Rob Dyrdek
{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2022}}
{{Short description|American skateboarder and reality TV personality (born 1974)}}
{{pp-blp|small=yes}}
{{Infobox person
| name = Rob Dyrdek
| image = Rob Dyrdek.jpg
| caption = Dyrdek in 2017
| birth_name = Robert Stanley Dyrdek
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1974|06|28}}
| birth_place = Kettering, Ohio, U.S.
| occupation = {{flatlist|
- Skateboarder
- actor
- entrepreneur
- producer
- television personality
}}
| website = {{URL|dyrdek.com}}
| television = {{Plainlist|
}}
| years_active = 1991–present
| spouse = {{marriage|Bryiana Noelle Flores|2016}}
| children = 2
| module = {{Infobox sportsperson|embed=yes
| sport = Skateboarding
| turnedpro = 1991 (age 16)
| retired =
| nationals =
| highestranking =
| pb =
}}
}}
Robert Stanley Dyrdek (born June 28, 1974) is an American entrepreneur, actor, producer, reality TV personality, and former professional skateboarder. He is best known for his roles in the MTV reality and variety shows Rob & Big, Rob Dyrdek's Fantasy Factory, and Ridiculousness. In addition to his television ventures, Dyrdek is a serial entrepreneur, founding several businesses through his venture studio, Dyrdek Machine, including Street League Skateboarding and Superjacket Productions (now Thrill One Media).
Early life
Dyrdek was born on June 28, 1974,{{cite news | last=| first=| title =UPI Almanac for Monday, June 28, 2021| publisher=United Press International| date =June 28, 2021 | url =https://www.upi.com/Top_News/2021/06/28/UPI-Almanac-for-Monday-June-28-2021/3461624854699/| accessdate =October 14, 2022}} in Kettering, Ohio, to Gene and Patty Dyrdek.{{cite news | last1=Lynch| first1=Greg |last2=Archdeacon |first2=Tom | title =How Kettering native Rob Dyrdek made it big starting with a Christmas skateboard| work=Dayton Daily News| date =August 22, 2022 | url =https://www.dayton.com/local/how-kettering-native-rob-dyrdek-made-it-big-starting-with-a-christmas-skateboard/XSCE6DSO3NFJVCSJQ54B52RKW4/| accessdate =October 14, 2022}}{{cite news | last=Sullivan| first=James| title =Rob Dyrdek's TV Empire of Fun| work=Men's Journal| date =October 3, 2014 | url =https://www.mensjournal.com/adventure/rob-dyrdeks-tv-empire-of-fun-20141003/| accessdate =October 14, 2022}} He was involved in sports as a child and began skateboarding at the age of 11.{{cite news | last=Elliott| first=Bryan| title =Behind the Brand With Rob Dyrdek| work=Inc.| date =February 16, 2022 | url =https://www.inc.com/bryan-elliott/behind-brand-with-rob-dyrdek.html| accessdate =October 14, 2022}} Of his early interest in the sport, Dyrdek has stated, "I was so focused on becoming a pro skateboarder. I would sit in school and think about all the tricks I was going to do, then I'd get out of school and skate until they made me come inside."{{cite web|title=ROB DYRDEK AND HIS LATEST CREATION COME TO THE VALLEY|url=http://www.azteenmagazine.com/band-reviews.php?article=750|work=azTeen Magazine|access-date=September 9, 2012|author=azTeen|date=August 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120625193957/http://www.azteenmagazine.com/band-reviews.php?article=750|archive-date=June 25, 2012|url-status=dead}} Dyrdek attended Fairmont High School in Kettering.
