearances on series like The Simpsons and How I Met Your Mother. After departing Dancing with the Stars in 2020, he launched the podcast Stirring the Pot with Tom Bergeron and has made subsequent television appearances on shows such as The Masked Singer.

Personal life

Bergeron has been married to Lois Bergeron since 1982, and the couple has two daughters. He is a longtime practitioner of Transcendental Meditation and has spoken publicly about its benefits for stress management. An avid supporter of his home state, he maintains strong ties to Massachusetts and is involved with various charitable organizations, including those supporting children's hospitals and veterans' causes. In his spare time, Bergeron enjoys golf and is a noted fan of classic television and film.

Filmography

A selected list of Bergeron's television and film credits includes hosting roles on Dancing with the Stars (2005–2020), America's Funniest Home Videos (2001–2015), and Hollywood Squares (1998–2004). He served as a guest host on The Early Show and appeared as himself in episodes of The Simpsons, How I Met Your Mother, and Samantha Who?. His film appearances include a cameo in The Comebacks (2007) and a voice role in the animated feature Foodfight! (2012). Bergeron also hosted the Game Show Network's original series Whammy! The All-New Press Your Luck.

Awards and nominations

Throughout his career, Bergeron has received significant recognition from the television industry. He has won two Daytime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Game Show Host for his work on Hollywood Squares. For hosting Dancing with the Stars, he earned nine Primetime Emmy Award nominations for Outstanding Host for a Reality or Competition Program, winning the award in 2012. He has also been honored with a Television Critics Association Award and received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2012, located in front of the Kodak Theatre.

Category:American television hosts Category:1955 births Category:Living people Category:People from Haverhill, Massachusetts