Bear Grylls has rubbed shoulders with celebrities for an incredible eight seasons – and there’s never a dull moment when it comes to their time in the wild.
The iconic British adventurer, 49, has taken a host of stars out of their comfort zones and pushed them to their limits for a show that seemingly knows no bounds.
But what are Bear’s famous guests really like, besides “mouth-watering” dishes of creepy crawly creatures and adrenaline-filled tasks?
From former US President Barack Obama to Magic MikeChanning Tatum, Bradley Cooper and Oscar winner Brie Larson, National Geographic Running wild saw Bear camp with the best of them, and now he communicates exclusively with HELLO! to take us behind the scenes of the popular show.
Running wildmost impressive guest
When asked which A-lister impressed him the most, Bear made a revelation.
“Women are often the unexpected heroes of the show,” He admitted. “Because we can all be guilty of judging books by their covers sometimes. Just because someone is small doesn’t mean they won’t be strong. This means that they are not quite capable of this.”
© Getty ImagesAmong the many female guests, including Kate Hudson, Julia Roberts, Tamron Hall and Kate Winslet, Bear received one shining star in particular.
“Natalie Portman. She has everything,” he noted. “You know, she was a lot of fun, she was tireless and so determined. Not only that, she was positive, kind, and very easy to talk to.”
This is especially impressive considering the episode featured Natalie drinking water filtered through Bear’s underpants and dining on prickly pear while watching her owner eat maggots.
Bear on “modest” Bradley Cooper
Bradley Cooper Running wild The episode at the Wyoming pool was emotional, during which he reflected on his 19 years of sobriety after jumping down a 100-foot ravine.
© National Geographic for Disney/Jeff EllingsonBut the difficult conversation was probably made a little easier given their friendship.
Bear spoke fondly of the 48-year-old Oscar-nominated Hollywood actor when he said: “He’s beyond fame, even though he’s one of the biggest stars in the world. He’s just one of those super humble guys.”
In fact, he once came to visit Bear in the UK with his daughter Leah, with whom he shares former model Irina Shayk. “Bradley is such a wonderful father. If I ask him what food I can bring for Leah, he will be so calm. He will simply say, “All you have.” He’s just a nice guy.”
© Getty ImagesHow Bear Grylls was shocked by Barack Obama
When it was announced that 62-year-old Barack Obama would appear on Running wildmany were sure it was a joke.
At the time of filming, the leader was the President of the United States, and appearing on a reality show seemed like an unlikely career venture. “It was quite early in Running wild“It definitely helped the show. But it was pretty unique.
© Getty Images“No sitting president has ever put on such a show. I remember when they announced it, I was in America and I remember seeing the news clip and it came on at the very end of CNN; “Obama Announces He’s Going to Runaway with Bear Grylls”. The news anchor said, “Oh my gosh, wait.” This must happen when he ends his presidency next year.
“But that’s not true, and Obama was the first sitting president to ever be on a reality show. Wild.”
Rita Ora vs. Florence Pugh
There’s nothing wrong with a little competition between friends, and that’s exactly what Bear got when it came to Rita Ora and her good friend Florence Pugh.
Don’t worry darling The 27-year-old actress had no problem spending a few days outdoors and getting down and dirty and impressed Bear with her “far from Hollywood” attitude towards just about everything thrown at her.
© Getty Images“She was great,” he told HELLO! about Florence. “There was no drama and absolutely nothing distracted her.”
Her friend Rita, 32, who also took part in Running Wild, once asked Bear how well Florence had done. “After the show with Florence, I ran into Rita on a flight to Los Angeles,” Bear said. “Rita jokingly asked how she compared to Flo. I said, “You’re both incredible!” And it was true, they really were like that.”
Are Bear Grylls and Channing Tatum friends?
It seems that Magic Mike42-year-old Channing Tatum from Glutton magazine craves punishment because he took part in Running Wild several times. The bear admitted HELLO!: “I’m honored to call him a friend.”. Chan loves adventure and he knows I’m not going to kill him,” he added with a laugh.
“It’s always fun to travel with him. It’s like going on an adventure with a good friend. He knows the team and he enjoys the experience. I think he thinks it’s an exciting vacation that he doesn’t have to plan.” “
© Getty ImagesIs there anyone Bear didn’t get along with? Running wild?
Living in the wild for a few days with a stranger isn’t easy, and yet Bear seems to put everyone at ease – even while navigating swamps, snakes and sleepless nights. But is there anyone that Bear just couldn’t get along with?
“To be honest, not really,” Bear said without hesitation. “It’s like being a tour guide with amazing people. It’s not for weeks on end. It’s only a few days, and the people who come to the show invariably want to be there.”
© Getty Images“That doesn’t mean it’s easy. They’re definitely going through the mill: cold, wet, hungry and the like. But they are willing to trust me with their life, their brand, their experience, and I’m incredibly grateful that they can do that.”
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