Chris Hardwick, the multifaceted comedian, actor, television host, and founder of Nerdist, has navigated a public and often complex romantic life, marked by significant relationships that have shaped his personal narrative. From his early days in entertainment to his current marriage, Hardwick's journey through love has been a subject of public interest, reflecting both the joys and challenges of relationships in the public eye.
One of Hardwick's earliest publicly known relationships was with Lisa Rieffel, an actress, from 1993 to 1995. While details of their time together are scarce, it marked the beginning of his romantic history in the public sphere. Following this, Hardwick was in a relationship with actress and model Jacinda Barrett from 1995 to 1999. Their relationship was significant enough that they were reportedly engaged at one point. Barrett later publicly defended Hardwick amidst allegations made by a subsequent ex-girlfriend, stating, "I’ve known Chris for over 20 years. We were in a long-term relationship, and I can attest to the kind of man he is."
In the early 2000s, Hardwick dated actress Andrea Savage from 2002 to 2003. This was a relatively short-lived relationship compared to others in his history. A rumored, brief encounter with singer-songwriter Lisa Loeb is also noted around 2004, though concrete details are minimal.
A more significant long-term relationship for Hardwick was with actress and comedian Janet Varney, spanning from 2004 to 2011. Their seven-year relationship was notable for its duration and their shared presence in the comedy and pop culture scene. Varney, like Barrett, later came to Hardwick's defense, stating she had "only ever seen him be an incredibly sweet and supportive partner." Their split was reportedly amicable, and both have maintained a professional respect for each other.
Following his relationship with Varney, Chris Hardwick began dating model and actress Chloe Dykstra in late 2011, with their relationship lasting until July 2014. This relationship later garnered significant public attention due to allegations made by Dykstra in a 2018 essay. While Dykstra did not name Hardwick directly, details in her essay led many to conclude she was referring to him, alleging emotional abuse, controlling behavior, and sexual assault. Hardwick vehemently denied the allegations, stating, "Our three year relationship was not perfect—we were ultimately not a good match and argued—even shouted at each other—but I loved her, and did my best to uplift and support her as a partner and companion in any way and at no time did I sexually assault her." He also claimed the relationship ended because Dykstra had cheated on him. The allegations led to temporary professional repercussions for Hardwick, including being removed from hosting duties on AMC's Talking Dead and panels at San Diego Comic-Con, though he was later reinstated after an internal investigation by AMC.
In 2014, Chris Hardwick began a relationship with model, actress, and heiress Lydia Hearst. Their courtship moved swiftly, and they became engaged on September 12, 2015. The couple married on August 20, 2016, in Pasadena, California, in a lavish ceremony that blended their shared love for pop culture and gothic aesthetics. Hearst, a descendant of publishing magnate William Randolph Hearst, has been a steadfast supporter of Hardwick, particularly during the period of the Dykstra allegations. She publicly defended him, stating, "I have made the decision to come out in support of my husband not out of obligation, but out of necessity to speak the truth about the person I know. Chris is nothing but loving and compassionate and is the only person who has stood by me, never judged me, helped me heal, and feel whole."
Since their marriage, Hardwick and Hearst have maintained a relatively private but visibly strong relationship. They often share glimpses of their life together on social media, showcasing their shared interests and mutual support. Their union represents a period of stability and happiness for Hardwick, as he continues his career in entertainment. The couple does not have children. Chris Hardwick's romantic history, while at times turbulent and publicly scrutinized, ultimately led him to a committed partnership with Lydia Hearst, reflecting a journey of personal growth and enduring love.