Births on May 5

Hank Green, American entrepreneur, educator, and vlogger

Born on May 5, 1980, William Henry Green II, widely known as Hank Green, is a prominent American figure who has profoundly influenced the digital landscape. He is a multifaceted individual, recognized for his contributions as a vlogger, science communicator, entrepreneur, author, internet producer, and musician. Through a career spanning over a decade, Green has become synonymous with innovative online education, community building, and an unwavering commitment to fostering curiosity and engagement.

Pioneering Online Education and Entertainment

Hank Green’s journey into the public eye began prominently with the creation of the YouTube channel Vlogbrothers, a collaborative effort with his older brother, the best-selling author John Green. Launched in 2007, this channel, initially conceived as a daily video blog (or 'vlog'), quickly evolved into a cornerstone of online community building, fostering what became known as 'Nerdfighteria'—a global community united by a shared love for curiosity and intellectual engagement.

Building on the success and unique format of Vlogbrothers, Hank spearheaded the development of two critically acclaimed and immensely popular educational YouTube channels: Crash Course and SciShow. Crash Course offers high-quality, fast-paced educational videos across a vast array of subjects, from history and literature to science and economics, making complex topics accessible to millions of students and lifelong learners worldwide. SciShow, on the other hand, delves into the fascinating world of science, breaking down recent discoveries, answering intriguing questions, and exploring scientific concepts with clarity and enthusiasm.

A Multifaceted Creator and Advocate

Beyond his foundational YouTube channels, Hank Green's creative output is extensive. He has consistently used his platform to advocate for social activism, inspiring his large audience to participate in charitable initiatives and engage with important global issues. His versatility is also evident in his musical endeavors, having released several albums that blend humor, science, and introspection. Furthermore, his presence has expanded to newer platforms, amassing a significant following on TikTok, where he continues to share educational content and engage with a diverse audience.

Collaborative Ventures and Community Building

Hank's entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to fostering online communities are perhaps best exemplified by his collaborative projects with his brother John. Together, they co-created VidCon, which has grown to become the world's largest conference celebrating online video creators, fans, and industry professionals. VidCon stands as a testament to the power and global reach of digital media.

Another significant collaborative effort is the Project for Awesome, an annual online charity event that leverages the power of the internet and the Nerdfighteria community to raise millions of dollars for various charities around the globe. They also co-founded other community-focused conferences, including the now-defunct NerdCon: Stories, which centered on the art of storytelling in various mediums, and PodCon, dedicated to the burgeoning world of podcasts.

Innovative Entrepreneurship

Green's business acumen is evident in the array of companies he has co-founded, many of which directly support the creator economy and innovative content production:

• DFTBA Records (Don't Forget To Be Awesome): A merchandise company that helps online creators design, produce, and sell their branded merchandise, allowing them to monetize their work and connect with fans.
• Subbable: An early crowdfunding platform designed to support online content creators, allowing viewers to directly subscribe and contribute to their favorite shows and artists. (This platform was later acquired by Patreon).
• DFTBA Games: A venture into the world of tabletop and card games, further diversifying the creative output tied to the "Don't Forget To Be Awesome" ethos.
• Pemberley Digital: An online video production company renowned for producing innovative video blog adaptations of classic novels in the public domain. Their groundbreaking work includes The Lizzie Bennet Diaries (2012–2013), a highly acclaimed web series that reimagined Jane Austen's *Pride and Prejudice* in a contemporary vlog format, earning an Emmy Award.

Additionally, Green founded the environmental technology blog EcoGeek, which eventually evolved into Complexly. As CEO of Complexly, Hank oversees an online video and audio production company responsible for a wide range of educational and informative content, including many of the popular YouTube channels and podcasts he is associated with.

Podcasts and Literary Works

Green's voice extends beyond video into the realm of audio, hosting several popular podcasts:

• Dear Hank & John: A weekly comedic advice podcast co-hosted with his brother John, offering dubious advice and answering listener questions on life, love, and various existential quandaries.
• Delete This: A podcast he hosts with his wife, Katherine Green, where they critically review old family emails and other digital ephemera, offering humorous insights into their past.
• SciShow Tangents: An extension of the SciShow brand, this podcast features Hank and other science communicators delving into tangents and lesser-known facts related to scientific topics.

In addition to his vast digital output, Hank Green has made a successful foray into fiction writing. His debut novel, An Absolutely Remarkable Thing, was published on September 25, 2018. This science fiction novel captivated readers with its exploration of sudden global phenomena and the impact of internet fame. Its eagerly anticipated sequel, A Beautifully Foolish Endeavor, followed on July 7, 2020. Both novels achieved significant critical and commercial success, debuting as New York Times Best Sellers, solidifying Green's diverse talents across various media.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hank Green

What is Hank Green primarily known for?

Hank Green is primarily known for co-creating the popular YouTube channel Vlogbrothers with his brother John Green, as well as for creating and hosting the highly successful educational YouTube channels Crash Course and SciShow. He is also recognized as an author, entrepreneur, and musician.

What is VidCon?

VidCon is the world's largest conference about online videos, co-created by Hank and John Green. It brings together online video creators, their fans, and industry professionals for a multi-day event featuring panels, performances, and meet-and-greets.

Does Hank Green write books?

Yes, Hank Green is an accomplished author. He has written two novels, "An Absolutely Remarkable Thing" (2018) and its sequel "A Beautifully Foolish Endeavor" (2020), both of which became New York Times Best Sellers.

What is Project for Awesome?

The Project for Awesome (P4A) is an annual online charity event co-created by Hank and John Green. It encourages people to make videos promoting their favorite charities, with the goal of raising money and awareness for various non-profit organizations worldwide.

What is Complexly?

Complexly is an online video and audio production company of which Hank Green is the CEO. It evolved from his environmental technology blog EcoGeek and is responsible for producing many popular educational and informative channels and podcasts, including Crash Course and SciShow.

What podcasts does Hank Green host?

Hank Green hosts several podcasts, including "Dear Hank & John" with his brother, "Delete This" with his wife, and "SciShow Tangents."

Is Hank Green related to John Green?

Yes, Hank Green is the younger brother of John Green, the acclaimed author of "The Fault in Our Stars" and other best-selling novels. They frequently collaborate on projects, most notably Vlogbrothers.