Career
=1986–2005: Professional skateboarding and early business ventures=
At the age of 11, Dyrdek earned a sponsorship to represent Surf Ohio, a local skate shop in Dayton, Ohio. He began competing at age 12. Gordon and Smith Skateboard Company (G&S), a national brand, began sponsoring him around that time. In July 1989 at age 15, Dyrdek placed first at a National Skateboard Association North Central District competition.{{cite news | last=Lesnik| first=Jon| title =District champ is chairman of the board| work=Dayton Daily News| date =July 6, 1989 | url =https://www.newspapers.com/image/407534368/?terms=%22rob%20dyrdek%22&match=1| accessdate =October 14, 2022}} At the age of 16, he decided to forgo his senior year of high school and instead moved to Southern California to continue his professional skate career.{{cite web|url=http://www.collegenews.com/article/americas-skateboarding-entrepreneur-rob-dyrdek-ties-the-knot|title=America's Skateboarding Entrepreneur Rob Dyrdek Ties the Knot - College News|website=collegenews.com|date=September 19, 2015 }}{{cite news | last=Welty| first=Matt| title =How Rob Dyrdek Built His Mega Fortune Off Sneakers| work=Complex| date =October 28, 2021 | url =https://www.complex.com/sneakers/how-rob-dyrdek-built-million-dollar-empire-dc-shoes| accessdate =October 14, 2022}} He officially turned pro in 1991, competing at the Skateboard World Cup in Germany and placing fifth. He also appeared in the Alien Workshop skate video, Memory Screen, that year.{{cite news | last=| first=| title =Five Favorite Parts With The Chrome Ball Incident| work=Quarter Snacks| date =August 16, 2017 | url =https://quartersnacks.com/2017/08/five-favorite-parts-with-the-chrome-ball-incident/| accessdate =October 14, 2022}} Alien Workshop, a Dayton, Ohio-based skateboarding company, began sponsoring Dyrdek at that time.{{cite news | last=Dillon| first=Jim| title =He's a pro skateboarder| work=Dayton Daily News| date =September 3, 1995 | url =https://www.newspapers.com/image/408271233/?terms=%22rob%20dyrdek%22&match=1| accessdate =October 14, 2022}} The company began producing signature Dyrdek skateboards soon after the endorsement.{{cite news | last=Archdeacon| first=Tom| title =Dyrdek a skateboarding star| work=Dayton Daily News| date =September 8, 2004 | url =https://www.newspapers.com/image/409145063/?terms=%22rob%20dyrdek%22%20%22alien%22%20%22skateboard%22&match=1| accessdate =September 28, 2022}} Dyrdek also founded his own skateboard accessory company, Orion Trucks, at age 17.{{cite news | last=Lewinski| first=John Scott| title =20 Minutes With: Pro Skateboarder-Turned-Entrepreneur Rob Dyrdek| work=Barron's| date =February 21, 2022 | url =https://www.barrons.com/articles/20-minutes-with-pro-skateboarder-turned-entrepreneur-rob-dyrdek-01645220998| accessdate =October 14, 2022}}
By 1995, Dyrdek was competing at events and performing at exhibitions throughout North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. Around that time, Droors Clothing, which later became known as DC Shoes, began sponsoring Dyrdek. During 1995, he launched his first signature shoe (the RD 1) with DC,{{cite news | last=Bengtson| first=Russ| title =The 30 Best Signature Skate Shoes of All Time| work=Complex| date =May 20, 2013 | url =https://www.complex.com/sneakers/2013/05/the-30-best-signature-skate-shoes-of-all-time/| accessdate =October 14, 2022}} beginning a 20-year partnership that included 29 signature shoes.{{cite news | last=Pursell| first=Robert| title =DC Shoes and Rob Dyrdek to part ways| work=Men's Journal| date =January 14, 2016 | url =https://www.mensjournal.com/adventure/dc-shoes-and-rob-dyrdek-to-part-ways/| accessdate =September 28, 2022}} In 1999, Dyrdek expanded into the business world by founding Dyrdek Enterprises.{{cite news | last=DiNunzio| first=Jeff| title =Dyrdek Enterprises acquires DNA| publisher=ESPN| date =April 18, 2012 | url =https://www.espn.com/action/story/_/id/7829462/dyrdek-enterprises-acquires-dna-distribution| accessdate =October 14, 2022}}
