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The Truth About Mama June’s Relationship with Her Daughters

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June “Mama June” Shannon and her daughter, Alana “Honey Boo Boo” Thompson, attracted the producer’s attention as the entertaining mother-daughter duo during child beauty pageants shown in the TLC’s documentary series “Toddlers & Tiaras.” While things seemed innocent when the show aired for two years in the early 2010s, the truth about a complicated family dynamic surfaced eventually.

Although allowed to make amends in 2017, Mama June squandered the opportunity, and returned to her lousy old habits for a while. Thankfully, June turned her life around in late 2022 and seems to be on the right path in 2023 with her four daughters by her side, who seemingly forgave her. We’ve analyzed what happened over the years, and how she reconnected with her family.

Mama June had several toxic relationships

Fans who know a bit about the family quickly concluded that nearly all problems Mama June caused stem from dating bad guys. For example, all daughters have different fathers, and most were accused of misdeeds, from child molestation to drug involvement. One almost ruined her TV career; after people accused Mama June of dating someone she shouldn’t, Phil McGraw, the host of “Dr. Phil,” invited her onto his reality TV show to explain the situation, and TLC quickly cut all ties and canceled the show.

The absence of her daughters’ fathers from TV screens is reasonable, since they may prefer a private life. However, the distance from their daughters’ lives became apparent several times, for example, not applying for child custody of Alana when her mother faced problems, pushing her daughter “Pumpkin” to step up. Luckily, Mama June eventually entered a healthy relationship, married quickly, and since 2022 is atoning for the previous poor treatment of her daughters.

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Mama June was a bad influence

Although viewers noticed the many ways that Mama June mistreated her daughters throughout the show, some were inadvertent. We mentioned not providing a stable, positively influential father figure in their lives as a significant one; others were much more subtle. For one, she made the wrong choices, and let her habits cause drastic weight gain. Consequently, she didn’t care about her daughters’ well-being, and by setting a bad example, they struggled with obesity too.

She changed that several years ago, when she embarked on a weight loss journey through operations, personal training, and diet. Consequently, in 2017, WE TV granted her a new show, “Mama June: From Not To Hot,” which showed her losing more than 300lbs or 136kgs, and getting down to size 4. However, Mama June was arrested in March 2019, alongside her then-boyfriend Eugene “Geno” Doak, and almost ended up in prison, while he got 16 months, ruining all her positive progress. They dated in 2015 but made it official in 2017, but she accused him of being abusive throughout their relationship.

During a 2019 incident, they argued at an Alabama gas station, he allegedly threatening to kill her. Police officers who responded to the disturbance call found a glass pipe with white residue and a green pill bottle in the glove compartment. Mama June admitted it was crack cocaine, and revealed in 2021 that they spent over $1 million per year, about $4000 daily on drugs.

Anna was the most affected

Anna “Chickadee,” Cardwell, née Shannon,  is June’s eldest daughter and the one people thought would never be on good terms with her mother. She was born in August 1994, and not much is known about her father, David Dunn because he never appeared in the show, however, he had a criminal history of stealing a handgun in 1995 and cigarettes in 1998. Anna claimed that she never knew much about him because June forbade him from seeing her. June wasn’t too thrilled about Anna, either; Janice Shannon, who was married to Jimmy Shannon, June’s brother, revealed that she was asked to care for Anna, but that adoption never happened. Instead, Anna lived between her mother’s and grandmother’s homes until seven, when June made her permanently live with her mother, Sandra Hale, so that she, June could move into a trailer with a boyfriend. Another source alleged that June paid Anna $500 to move back into the family home in 2012, because it would make for a good storyline in the show.

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Anna’s biological father abused her

However, the real culprit was Mama June’s ex-boyfriend, Mark McDaniel, whom she dated while Anna was a kid. He allegedly molested Anna aged eight, and after she told her teacher, who alerted the authorities, Mama June refused to believe her. Although the court indicted him on charges related to abuse against her, the judge dismissed the case. However, Anna’s claims were somewhat proven when Mark got 10 years in prison after admitting to aggravated child molestation.

