Jamie Hyneman Biography

Fast Facts

• Has a Russian linguistics degree from Indiana University
• On May 16, 2010, Hyneman received a Doctorate of Engineering (honoris causa) from Villanova University, and on November 25, 2011 was awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of Twente in the Netherlands
• Hyneman was raised on a farm in Indiana
• Before Hyneman started working with Special Effects, he ran a Caribbean sailing and diving charter business for many years
• Hyneman has held a number of different jobs during his life, including boat captain, linguist, pet shop owner, animal wrangler, concrete inspector, machinist, chef, certified dive master, and wilderness survival expert
• Quote: "I have had unbelievably good fortune following what I find interesting․ I seem to be able to jump into things I have no experience with and make good - just by being methodical, determined and hard working․"
• Known for wearing a distinctive dark-colored beret, a white long-sleeve button up shirt over a black t-shirt, and no-rim glasses
• A long-time member of the Screen Actors Guild
• He was able to train a goldfish how to ring a bell
• Hyneman is an expert in the field of wilderness survival