In 2000, Dyrdek placed sixth in park skating at that year's X Games in San Francisco.{{cite news | last=| first=| title =Scoreboard - X Games| work=The San Francisco Examiner| date =August 22, 2000 | url =https://www.newspapers.com/image/462578711/?terms=%22rob%20dyrdek%22&match=1| accessdate =October 14, 2022}} In 2003, he founded Silver Trucks, a skateboarding accessories company.{{cite news | last=| first=| title =Rob Dyrdek is the biggest name in skateboarding. Period.| work=International Skateboarders Union| date =June 3, 2020 | url =https://internationalskateboardersunion.com/rob-dyrdek/| accessdate =September 28, 2022}} In 2005, he drafted, designed, developed, and raised funding for the world's first skate plaza, the Rob Dyrdek/DC Shoes Skate Plaza, in his hometown of Kettering. The park emphasized elements of street skateboarding, incorporating urban artifacts like stairs, ledges, planters, and railings. It was the first project funded by the Rob Dyrdek/DC Shoes Skate Plaza Foundation.{{cite news | last=Lee| first=Mara| title =Skate Park Ready to Open| work=Dayton Daily News| date =June 10, 2005 | url =https://www.newspapers.com/image/410927743/?terms=%22rob%20dyrdek%22&match=1| accessdate =October 14, 2022}}{{cite news | last=Dardick| first=Hal| title =To skateboarders, Chicago plaza would be sweet| work=Chicago Tribune| date =April 17, 2005 | url =https://www.newspapers.com/image/232013686/?terms=%22rob%20dyrdek%22&match=1| accessdate =October 14, 2022}}
=2006–2009: MTV reality series=
In November 2006,{{cite news | last=Rice| first=Dan| title =A conversation with 'Rob & Big'| work=News-Press| date =November 5, 2006 | url =https://www.newspapers.com/image/222291912/?terms=%22rob%20dyrdek%22&match=1| accessdate =October 14, 2022}} the MTV reality series Rob & Big premiered, which starred Dyrdek and his best friend and bodyguard, Christopher "Big Black" Boykin,{{cite news | last=Ignelzi| first=Lenny| title =MTV skateboard into reality| work=The Desert Sun| date =April 15, 2016 | url =https://www.newspapers.com/image/195091896/?terms=%22rob%20dyrdek%22&match=1| accessdate =October 14, 2022}} as well as his cousin, Chris "Drama" Pfaff, and friend, Rashawn "Bam Bam" Davis.{{cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0791283/|title=Rob & Big|via=imdb.com}} It was born from a skit Dyrdek wrote for a 2003 DC Shoes video, The DC Video. In the skit, he hired Boykin as a bodyguard for protection from security guards while filming street skating videos. The show featured instances of these interactions along with other facets of Dyrdek's daily life.{{cite news | last=| first=| title =BIG BLACK HAS PASSED AWAY — REST IN PEACE| work=The Berrics| date =May 9, 2017 | url =https://theberrics.com/big-black-died| accessdate =September 28, 2022}} As part of Rob & Big in 2007, Dyrdek set 21 skating world records in one day, according to the Guinness Book of World Records.{{cite news | last=Novelo| first=Ed| title =The 20 Most Ridiculous Feats in Sports and Athletics| work=Bleacher Report| date =April 8, 2011 | url =https://bleacherreport.com/articles/658660-the-20-most-ridiculous-feats-in-sports-and-athletics| accessdate =October 14, 2022}} Some of these included the longest board slide—{{convert|100|ft|5.75|in|m}}—,{{cite news | last=| first=| title =Longest board slide on a skateboard| work=Guinness Book of World Records| date =September 17, 2007 | url =https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/longest-board-slide-on-a-skateboard| accessdate =October 14, 2022}} the highest skateboard ramp jump into water—{{convert|10|ft|8|in|m}}—,{{cite news | last=| first=| title =Highest skateboard ramp jump into water| work=Guinness Book of World Records| date =September 17, 2007 | url =https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/highest-skateboard-ramp-jump-into-water| accessdate =October 14, 2022}} and the most nollie kickflips in one minute (22).{{cite news | last=| first=| title =Most skateboard nollie kickflips in one minute| work=Guinness Book of World Records| date =September 17, 2007 | url =https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/most-skateboard-nollie-kickflips-in-one-minute| accessdate =October 14, 2022}} The series ended its run in April 2008 after three seasons.
In February 2009, Rob Dyrdek's Fantasy Factory, featuring Dyrdek, Pfaff, and his Dyrdek Enterprise staff, was first broadcast. It covered Dyrdek's "Fantasy Factory", a converted warehouse where Dyrdek runs his businesses.{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=GoKJZanh6TsC&pg=PA139|title=The Year in Television, 2009: A Catalog of New and Continuing Series, Miniseries, Specials and TV Movies|first=Vincent|last=Terrace|date=August 30, 2010|publisher=McFarland|isbn=9780786456444|via=Google Books}} He also built a recording studio for Pfaff inside the factory.{{cite web|url=http://www.ent13.com/technology/rob-dyrdeks-fantasy-factory-dra-dra-drama-beats-3809/|title=Rob Dyrdek's Fantasy Factory: Dra Dra Drama Beats (3/8/09) - - ent13|date=March 9, 2009}} During the course of the first season, he opened his first SafeSpot SkateSpot.