Mike Rowe began his entertainment career in 1984 when he began performing with the Baltimore Opera. Rowe’s first television appearance was in 1990 following his audition for the QVC Shopping Channel. It was with his QVC experience that Mike gained the skills that would serve him well as a TV Host.
After years of freelance jobs and doing small sports in advertising, Mike pitched what would become “Dirty Jobs” to the Discovery Channel. Audiences loved it, Discovery ordered 39 episodes, and the rest is history.
Mike would become “the dirtiest man on TV,” traveling to all 50 states and completing over 300 different jobs. Many credit the explosive success of reality TV focused on working-class Americans to the iconic image that Dirty Jobs created.
Following the success of Dirty Jobs, he launched mikeroweWORKS, a philanthropic organization that provides scholarships to those training in blue-collar trades.
Mike Rowe’s Keynote Speaking
Mike Rowe’s Keynote speeches go viral and are often the source of inspiration for the mass movements Rowe aims to create. His TED talk and speeches to organizations like SkillsUSA have reached hundreds of thousands to millions of viewers.
In addition to his corporate keynote speaking, Rowe has also testified before the U.S. Senate Commerce Committee about the importance of changing perceptions and stereotypes around blue-collar work. Subsequently, Rowe would be asked back to testify to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
Following his appearance before the U.S. Senate and House Committees, Rowe would write the book Profoundly Disconnected, A True Confession From Mike Rowe. Notably, all of the proceeds from the sale of the book go to the mikeroweWORKS Foundation.
Mike Rowe’s Current Television Series
The Story Behind The Story is based on Rowe’s wildly popular podcast “The Way I Heard It.” Mike Rowe interviews celebrities and reveals their true personal struggles to start their careers.
