Phil Keoghan is best known for his role as host of Jerry Bruckheimer's Emmy Award-Winning television show, The Amazing Race.
Phil's life has been full of travel and adventure. He started traveling at the age of two, accompanying his father, a plant scientist, and mother, who taught music, in third world countries. Phil started working as an assistant camera operator for Television New Zealand before being picked to host Spot On. He has gone on to work in over 100 countries around the world as a motivational speaker, author, television host, actor, producer and cameraman on thousands of program episodes.
A pivotal moment in Phil's life came after a near death experience at the age of 19 when he found himself lost at 120 feet inside a 22,000 ton ship wreck. Surviving this life-changing experience prompted Phil to write a list of things to do before he died and develop a philosophy he calls No Opportunity Wasted, or NOW for short.
Phil's NOW philosophy is about learning how to live while you still have the chance, letting go of the handrails, thinking outside the box and using your imagination as your currency. As an avid adventurer, Phil co-created and co-produced a number of original television series including: Short Sportz, a sports show encouraging kids to get involved in sports; Keoghan's Heroes, featuring top thrill seekers around the world; E-Team, an environmental pilot; The Human Edge, profiling innovative people for National Geographic; and Phil Keoghan's Adventure Crazy, which airs around the world on the Discovery Networks.
Phil's passion for life prompted Oprah Winfrey to invite him on the show to talk about his life philosophy and he has recently made frequent appearances. He is also a regular motivational speaker, having appeared at a number of major colleges and numerous corporate events throughout the U.S., New Zealand, Australia, South Africa and Canada.
In 2004, Keoghan released a best-selling motivational book, No Opportunity Wasted, co-written with American journalist Warren Berger. A television series of the same name screened on Discovery Channel in the United States later that year: contestants were given 72 hours, a clear schedule and $3000 to achieve a long-held dream or desire. The idea was to sweep aside any excuses of lacking time or money, reflecting Keoghan's belief that procrastination is the biggest enemy to fulfilling dreams. The NOW TV format was also produced in New Zealand (2006) and Canada (2007). Keoghan also helped create the National Geographic technology show The Human Edge; an entertainment show for Miramax; and interviewed fellow conquerors of Everest for the four-part series After the Climb for the Discovery Networks.
In 2009, Keoghan kicked off a cycle ride from Los Angeles to New York City, in a multi-pronged mission to take on the biggest physical and mental challenge of his life; spend quality time with his Dad; and work towards raising one million dollars for his favorite charity, The National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Phil’s journey was released as a feature length documentary called The Ride, which documents his 40 day 5,300 kilometer adventure. The Ride helped Phil reach his goal of generating a million dollars for the National MS Society.
Keoghan is currently casting for a new reality competition program, The Phil Keoghan Project, which will see contestants partaking in intense mental and physical challenges.
Phil’s work has earned him numerous prime-time Emmy Awards. Originally from New Zealand, he lives with his wife and daughter in Los Angeles
Phil Keoghan, host of The Amazing Race and author of No Opportunity Wasted, is available exclusively through IMG Speakers bureau for speaking engagements. Phil Keoghan is also available for moderating and emceeing/hosting opportunities, panel discussions, leadership seminars, corporate workshops, and much more. Please contact IMG Speakers at 212-774-6735 or speakers@imgworld.com for more information on booking Phil Keoghan.