{{cite web|url=http://laist.com/2009/02/26/rob_dyrdek_debuts_his_new_public_sk.php|title=Rob Dyrdek Debuts His New Public Skate Plaza|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171106005803/http://laist.com/2009/02/26/rob_dyrdek_debuts_his_new_public_sk.php|archive-date=November 6, 2017}} At the grand-opening, Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa rode with Dyrdek on the world's largest skateboard.{{cite news|url=http://archive.boston.com/sports/other_sports/articles/2009/12/17/dyrdek_unveils_latest_skate_park/|title=Dyrdek unveils latest skate park|first=Bernie|last=Wilson|newspaper=Boston.com|date=December 17, 2009|via=The Boston Globe}} Fantasy Factory aired a total of seven seasons, with the season finale airing on March 13, 2014. On that final episode, Dyrdek set the Guinness World Record for the longest reverse ramp jump by a car at 89 feet, 3.25 inches.{{cite news | last=Janela| first=Mike| title =Video: Rob Dyrdek sets reverse car jump record| work=Guinness World Records| date =February 14, 2014 | url =https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/news/2014/2/(video)-rob-dyrdek-sets-reverse-car-jump-world-record-55357/| accessdate =September 28, 2022}} The show mainly featured a cast of Dyrdek, Chris Pfaff, Boykin, Scott Pfaff, Chanel West Coast, and Sterling "Steelo" Brim.{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/2387011/fantasy-factory-fan-favorite-episodes/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161026080944/http://www.mtv.com/news/2387011/fantasy-factory-fan-favorite-episodes/|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 26, 2016|title=Counting Down YOUR Top Five Picks For Best-Ever 'Fantasy Factory' Episodes|website=MTV }} Episodes featured Dyrdek being bitten by a shark{{cite web|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/08/07/i-escaped-jaws-real-shark-attack-survivors-video_n_3718129.html|title='I Escaped Jaws': Real Shark Attack Survivors Share Their Harrowing Stories (VIDEO)|date=August 7, 2013|via=Huff Post}} and attacked by a trained tiger.{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/video-clips/gwo82j/rob-dyrdeks-fantasy-factory-until-deathbox-do-us-part|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170815025700/http://www.mtv.com/video-clips/gwo82j/rob-dyrdeks-fantasy-factory-until-deathbox-do-us-part|url-status=dead|archive-date=August 15, 2017|title=Until Deathbox Do Us Part - Rob Dyrdek's Fantasy Factory - MTV|website=MTV}} Other stunts included the first kickflip with a Chevrolet Sonic, filmed as a part of a television advertisement for Chevrolet.{{cite web|url=http://autoweek.com/article/car-news/skateboarder-rob-dyrdek-kick-flips-chevrolet-sonic-ad|title=Skateboarder Rob Dyrdek kick-flips a Chevrolet Sonic for ad|date=December 18, 2011}} He co-invented the first "skateboard car," a customized Ford Mustang which appeared on the show.{{cite web|url=http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/07/video-vaughn-gittin-jr-and-rob-dyrdek-create-the-worlds-first/|title=Video: Vaughn Gittin Jr. and Rob Dyrdek create world's first skateboard car}}
In a 2009 episode of Fantasy Factory, Dyrdek purchased a racehorse with Joe Ciagla, Jr. and jockeyed it in its first race. The horse, named Mega Heat, won the race with Dyrdek as the jockey. Dyrdek would go on to own as many as 13 horses at one time, some of which raced in Breeders' Cup events.{{cite news | last=Novak| first=Claire| title =Dyrdek hopes lucky shoes bring title| publisher=ESPN| date =November 4, 2011 | url =https://www.espn.com/horse-racing/story/_/id/7189975/dyrdek-hopes-lucky-shoes-bring-title| accessdate =October 14, 2022}}{{cite magazine | last=Young| first=Brad| title =NFL's Jackson, MTV's Dyrdek on horse racing's thrilling athleticism| magazine=Sports Illustrated| date =September 26, 2014 | url =https://www.si.com/horse-racing/2014/09/26/breeders-cup-steven-jackson-rob-dyrdek#| accessdate =October 14, 2022}}
=2010–2016: Creation of Street League Skateboarding, ''Ridiculousness'', and other TV series=
