Beloved Canadian interviewer and cultural icon Nardwuar the Human Serviette has officially been recognized with one of the country’s most respected civilian distinctions.
On Wednesday, December 31, the Vancouver-based personality — famous for his flannel shirts, encyclopedic knowledge, and joyful energy — was named among 80 new appointees to the Order of Canada, an honor that celebrates outstanding achievement and service.
A Moment of Awe and Gratitude
Shortly after the announcement, Nardwuar (born John Ruskin) shared an emotional video on Instagram, expressing disbelief and deep appreciation for the recognition. The 57-year-old admitted he was overwhelmed by the nomination, calling the moment surreal and humbling in equal measure.
He went on to say that he couldn’t quite find the words to describe how he felt — and joked that if he struggled to explain himself, he couldn’t imagine how the selection committee managed to do it either. The reaction perfectly reflected the charm and humility fans have come to love over decades.
Honoring His Late Mother’s Legacy
Nardwuar dedicated the prestigious recognition to his late mother, Olga Ruskin, crediting her with shaping his lifelong passion for history, independent media, and meticulous research. He shared that her influence played a major role in the way he approaches storytelling and journalism.
Olga Ruskin was a respected journalist herself, working as a court reporter for the Toronto Star during the 1950s before launching the Vancouver cable-access program Our Pioneers and Neighbours in the 1970s. According to CTV, her work left a lasting mark on local media — one that clearly lives on through her son.
Nardwuar closed his message with his iconic sign-off, a joyful “Doot doola doot doo…,” reminding fans that even in moments of high honor, he remains unmistakably himself.
From College Radio to Cultural Icon
Beyond his interview legacy, Nardwuar is also the lead singer and keyboardist of The Evaporators, a band he co-founded in 1986. His influence, however, extends far beyond music.
Over the years, his uniquely detailed interviews — often paired with deeply personal gifts — have earned admiration from artists like Snoop Dogg and Pharrell Williams. Nardwuar has spoken with hundreds of celebrities, including recent conversations with Sabrina Carpenter, Timothée Chalamet, Jack Antonoff, and Ice Spice.
His journey began on local college radio before expanding to national audiences through MuchMusic in the late 1990s, where his unforgettable interviews with acts like Nirvana and Blur helped cement his status as a one-of-a-kind interviewer.
A Distinguished Group of Honorees
Nardwuar joins an impressive list of newly appointed members of the Order of Canada this year, including children’s entertainer Raffi, country star Terri Clark, as well as judges, scientists, authors, and athletes from across the nation.
With his unmistakable voice, tireless curiosity, and genuine love for culture, Nardwuar Receives Prestigious Canadian Honor, Calls the Moment “Unbelievable” feels not just fitting — but long overdue.
Check out Nardwuar’s celebratory Instagram post below.
