For over a decade, Swamp People has brought the wild, gritty world of Louisiana alligator hunting straight into our living rooms. With its thrilling hunts and larger-than-life personalities, the History Channel series quickly became a fan favorite. But as the show enters its later seasons, many fans are wondering: what happened to the original cast? Who’s still around? Who left, and why?
Here’s an updated look at the Swamp People cast — past and present — along with some juicy behind-the-scenes info you might not know.
The Original Fan Favorites
When Swamp People first aired in 2010, viewers were introduced to a group of hardworking, rugged alligator hunters who make their living in the swamps of the Atchafalaya Basin. Their Southern charm, humor, and bravery made them instant stars.
Troy Landry
The “King of the Swamp,” Troy Landry, is without a doubt the face of the show. Known for his signature catchphrase “Choot ’em!” Troy has been on nearly every season and remains one of the most beloved cast members. Viewers love his strong family values and fearless approach to gator hunting. Troy often hunts with his sons, Jacob and Chase, making it a real family affair.
Junior Edwards and Willie Edwards
Another original duo, Junior Edwards and his son Willie, were also early fan favorites. Junior’s old-school ways and Willie’s quiet confidence made them a great team. However, Junior left the show after Season 6, reportedly due to disagreements with the production team. Willie continued solo for a while and has made appearances in recent seasons.
R.J. and Jay Paul Moliner
This father-son team brought a competitive edge and a Native American cultural perspective to the show. Jay Paul, a former MMA fighter, brought intensity to the swamp, while R.J. brought wisdom. They mysteriously left the show after Season 9, leading fans to speculate. Neither has spoken in detail about their departure, but it’s believed to involve contract issues.
Who’s Still Around?
While some original stars have left, others have stuck with the show or returned after a break.
Jacob and Chase Landry
Troy’s sons Jacob and Chase have taken on bigger roles over the years. Jacob is calm and skilled, often taking younger hunters under his wing. Chase, the more energetic of the two, is known for his funny one-liners and fearless hunting style. Fans have seen these two grow from rookies to seasoned pros.
Bruce Mitchell
Known for his American flag bandana and love for his dog Tyler, Bruce Mitchell is a Swamp People icon. He was absent for several seasons, but fans were thrilled when he returned. Bruce’s deep knowledge of the swamp and easy-going nature make him a fan favorite.
Ronnie Adams and Ashley “Dead Eye” Jones
This newer duo quickly won fans over. Ronnie, a big-hearted giant, and Ashley, a sharp-shooting mother, make a great team. Ashley, in particular, has broken barriers as one of the few female alligator hunters on the show. Her skills and confidence have inspired many.
New Faces, New Energy
As older cast members have stepped back, the show has introduced fresh faces to keep things interesting.
Daniel Edgar
Daniel Edgar joined the cast in Season 7 and has become a steady presence ever since. Quiet and hardworking, Daniel is all about business. He often hunts with his sons Joey and Dwaine, continuing the family tradition.
Pickle Wheat
Pickle, whose real name is Cheyenne Wheat, is one of the breakout stars in recent seasons. Young, tough, and full of personality, she’s shown she can hang with the best of them. Pickle is also known for her brief relationship with Chase Landry, which was a topic of interest among fans.
Little Willie Edwards
Following in his father’s footsteps, Little Willie is trying to make his mark in the swamp. Viewers have enjoyed watching him grow into a confident, capable hunter. His bond with his dad, Willie, adds a sweet, emotional layer to their hunting trips.
Who Left and Why?
Like any long-running show, Swamp People has seen many cast members come and go. Sometimes it’s due to personal reasons, other times it’s due to behind-the-scenes drama.
Liz Cavalier (“Gator Queen Liz”)
Liz was a strong, outspoken hunter who joined the show in Season 2. She quickly became one of the most popular cast members. However, she was let go after Season 6. While no official reason was given, Liz later said it was due to contract issues. Fans were upset and even started petitions to bring her back.
Glenn Guist and Mitchell Guist
Glenn and his brother Mitchell were known more for their unique lifestyle in the swamp than gator hunting. Sadly, Mitchell passed away in 2012 due to a heart attack. Glenn continued on the show for a while but has since faded from the spotlight.
Tommy Chauvin (“Trigger Tommy”)
Tommy, who often hunted with his cousin Joe LaFont, disappeared from the show after a few seasons. While rumors swirled about his departure, it’s believed he chose to step away from the spotlight for personal reasons.
Behind-the-Scenes Challenges
Being on Swamp People isn’t just about hunting gators — it also means dealing with producers, camera crews, and contracts. Some cast members have been vocal about the challenges of being on a reality show.
Junior Edwards once hinted that producers wanted “too much drama,” which didn’t sit well with him. Liz Cavalier has also spoken about creative differences, saying that the show wanted to control how she hunted and presented her story.
Despite this, many cast members have nothing but good things to say about their time on the show. The money helps during the off-season, and the fame brings in other opportunities, such as merchandise, events, and social media partnerships.
Real-Life Risks
The dangers of Swamp People aren’t fake. The cast faces real threats from the environment, wild animals, and heavy machinery. Over the years, several cast members have been injured.
Chase Landry once had a boating accident, and Willie Edwards has shared stories of close calls with massive alligators. Even Troy has admitted to having scary moments, despite his decades of experience.
Still, the hunters say they wouldn’t trade it for anything. It’s their way of life — one that’s been passed down for generations.
The Legacy of Swamp People
More than just entertainment, Swamp People shines a light on a unique part of American culture. It highlights the challenges and traditions of people who live off the land in a fast-changing world. It’s not just about hunting — it’s about family, survival, and heritage.
Over 14 years later, the show still pulls in solid ratings and has a loyal fan base. Whether it’s the old-school wisdom of Troy Landry or the fresh energy of Pickle Wheat, fans can’t seem to get enough.
As new cast members come in and old ones fade away, Swamp People continues to evolve — but its heart remains the same: tough people, wild nature, and a deep respect for the swamp.
