Lance Avery Morgan
Television’s Most Charming Duo Swaps Studio Lights For Spotlights With Purpose By Co-Hosting The FORE Kids ATX Gala While Bringing The Heart, Humor And Polish Of Live TV To Texas Philanthropy
Portrait photography courtesy of Tyler Schmitt
When it comes to keeping an audience engaged, few couples know how to work a room quite like TV personalities, Dallas-area native Chris Harrison and Lauren Zima. He’s the legendary host who guided millions through roses, romance, and reality-TV mayhem on The Bachelor. She’s the quick-witted, whip-smart entertainment journalist who made interviewing Hollywood’s biggest stars look effortless on Entertainment Tonight. Together, they’re a dynamic duo with charisma to spare, and these days, they’re channeling all that on-screen chemistry into something much more meaningful: giving back. Our entertainment chronicler, Lance Avery Morgan, caught up with the duo for an inside look at their lives in a different spotlight.
This fall, on November 6-7, Chris and Lauren step into the spotlight together as co-hosts of FORE KidsATX, a philanthropic event created by Sergio Garcia and Angela Garcia that combines golf, giving, and a healthy dose of glamour. But don’t expect just a night of polite applause and silent auction bids; these two bring the full force of their humor, heart, and shared purpose to the stage.
A Match Made In Philanthropic Heaven
Chris has long emceed FORE Kids, but this year marks a new chapter: “I’ve seen firsthand how much good Sergio and Angela have done,” he says. “When you couple that with what Lauren and I are hoping to accomplish with Experience Camps here in Texas, it feels like a serendipitous match made in heaven.”
Experience Camps (affectionately dubbed ExCamps) provides long-term grief support for children who have lost a parent or sibling. For Lauren, the mission hits close to home. “I lost my dad when I was younger, and being involved with ExCamps has transformed my life,” she shares. “One in twelve kids in Texas will lose a parent or sibling before they turn 18. Grief can derail a child’s life, but with the right help, it doesn’t have to.”
The partnership came together with almost cinematic synchronicity. “We went to dinner to talk to Sergio and Angela about bringing ExCamps in as a beneficiary,” Lauren recalls. “Turns out, they were planning to ask us to be full partners on FORE Kids and bring ExCamps in, too. We were all on the same page from the start.”
The energy at FORE Kids is incredible; people are there to help and to give. Our job is to keep that energy flowing and make sure everyone leaves inspired.
From Primetime To Philanthropy
You can take the host out of television, but you can’t take the television out of the host. For Chris and Lauren, emceeing a charity gala draws on the same skill set that made them household names, just with a few different stakes.
“It’s hard to match the nerves of live TV,” Chris admits, “but there’s a different kind of responsibility when you’re trying to make your community better. The energy at FORE Kids is incredible; people are there to help and to give. Our job is to keep that energy flowing and make sure everyone leaves inspired.”
Lauren adds with a grin, “No matter what the venue, you have to know your audience. Here it’s personal; we know people in the crowd. And that makes it a lot of fun.”
Team Harrison-Zima: The Perfect Co-Hosts
Watching them on stage, you get the sense this isn’t just a couple; it’s a collaboration. Their rhythm is effortless, their humor contagious, and their affection palpable.
“We definitely bring our witty banter,” Lauren laughs. “Some Bachelor jokes, some marriage jokes. The humor’s rooted in genuine love.” Chris chimes in, “Chemistry is everything; whether it’s a relationship or a show. One of the things I love most about my wife is how brilliant and talented she is. Being on stage with her is one of the great joys of my life.”
Their secret? Balance. “Chris is more of a planner,” Lauren admits, “and I like to improvise. But we’ve found a great rhythm. We write together, divide the script, and trust each other to make it flow.” Chris nods, “I like having a solid produced show, but you have to be ready for those spontaneous moments, and that’s where Lauren shines. It’s like a choreographed dance with a little freestyle thrown in.”
We like to take the audience on a journey; there are emotional highs, because the causes are serious, but there’s also laughter, dancing, and joy. It’s about making the evening unforgettable.
All The Right Notes
When the lights dim and the crowd settles, Chris and Lauren work their magic of not just entertaining but connecting.
Lauren explains, “We like to take the audience on a journey; there are emotional highs, because the causes are serious, but there’s also laughter, dancing, and joy. It’s about making the evening unforgettable.”
Chris adds, “If your heart’s truly in it, people can feel it. I’ve hosted a few things in my day, and trust me, when you’re surrounded by folks who care this much, the energy just fills the room.”
Home Is Where the Heart Gives Back
In a world of global headlines and constant noise, Lauren and Chris believe the most significant impact starts right at home. “We live in such a globally aware world,” Lauren says, “but sometimes the most meaningful work happens locally, in your own town, your own state. FORE Kids is dedicated to supporting the most vulnerable children in our community. I don’t think there’s a more worthy cause.”
Chris echoes her sentiment: “To make the world a better place, start at home. Be a good neighbor. Make your community stronger. And if you can do that by helping children, you’ve done something truly lasting.”
Lights, Love, Action
As the FORE Kids gala unfolds, don’t be surprised if you catch a glimpse of that signature Harrison charm or a Zima zinger that sends the crowd roaring. But behind every quip and cue card is a deeper purpose: two seasoned storytellers using their platform to uplift, inspire, and give back.