In 2010, Dyrdek launched Street League Skateboarding (SLS), a professional skateboarding competition series.{{cite news | last=Testa| first=Jessica| title =Street League pro skaters will open tour in Glendale| work=Arizona Republic| date =August 25, 2010 | url =https://www.newspapers.com/image/125843892/?terms=%22rob%20dyrdek%22%20%22street%20league%20skateboarding%22&match=1| accessdate =October 14, 2022}} The league offered the highest overall purse in the history of the sport ($1.6 million) for its championship event in 2012, which was broadcast on ESPN in 198 countries.{{cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/aliciajessop/2012/08/24/172/#7bae435d2a88|title=Rob Dyrdek Expands Entrepreneurial Reach To Present Largest Winning Purse In Skateboarding History|first=Alicia|last=Jessop|website=Forbes }} The league also partnered with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America to develop new skate parks in California. The organization was the focus of Dyrdek's 2013 documentary film The Motivation, which premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival.{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/2815542/rob-dyrdek-interview-the-motivation/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170815061152/http://www.mtv.com/news/2815542/rob-dyrdek-interview-the-motivation/|url-status=dead|archive-date=August 15, 2017|title=Questions and Answers From Tribeca: Rob Dyrdek|website=MTV }} SLS has expanded into a global series with events throughout the world.{{cite news | last=Gillen| first=Nancy| title =Finalists decided for Street League Skateboarding World Championships| work=Inside the Games| date =January 12, 2019 | url =https://www.insidethegames.biz/articles/1074165/finalists-decided-for-street-league-skateboarding-world-championships| accessdate =October 14, 2022}}
On August 29, 2011, Dyrdek's third MTV series, Ridiculousness, premiered.{{cite news | last=Whitaker| first=Lang| title =Gnarly Moves and Nonstop Adrenaline| work=The New York Times| date =August 27, 2011 | url =https://www.nytimes.com/2011/08/28/sports/Interview-With-Skateboarder-Rob-Dyrdek.html| accessdate =October 14, 2022}} The show, which is filmed in front of a studio audience, is hosted by Dyrdek alongside friends Chanel West Coast and Steelo Brim. In addition to occasional guests, the three primarily comment on popular internet videos that are often mishaps.{{cite news | last=| first=| title =MTV Renews 'Rob Dyrdek's Fantasy Factory' & 'Ridiculousness'| work=Deadline| date =September 17, 2013 | url =https://deadline.com/2013/09/mtv-renews-rob-dyrdeks-fantasy-factory-ridiculousness-588720/| accessdate =October 14, 2022}}{{cite news | last=Ng| first=Philiana| title =MTV Launches New Rob Dyrdek Series, Sets 'Fantasy Factory' Return| work=The Hollywood Reporter| date =March 1, 2011 | url =https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/mtv-launches-new-rob-dyrdek-162825/| accessdate =October 14, 2022}} By 2020, MTV had devoted most of its programming schedule to Ridiculousness.{{cite news | last1=Schneider| first1=Michael| last2=Aurthur| first2=Kate| title =R.I.P. Cable TV: Why Hollywood Is Slowly Killing Its Biggest Moneymaker| work=Variety| date =July 21, 2020 | url =https://variety.com/2020/tv/news/cable-tv-decline-streaming-cord-cutting-1234710007/| accessdate =October 14, 2022}} In April 2012, Dyrdek's Wild Grinders animated television series premiered on Nicktoons. Dyrdek created and produced the show and also provided the voice of Lil' Rob. The characters are based on a line of toys designed by Dyrdek.{{cite news | last=Hamm| first=Keith| title =Dyrdek gets green light from Nicktoons| publisher=ESPN| date =August 8, 2011 | url =https://www.espn.com/action/skateboarding/story/_/id/6844892/rob-dyrdek-takes-wild-grinders-toy-line-television| accessdate =October 14, 2022}}{{cite news | last=Arrant| first=Chris| title =Pro Skateboarder Rob Dyrdek's Animated Series "Wild Grinders" To Premiere On Nicktoons April 27| work=Cartoon Brew| date =April 12, 2012 | url =https://www.cartoonbrew.com/biz/pro-skateboarder-rob-dyrdeks-animated-series-wild-grinders-to-premiere-on-nicktoons-april-27-60923.html| accessdate =October 14, 2022}}
Also in 2012, Dyrdek Enterprises acquired DNA Distribution, the holding company for his original skateboarding sponsor brand, Alien Workshop, and other brands including Habitat and Reflex. DNA Distribution was later acquired by Pacific Vector Holdings in October 2013.{{cite news | last=| first=| title =PACIFIC VECTOR ACQUIRES DNA DISTRIBUTION LLC.| work=Boardsport Source| date =October 4, 2013 | url =https://www.boardsportsource.com/2013/10/04/pacific-vector-acquires-dna-distribution-llc/| accessdate =October 14, 2022}} In 2014, Dyrdek and his production company Superjacket Productions agreed to a multi-year deal with MTV to continue producing Ridiculousness and a final season of Rob Dyrdek's Fantasy Factory. That year, the Dyrdek-produced cooking competition series, Snack-Off, also premiered on MTV.{{cite news | last=Ng| first=Philiana| title =Rob Dyrdek Inks Multi-Year Deal at MTV, Brings Back 'Fantasy Factory' (Exclusive)| work=The Hollywood Reporter| date =June 25, 2014 | url =https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/rob-dyrdek-inks-mtv-deal-714735/| accessdate =October 14, 2022}}
