Nardwuar Receives One of Canada’s Highest Honors: ‘I Am in Awe!’
The flannel-clad interview icon was among 80 appointees announced on Dec. 31.
1/1/2026
The flannel-clad interview icon was among 80 appointees announced on Dec. 31.
Nardwuar the Human Serviette speaks onstage during the 2016 SXSW Music, Film + Interactive Festival at Austin Convention Center on March 19, 2016 in Austin, Texas. James Goulden Photography/Getty Images for SXSW
Nardwuar the Human Serviette has received one of Canada’s highest civilian honors.
On Wednesday (Dec. 31), the Vancouver flannel-clad interview icon was named one of 80 new appointees to the Order of Canada.
“So humbled that people thought I was worthy of this honour and nominated me,” the 57-year-old eccentric personality said in an Instagram video. “I am in awe! Like I can’t even explain myself so I can’t imagine how people would explain me to the committee!”
Nardwuar, born John Ruskin, dedicated the honor to his late mother, who “taught me so much about history, local independent media, and the value of research.” He added, “I know that she would be, like me, overcome with joy!” before signing off with his signature catchphrase, “Doot doola doot doo…”
His mother, Olga Ruskin, was a journalist who worked as a court reporter for the Toronto Star in the 1950s and later launched the Vancouver cable-access show Our Pioneers and Neighbours in the 1970s, according to CTV.
Nardwuar is also the lead singer and keyboard player for The Evaporators, a band formed in 1986. Over the decades, the relentlessly curious interviewer — known for giving thoughtful celebrity gifts — has won over fans such as Snoop Dogg and Pharrell Williams.
He has interviewed hundreds of celebrities, including recent conversations with Sabrina Carpenter, Timothée Chalamet, Jack Antonoff and Ice Spice. Nardwuar first gained attention on local college radio before hitting MuchMusic’s airwaves in the late 1990s, conducting memorable interviews with acts like Nirvana, Blur and Snoop, often surprising them with his deep knowledge of their backgrounds.
In addition to Nardwuar, this year’s Order of Canada appointments include children’s singer Raffi, country musician Terri Clark, as well as Supreme Court justices, scientists, authors and athletes, according to CTV.
Check out Nardwuar’s celebratory Instagram post below.
Get weekly rundowns straight to your inbox