Mark wreaked havoc again in 2014, when it was reported that Mama June reunited with him. Anna told Radar Online that she was hurt, and that the relationship with her mother may as well be over. In a November 2014 appearance in a “Dr. Phil” episode, she claimed that she’d met Mark but claimed that she wasn’t dating him or anyone else. Nonetheless, TLC promptly canceled “Here Comes Honey Boo Boo” and released a statement that declared, ‘Supporting the health and welfare of these remarkable children is our only priority. TLC is faithfully committed to the children’s ongoing comfort and well-being.’

Anna recently forgave her mother

Another reason for the strained relationship is that Anna followed in her mother’s footsteps, became a teen mom, and had issues similar to hers. She gave birth to her daughter, Kaitlyn Elizabeth, in June 2012, from an unknown father. Caleb Clark claimed to be Kaitlyn’s dad, but Mama June blocked his requests for a DNA test. Anna requested that he appear in the show if he wanted a paternity test, and according to Clark, admitted to cheating on him in an email. Anna married Michael Cardwell in 2014, around when the McDaniel news broke out, and the couple welcomed their first daughter, Kylee Madison, the following year. However, they split in 2017, and Anna’s later relationships, if any, are undisclosed.

Things were mostly quiet, except that Anna remarked that her mother ‘tried to avoid her and was unwilling to communicate’ since she moved back into the family home in 2012. Additionally, she sued her mother in 2015 for $300,000 in damages for unpaid appearances of her and her daughter Kaitlyn in the show. They seemingly put their differences aside before her mother’s ceremonial wedding, signifying that they came together as a family, at least temporarily.

However, TMZ reported that Anna received a stage four adrenal carcinoma diagnosis in January 2023, after complaining of stomach pains. Journalists also discovered that her cancer had spread to her lungs, liver and kidney, that she had her first round of chemotherapy that January, and Mama June has been by her side ever since. An insider stated that the mother and daughter began working on their relationship in early 2021.

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Jessica’s relationship seemed the least affected

Jessica “Chubbs” Shannon, born in October 1996, didn’t have many issues with her mother. However, she has the same bad-boy father history; her father, Michael Anthony Ford, only dated Mama June for a few months before she told him that she was pregnant. He was arrested and spent two years in prison for the sexual exploitation of a minor online, after he was caught by the “To Catch a Predator” host Chris Hansen in 2005. Besides being a registered sex offender, Michael allegedly shoplifted at Walmart, and wrote checks that bounced. Although he claimed that he paid $300 per month for years, Michael noted that June never let him see his daughter, and would get him arrested for harassment if he tried.

However, things seem very positive otherwise. Jessica didn’t become a teen mom and had no reported history of abuse. Additionally, after battling weight issues, she had multiple procedures done in March 2020 with her sister Anna. They spent over $80,000 on liposuction, gastric balloon, veneers, highlights, and other interventions. After praising how life-changing the operations were, she revealed that she’d been dating a single mom, Shyann McCant since 2022, and the two seem happy in infrequent photos Jessica posts on Instagram.

Lauryn also had early struggles

Mama June’s third daughter, Lauryn “Pumpkin,” Efird née Shannon, was born in June 2000. Her mom swore that her father was Michael Anthony Ford; however, a family source stated that the father is likely someone else, or that not even Mama June knows who he is.

Her father’s identity aside, Lauryn followed in her mother’s footsteps and became a teen mom, welcoming her first child, Ella Grace, at 17, with Joshua Efird. However, she chose well; she married him the following year in Las Vegas, and they welcomed three more children: son Bentley Jameson in June 2022, and a boy and a girl twins, Sylus Ray and Stella Renae, in May 2022.

Moreover, Lauryn was the responsible daughter, and signed up to be her younger sister’s legal guardian when her mom had troubles with the law. After getting temporary guardianship in August 20199, with the approval of Mike “Sugar Bear” Thompson she won full custody of Alana around April 2022. Shortly after, Mama June’s life was on the upswing; she got a new home, had been sober for over two years, was dating Justin, and stated that the only thing missing was Alana in her home.

However, Lauryn stated that ‘she would do whatever she had to, financially or physically, to keep Alana with her.’ According to her, Mama June treated her like crap, and threw her to the side like a stray dog for men in her life. Mama June eventually relented, and agreed to pay $800 monthly in child support until August 2023, when her famous daughter turns 18, and must request visitation from Lauryn. She also noted how proud she was that her daughter was there, saying, ‘I’m very grateful Pumpkin stepped up because it could have turned into a bad situation. I couldn’t even take care of myself, let alone more or less take care of anybody else.’