As part of Superjacket Productions, Dyrdek would go on to create and produce a number of new series. In 2016, two Dyrdek-produced shows, Jagger Eaton's Mega Life and Crashletes, premiered on Nickelodeon.{{cite news | last=Gerard| first=Jeremy| title =Nickelodeon Adds Sports Stars Gronk, Melo And Skateboard Champ Eaton To Lineup – Upfronts| work=Deadline| date =March 2, 2016 | url =https://deadline.com/2016/03/nickelodeon-rob-gronkowski-series-upfronts-2016-1201713187/| accessdate =October 14, 2022}} He also produced The Dude Perfect Show, which premiered on CMT in 2016 and was moved to Nickelodeon for its second season in 2017.{{cite news | last=Weiss| first=Geoff| title =Nickelodeon Picks Up 'The Dude Perfect Show' From CMT For Second Season| work=Tubefilter| date =February 2, 2017 | url =https://www.tubefilter.com/2017/02/02/nickelodeon-dude-perfect-show-cmt-second-season/| accessdate =October 14, 2022}}
=2016–present: Entrepreneurship with Dyrdek Machine and Thrill One=
In 2016, he founded the Dyrdek Machine, a business investment firm and incubator (described by Dyrdek as a "venture studio") that targets startups. He had previously operated as a serial entrepreneur while also investing independently in various companies,{{cite news | last=Roof| first=Katie| title =Tony Hawk, Rob Dyrdek tell us why skateboarders make good startup investors| work=TechCrunch| date =September 23, 2016 | url =https://techcrunch.com/2016/09/23/tony-hawk-rob-dyrdek-tell-us-why-skateboarders-make-good-startup-investors/| accessdate =October 14, 2022}} including UFC{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2016/09/ufc-releases-list-of-23-new-celebrity-owners-and-it-includes-a-bunch-of-friends-of-the-program|title=UFC releases list of 23 new celebrity owners – and it includes a bunch of friends of the program|date=September 30, 2016}} and the clothing brand, Stance.{{cite news|url=https://blogs.wsj.com/venturecapital/2015/03/05/luxury-socks-startup-stance-raises-50m-to-expand-into-underwear/|title=Luxury-Socks Startup Stance Raises $50M to Expand Into Underwear|first=Lizette|last=Chapman|newspaper=Wall Street Journal|date=March 5, 2015}} Under Dyrdek Machine, he has co-founded, funded, and developed Lusso Cloud,{{cite news | last=Watamanuk| first=Tyler| title =The WFH Fashion Wave Is Stronger Than Ever| work=GQ| date =February 5, 2021 | url =https://www.gq.com/story/the-wfh-fashion-wave-is-cresting| accessdate =September 28, 2022}} Mindright (with Travis Barker and Joe Jonas),{{cite news | last=Shieber| first=Jonathan| title =Celebs like Rob Dyrdek, Joe Jonas and Travis Barker are backing the nootropic nosh company, Mindright| work=TechCrunch| date =March 8, 2021 | url =https://techcrunch.com/2021/03/08/celebs-like-rob-dyrdek-joe-jonas-and-travis-barker-are-backing-the-nootropic-nosh-company-mindright| accessdate =September 28, 2022}} Outstanding Foods,{{cite news | last=Watson| first=Elaine| title =Reay to pig out (minus the bacon?) Outstanding Foods gears up for launch| work=Food Navigator USA| date =April 20, 2018 | url =https://www.foodnavigator-usa.com/Article/2018/04/20/Ready-to-pig-out-minus-the-bacon-Outstanding-Foods-gears-up-for-launch| accessdate =September 28, 2022}} Leisuretown (with Diplo),{{cite news | last=Williams| first=Keegan| title =Companies Turn to THC Beverages as Next Growing Legal Cannabis Market| work=High Times| date =September 5, 2022 | url =https://hightimes.com/business/companies-turn-to-thc-beverages-as-next-growing-legal-cannabis-market/| accessdate =September 28, 2022}} Momentous,{{cite news | last=| first=| title =Momentous Raises $6.5M in Series A Funding| work=FinSMEs| date =September 15, 2022 | url =https://www.finsmes.com/2022/09/momentous-raises-6-5m-in-series-a-funding.html| accessdate =September 28, 2022}} Deon Libra, Jolie,{{cite news | last=Daniels| first=Melissa| title =How Rob Dyrdek sherpas founders through big ideas and the business journey| work=Modern Retail| date =July 21, 2022 | url =https://www.modernretail.co/retailers/how-rob-dyrdek-sherpas-founders-through-big-ideas-and-the-business-journey/| accessdate =September 28, 2022}} and Black Feather Whiskey (with Travis Pastrana).{{cite news | last=Knapp| first=Aaron| title =Whiskey Review: Black Feather American Bourbon Whiskey| work=The Whiskey Wash| date =October 27, 2017 | url =https://thewhiskeywash.com/reviews/whiskey-review-black-feather-american-bourbon-whiskey/| accessdate =October 14, 2022}} By 2022, he had co-founded or partnered with a total of 18 brands through the Dyrdek Machine, five of which had been acquired by outside investors.
