Hardwick was born in Louisville, Kentucky, on November 23, 1971, the son of professional bowler Billy Hardwick (1941–2013) and Sharon Hills (née Facente), a real estate agent in Pasadena, California.[1][2] His maternal grandfather was Italian American, and opened a bowling alley where his parents first met.[3] Hardwick was raised in the Roman Catholic faith of his mother.[4] Hardwick grew up in Memphis, Tennessee, attending St. Benedict at Auburndale K–12 School, then attended Regis Jesuit High School in Colorado, and then Loyola High School for his senior year.[5]