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Alana was relieved to finish filming

Alana Francis “Honey Boo Boo” is Mama June’s most famous daughter, born in August 2005 from a relationship with Mike “Sugar Bear” Thompson. Similarly to other fathers, he served five years in prison from 1988 for robbing hunting camps, and setting fire to at least one camper; he also admitted to cheating on her with both sexes. Mama June later admitted that he’d been physically and emotionally abusive, and even caused Lauryn’s eye buckle problem.

All those revelations fit well with insiders’ claims that Mama June didn’t love him. Instead, to get CPS (Child Protective Services) off her back, she needed a stable boyfriend who would move in.

For the most part, Alana seemed to have fun while the cameras were on. However, she resented her mother behind the scenes, saying in 2014, ‘When we stopped filming the show, I was kinda happy about that, and at the same time, I was sad. So, I guess I was sa-happy.’

Alana was mistreated as a child

There was much evidence of Alana’s mistreatment off- and on-screen. For instance, TLC almost canceled the show in 2012, after a YouTube video was discovered of Alana dancing in a dimly lit bar for money. The Georgia Division of Family and Children’s Services immediately barged into the family home, concerned with many things, including Alana’s nutrition, from drinking Mountain Dew and Red Bull Go-Go Juice cocktails to eating roadkill, events TLC filmed.

Although nothing came of it, an indirect confirmation was Mama June’s statement that she ‘had danced in a college bar, not a sleazy one,’ suggesting she saw nothing wrong or illegal in exploiting her daughter in that way. Finally, during an episode of “Mama June: From Not to Hot,” Alana said, ‘I don’t even know who she is anymore. As long as Geno is around, he will keep manipulating Mama and everybody else.’ That signified the crash of their relationship as mother and daughter.

After living with Lauryn since 2019, Alana chose to stay in her half-sister’s custody, despite her mother’s health and behavioral improvement. Mama June gave in and explained that Alana was old enough to choose her environment. She described their relationship like this, ‘I do talk to her. I do see her. We communicate. The only difference is she’s not sitting right here beside me in my home every day.”

Alana has since moved on from seeing her mother daily, lost weight, started dating boyfriend Dralin Carswell in 2021, and is experimenting with careers in rap music under the name “Big Lana”, and stand-up comedy. Her boyfriend was arrested on 28 February 2023 for driving under the influence (DUI), fleeing police with Alana as the passenger, and outstanding warrants.

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Mama June’s wanted to redeem herself since 2017

Mama June treated her daughters poorly over the years, primarily because she focused on toxic men that she dated. Luckily, her daughters are grown up and lead separate lives with significant others or husbands. Their mother made the most prominent attempt to reconnect when in 2017, WE granted her a TV show, “Mama June: From Not to Hot,”. She inspired them to begin their weight loss journeys, and two daughters also visited a plastic surgeon and were operated on. Moreover, the family had group therapy sessions to discuss their problems in the TV show.

Unfortunately, Mama June failed to grasp that opportunity, and returned to a toxic boyfriend. She was then irresponsible with money, emotionally unavailable, and was arrested, thus ruining her home life with Alana and the bonds she ‘d built with the other daughters.

Additionally, because of an eye operation for untreated cataracts, she was inactive during recovery, and gained some weight that she lost, giving her daughters another example of a setback. Thankfully, her daughters got past her problems, at least publicly. All four came to her formal wedding to Alabama mechanic Justin Stroud in February 2023, and were supportive since he affected their mother positively, despite being initially stand-offish toward him.

Things are looking up for the Shannons

Based on current information, it looks like Mama June has healed; she’s married a stable and well-off boyfriend, and Justin works in real estate and construction. Additionally, he didn’t watch reality TV or know who she was beforehand; hence he’s not looking for 15 minutes of fame. Most importantly, Mama June stated that her daughters have no problems with him, and only grew closer to him after taking several family trips.

Although Alana and Anna made similar mistakes thanks to the lack of parenting and good father figures, both have better influences today. None of the daughters are living with Mama June, and based on her history of prioritizing men over children, that’s how it should have been from the start.