Dyrdek also continued creating television series through Superjacket Productions. In 2017, he produced a Ridiculousness spin-off for MTV, entitled Amazingness. The show was a variety talent competition hosted by Dyrdek.{{cite news | last=Petski| first=Denise| title =MTV Confirms 'Amazingness' Talent Competition Show With Rob Dyrdek| work=Deadline| date =November 9, 2017 | url =https://deadline.com/2017/11/mtv-amazingness-talent-competition-show-rob-dyrdek-ridiculousness-1202204956/| accessdate =October 14, 2022}} In 2020, The Raine Group and Causeway Media Partners provided the venture capital backing to form Thrill One Sports & Entertainment after a merger of Nitro Circus and two Dyrdek-created entities: Street League Skateboarding and Superjacket Productions. All three companies became subsidiaries of Thrill One at that time.{{cite news | last=Carp| first=Sam| title =Nitro Circus, SLS and Superjacket Productions merge to create Thrill One| work=Sports Pro Media| date =January 21, 2020 | url =https://www.sportspromedia.com/news/nitro-circus-street-league-skateboarding-superjacket-thrill-one-grousbeck/| accessdate =October 14, 2022}}{{cite news | last=Petski| first=Denise| title =MTV Greenlights 'Ridiculousness' Spinoff 'Deliciousness' Hosted By Tiffani Thiessen| work=Deadline| date =November 23, 2020 | url =https://deadline.com/2020/11/mtv-greenlights-ridiculousness-spinoff-deliciousness-hosted-tiffani-thiessen-1234619882/| accessdate =October 14, 2022}} Later that year, Dyrdek and Superjacket produced another Ridiculousness spin-off for MTV called Deliciousness, a food-based clip show hosted by Tiffani Thiessen. Superjacket Productions became known as Thrill One Media in 2021.{{cite news | last=Long| first=Michael| title =Thrill One: Nitro Circus, Street League Skateboarding and the licence to entertain| work=Sports Pro Media| date=October 8, 2021 | url =https://www.sportspromedia.com/from-the-magazine/thrill-one-sports-nitro-circus-street-league-stakeboarding-joe-carr-interview/| accessdate =October 14, 2022}} Two more Ridiculousness spin-offs premiered that year in Messyness and Adorableness with Dyrdek as executive producer.{{cite news | last=Nakamura| first=Reid| title =Nicole 'Snooki' Polizzi to Host 'Ridiculousness' Spinoff 'Messyness' for MTV| work=The Wrap| date =June 4, 2021 | url =https://www.thewrap.com/nicole-snooki-polizzi-to-host-ridiculousness-spinoff-messyness-for-mtv/| accessdate =October 14, 2022}}{{cite news | last=Nakamura| first=Reid| title =Third 'Ridiculousness' Spinoff 'Adorableness' Ordered at MTV (Exclusive)| work=The Wrap| date =June 21, 2021 | url =https://www.thewrap.com/ridiculousness-spinoff-adorableness-ordered-mtv-exclusive/| accessdate =October 14, 2022}}
In 2021, Dyrdek started the business-focused podcast, Build with Rob.{{cite news | last=Schawbel| first=Dan| title =Pro skateboarder Rob Dyrdek on how he became an entrepreneur and his best career advice| work=Business Insider| date =July 25, 2021 | url =https://www.businessinsider.com/rob-dyrdek-skateboarding-career-advice-becoming-entrepreneur-2021-7| accessdate =September 28, 2022}} That year, he also founded the Do-Or-Dier Visionary Foundation, a non-profit organization aimed at providing entrepreneurship opportunities to underrepresented youth.{{cite news | last=| first=| title =High School Dropout to Pro Skater, MTV Icon, and Now Business Machine. This is Rob Dyrdek| work=GCTV| date =September 30, 2022 | url =https://gctv.com/rob-dyrdek-business/| accessdate =September 28, 2022}} In July 2022, Fiume Capital and Juggernaut Capital Partners acquired Thrill One Sports & Entertainment for $300 million. Through the Dyrdek Machine, Dyrdek provided additional investment capital in Thrill One at the time.{{cite news | last=Dixon| first=Ed| title =Thrill One acquired for 'US$300m' by Fiume Capital and Juggernaut Capital Partners| work=Sports Pro Media| date =July 20, 2022 | url =https://www.sportspromedia.com/news/thrill-one-sports-entertainment-fiume-juggernaut-acquisition-private-equity-nitro-circus/| accessdate =October 14, 2022}}
Personal life