Because for Chris Harrison and Lauren Zima, life after the spotlight isn’t about stepping away; it’s about shining it where it matters most.
Here, the couple reveals a more private side of their approach to life…
The best career advice I’ve received is…
LAUREN ZIMA: Use your own unique personality. Don’t dull it for a brand. I didn’t always do that, but I will in the future.
CHRIS HARRISON: Always remove thorns before working with roses…seems like a no-brainer, but I learned the hard way.
Three qualities that got me where I am today are…
LAUREN ZIMA: Perseverance, kindness, creativity.
CHRIS HARRISON: Kindness, tenacity, and love.
The easiest career decision I ever made is…
LAUREN ZIMA: Moving to LA to work for Entertainment Tonight. That changed my life for the better forever.
CHRIS HARRISON: Marrying Lauren Zima from Entertainment Tonight.
How I made my first dollar…
LAUREN ZIMA: Babysitting. Is that kind of hosting??
CHRIS HARRISON: Scooping ice cream at Braums in Dallas, TX.
First music I bought was…
LAUREN ZIMA: Ace of Base. On cassette tape.
CHRIS HARRISON: Urban Cowboy soundtrack.
Whenever I hear a Yacht Rock song, I immediately…
LAUREN ZIMA: Hit the dance floor.
CHRIS HARRISON: Sing every word because I definitely know every song.
Last thing I binge/marathon watched…
LAUREN ZIMA: Slow Horses on Apple+…the new season is out now. I also love Industry on HBO, and my guilty pleasure forever is the Real Housewives.
CHRIS HARRISON: Lauren and I loved MobLand on Paramount+. Best show I’ve watched in years.
Book that left a lasting impression on me…
LAUREN ZIMA: Harry Potter because it’s a lifelong obsession for me. I am a proud Potterhead.
CHRIS HARRISON: Bounce by Michael Syed. It changed how I raised my kids, coached kids’ teams (back in the day), and how I talk to people now.
On that note, my favorite fiction character is…
LAUREN ZIMA: The whole cast of Bridesmaids.
CHRIS HARRISON: Ted Lasso! (Huge football fan here).
My real-life hero has got to be…
LAUREN ZIMA: My mom.
CHRIS HARRISON: My late grandfather, Alfred Sallinger.
CHRIS HARRISON: LZ nailed it! Italy all the way.
What everyone should try in their lifetime is…
LAUREN ZIMA: Taking a trip with their friends every year. Pick a new place and see the world with your friends. Cultivating friendships is so important.
CHRIS HARRISON: Fly fishing. Odd answer, but there is something so poetic and spiritual about it.
If I could compete in an Olympic sport, or create one, it would be…
LAUREN ZIMA: Writing a musical on the spot and performing it. Is that a sport?!?!
CHRIS HARRISON: Golf all the way. It would’ve been soccer, but those days are gone.
If I weren’t doing what I do, I would be a…
LAUREN ZIMA: Writer, which I’m working on. Or maybe, after all the FORE Kids work, an event planner! I truly love planning a great party for a great cause.
CHRIS HARRISON: I always loved my time as a sportscaster and would happily go back to those days.
If I lived in a foreign city, it would be…
LAUREN ZIMA: Florence. We made incredible memories there together, and it’s always a good time to be in Italy.
My hidden talent that most people might not guess is…
LAUREN ZIMA: Incredible Voldemort impression.
CHRIS HARRISON: I disagree with the above answer.
If I had a superpower, I’d want it to be…
LAUREN ZIMA: To create more time. Feels dangerous, though.
CHRIS HARRISON: The older I get, the more I just want time with family and friends.
A simple way to get people to laugh is easy. Just…
LAUREN ZIMA: Make a fool of yourself. Which I’m happy to do.
CHRIS HARRISON: Introduce them to Lauren and watch her work her magic.
A phrase I might overuse would be…
LAUREN ZIMA: Babe! I need you!
CHRIS HARRISON: Yes, dear.
My motto? Easy. It is…
LAUREN ZIMA: Say yes. Life doesn’t happen sitting at home on the couch. And know thyself. Life is better when you’re true to what you want.
CHRIS HARRISON: Don’t be so afraid to fail that you don’t allow yourself to succeed.
Favorite scent these days is…
LAUREN ZIMA: I wear Hume deodorant; I’ve been obsessed the last few years because it’s natural and it actually works, and the scents are amazing. I love the new Vanilla scent.
CHRIS HARRISON: The scent of a good Napa Cab!
My personal style signifier is…
LAUREN ZIMA: Elevated neutrals. Simple, classic, and you always look expensive.
CHRIS HARRISON: I love clothes and love dressing up. Nothing makes a man feel better about himself than a sharp suit and tie.
The last meal that truly impressed me was…
LAUREN ZIMA: Birdie’s, Tare, Toshokan, and Uchi in Austin. I love Austin’s food scene!
CHRIS HARRISON: Tough call as Austin has become such an incredible food city. I agree with Lauren, I’m never not blown away by the menu at Birdie’s.
My perfect day would end…
LAUREN ZIMA: With a great glass of wine and a sunset cruise.
CHRIS HARRISON: Dinner with my beautiful wife and kids. When my people are all under one roof, I’m as happy as can be.