As the Managing Editor at The Legit, I direct a dynamic team dedicated to creating rich content that profiles the lives and accomplishments of influential figures. My commitment to detail and storytelling drives the production of biographies that truly engage our audience. I manage all aspects of the editorial process, from conducting thorough research to crafting vivid narratives, all while ensuring the accuracy and quality of our work. At The Legit, our goal is to offer our readers comprehensive profiles that provide deep insights into the realms of business, entertainment, and more. Through diligent research and engaging storytelling, we highlight the exceptional journeys and achievements of those who both inspire and intrigue us.

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Paul Teutul Sr’s Legal Battles and Financial Troubles

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For years, Paul Teutul Sr. graced the screens of motorcycle enthusiasts who followed his show religiously, watching him create custom bikes for fellow enthusiasts. Paul Teutul Sr. served in the Vietnam War as a member of the US Merchant Marine, and returned home from the war with a dream, which inspired him to start his first business, a fabrication shop in Orange County, New York State. That first business and his passion for bikes catapulted Paul to fame, after he earned several opportunities to build custom bikes on television, enter his creations in competitions, and earn awards for sharing his passion with the world. Unfortunately, financial troubles and a barrage of legal battles threatened Paul’s livelihood and ability to keep pursuing his passion. Here’s an update on all Paul Teutul Sr’s battles and problems.

“The Ride of a Lifetime”

In his memoir “The Ride of a Lifetime: Doing Business the Orange County Choppers Way,” Paul Sr. credits the positive turn in his life that brought him all the success he’s enjoyed to a promise he made to his wife. When Paul returned home from the Vietnam War, he fell into a drinking problem – at 35, he spent most of his time drinking, and would often wake up in strange places with no memory of how he got there. Naturally, his body was falling apart from over two decades of excessive drinking – he would often cough up blood, and knew that he had to stop drinking or he wouldn’t live long; he made a promise to his wife to sober up., which saved his life. He attended Alcoholics Anonymous, got sober, and started his fabrication business.

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“Orange County Choppers”

Paul Sr. actually started his first business, “Orange County Ironworks,” long before he became sober. All he owned at the time was a welding machine and a pick-up truck he used for transport. In the mid-1980s, when Paul sobered up and started to recover from his alcoholism, the business began to expand. He opened a larger shop in Rock Tavern, New York, shortened his business name to “Orange County Iron,” and expanded his customer base exponentially over the next 15 years,. By 1998, Paul had acquired a 10,000-square-foot steel framed facility to supplement the 7,000-square-foot shop he’d been operating out of since 1986. After this expansion, Paul left it in the capable hands of his son, Dan Teutul, and moved on to pursue his passion for motorcycles.

Paul founded “Orange County Choppers” in 1999, capitalizing on his knowledge and extensive experience as a fabricator, his long-held passion for bikes, and the expertise of the engineers and designers he brought on board to create custom bikes. His passion and expertise as well as that of his team shone in his work, earning him a spot on the hit reality television series “American Chopper.” The company has withstood several legal battles seeking to use Paul’s shares to recover some of his debts. However, a quick review of the operations of “Orange County Choppers” reveals a thriving company, that sells branded gear such as t-shirts and hoodies, organizes, and has its bikes featured in events such as the upcoming “Show at the Shed” in May.

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“American Chopper”

Four years after leaving his fabrication business to start “Orange County Choppers,” Paul’s decision to pursue his passion paid off, when he caught the attention of executives at Pilgrim Films & Television, and secured a spot for a show on the Discovery Channel. The first episode of “American Chopper” aired in March 2003, and over four years, Paul Teutul Sr., his son Paul Jr., and their team entertained their audience of bike enthusiasts with their antics, as they worked in their garage to build custom bikes, before their show was moved to TLC in 2007. Since its premiere, the show cultivated a niche among the Discovery Channel’s loyal audience base, gradually growing its own audience base that remained loyal, and stuck with Paul Sr. and his team when the show was moved to TLC, averaging over three million viewers per episode. Two years after its move to TLC, the show lost its spot despite the large viewership it had cultivated. Fortunately, fans and fellow bike enthusiasts didn’t wait long since TLC picked up the show again albeit with a twist in its premise since it pitted Paul Sr. against Paul Jr.