Dyrdek has one sister. Dyrdek became an ordained minister through the Universal Life Church in order to perform his sister's wedding in December 2011.{{cite web|url=http://www.prweb.com/releases/2012/4/prweb9367144.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120405231534/http://www.prweb.com/releases/2012/4/prweb9367144.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=April 5, 2012 |title=Rob Dyrdek Becomes a Minister, Marries Sister on MTV's Fantasy Factory |publisher=Prweb.com |access-date=January 8, 2013}} The ceremony, which was featured in an episode of Rob Dyrdek's Fantasy Factory, took place at the Fantasy Factory in Los Angeles. He became engaged to his girlfriend, model Bryiana Noelle Flores, after proposing to her at Disneyland. They are married and have two children.{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/shows/fantasy_factory/season_5/episode.jhtml?episodeID=190763 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130515072800/http://www.mtv.com/shows/fantasy_factory/season_5/episode.jhtml?episodeID=190763 |url-status=dead |archive-date=May 15, 2013 |title=Rob Dyrdek's Fantasy Factory Ep. 506 | Full Scale, Full-Fledged, Certified Minister | Episode Summary, Video, Photos |publisher=MTV |access-date=January 8, 2013}}{{cite web|url=http://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/news/rob-dyrdek-wife-bryiana-dyrdek-welcome-baby-boy-w438991|title=Rob Dyrdek, Wife Bryiana Dyrdek Welcome Baby Boy|date=September 11, 2016}}{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/3041276/rob-dyrdek-bryiana-new-baby-nala/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171230042820/http://www.mtv.com/news/3041276/rob-dyrdek-bryiana-new-baby-nala/|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 30, 2017|title=Rob Dyrdek and Wife Bryiana Welcome Second Child|date=December 29, 2017|publisher=MTV}}
Filmography
=Film=
class = "wikitable sortable plainrowheaders"
|+List of selected film roles ! Year ! Title ! Role ! class=unsortable | Notes |
scope="row"| 1991
| Memory Screen | Self |
---|
scope="row"| 2003
|The DC Video |Self |Skate video |
scope="row"| 2008
| Rambo | |
scope="row"| 2009
|Mind Field |Self |Skate video |
scope="row"| 2009
| Troy | Executive producer and writer |
scope="row" rowspan="3"| 2012
| We Are Skateboarders | Self | Documentary |
Waiting for Lightning
| Self | Documentary |
Nitro Circus: The Movie
| Self | Documentary |
scope="row" | 2013
| The Motivation | Self | Documentary; producer |
scope="row"| 2015
| Sneakerheadz | Self | Documentary |
scope="row"| 2017
| Dumb: The Story of Big Brother Magazine | Self | Documentary |
scope="row"| 2022
| Self | |
=Television=
class = "wikitable sortable plainrowheaders"
|+List of selected television roles ! Year ! Title ! Role ! class=unsortable | Notes |
scope="row"| 2006–2008
| Self | Co-creator and producer |
---|
scope="row"| 2009
| Self | 3 episodes |
scope="row"| 2009–2014
| Rob Dyrdek's Fantasy Factory | Self | Creator and producer |
scope="row"| 2010
| MTV's Ultimate Parkour Challenge | Self | Executive producer |
scope="row"| 2011–present
| Self (host) | Creator and producer |
scope="row"| 2012
| Punk'd | Self | 2 episodes |
scope="row"| 2012–2015
| Lil' Rob / Gene | Animated series; creator, writer, and executive producer |
scope="row"| 2013
| Self | Episode 12.1: "Retro Cribs" |
scope="row"| 2014
| Snack-Off | {{n/a}} | Creator, executive producer |
scope="row" rowspan="2"| 2016–2017
| {{n/a}} | Creator, executive producer |
Crashletes
| {{n/a}} | Creator, executive producer |
scope="row"| 2016–2018
| {{n/a}} | Executive producer |
scope="row"| 2017–2018
| Self | Creator, executive producer |
scope="row"| 2020–2022
| Self | Creator, executive producer |
scope="row"| 2021
| {{n/a}} | Creator, executive producer |
scope="row"| 2021–2022
| {{n/a}} | Creator, executive producer |
References
{{reflist|22em}}
External links
{{commons category|Rob Dyrdek}}
- {{Official website|http://www.dyrdek.com}}
- [https://dyrdekmachine.com/ Dyrdek Machine]
- {{IMDb name|2234521}}
{{authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Dyrdek, Rob}}
Category:American male comedians
Category:American male voice actors
Category:American skateboarders
Category:Participants in American reality television series
Category:People from Kettering, Ohio
Category:People from Hollywood, Los Angeles