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“Senior Vs Junior” and “The Last Ride”

One of the dynamics that defined “American Chopper” was constant disagreements between father and son. From the beginning, it became evident to the audience that despite sharing a passion for making custom bikes, Paul Sr. and Paul Jr. had different approaches to their work,  which led to the infamous showdown of 2008; t he fight between the two had been brewing for a while.

One morning, Teutul Sr. was fed up with his son’s lateness to work, and expressed his anger over Junior’s tardiness, noting that Jr. had been making a lot of excuses lately, and adding that he wouldn’t let his son get away with it any longer. When Jr. eventually came to work, Paul Sr. confronted him for being forty-five minutes late, adding that he was tired of babysitting him. Jr. defended himself saying it didn’t matter what time he got to work, as long as all the work would get done at the end of the day. Besides, Jr. added, the business would collapse without his input. An angry Paul Sr. responded by firing his son.

Anyone who thought that Paul Jr’s termination from “Orange County Choppers” (OCC) would be the end of his infamous rivalry with his father was wrong. Paul Jr. opened a rival custom motorcycle business, capitalizing on the experience he’d gained after years of working with his father, the client base he’d cultivated, and the skills that had made him an invaluable member of OCC’s team.

Fans got to watch the rivalry between father and son play out on screen again, when TLC premiered “American Chopper: Senior vs. Junior.” Four seasons later, the show ended with father and son standing proudly next to the bike they’d collaborated on building for a client. The feuding yet incredibly talented duo showed off its complementary skills again in 2020, when Paul Sr. and Jr. collaborated on another bike in a special entitled “American Chopper: The Last Ride.” 

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Legal Battle: Father against Son

Paul Sr.’s rivalry with his son began on television and ended up in the courtroom. When Paul Sr. and Jr. started working together, they both had shares in “Orange County Choppers.” They had contract, including a clause that allowed Paul Sr. to buy out his son’s stock in the business, if Paul Jr. decided to leave the jointly-owned custom bike manufacturer. Paul Sr. decided to exercise his option after their infamous fight, but his son refused to part with the shares, prompting Paul Sr. to sue his son. According to court documents, Paul Sr. claimed that his son brought harm to their business by starting a competing business, and misappropriating business assets. Furthermore, Junior was unresponsive to any attempts by his father to value his shares and interests in the business, in preparation for the buyout. Paul Jr. won the lawsuit following the court’s decision that Paul Teutul Sr. couldn’t force his son to sell his shares in OCC.

Legal Battle: Fraud

Paul Sr. wound up in court again a few years later – this time on the other side of a court case. He’d been sued by another business partner, Thomas Derbyshire, for allegedly spending the capital the plaintiff had injected into OCC for personal expenses. According to Thomas, he invested $3 million into a spin-off entitled “Orange County Choppers: American Made” but Paul Sr. used the money to go on a fishing trip. Furthermore, Paul paid his son a significant amount of money from Derbyshire’s investment, and failed to consult Thomas before accepting sponsorships for the show. More people sued the veteran and bike enthusiast for similar cases of fraud, claiming that he misappropriated the millions of dollars they invested in a TV project, leading them to lose their investment.  

In addition to the lawsuits launched against him for fraud, Paul Sr. has been sued for copyright infringement, filed by a photographer who claimed that he’d taken and owned the copyright to a picture of Paul Sr., which the veteran used on his reality television show and on his merchandise. Finally, Paul Sr. is in trouble with the state of New York, for failing to pay state taxes amounting to $22,364.60. 

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Bankruptcy

Financial woes have accompanied Paul’s legal troubles. Despite raking in millions in endorsements, sponsorships, income from his businesses, payment from TLC for his television programs, and the proceeds from the sale of branded merchandise, Paul Sr. has been buried in debt since 2018. He owed $1,070,893.44 to over 50 creditors, and was about to lose his home in Montgomery, New York. Paul responded to his financial crisis by filing for bankruptcy in 2018, hoping that the move would help him secure his assets.

Paul’s legal and financial woes stripped him of the fortune he had worked hard to acquire since he started his first fabrication business in the 70s. Fortunately, Paul isn’t afraid of starting over and rebuilding. He’s since moved to Florida, and relocated “Orange County Choppers” to the state from New York. In addition to the motorcycle business, he’s opened the “Orange County Choppers Roadhouse and Museum,” a restaurant he runs when he’s not building custom bikes, organizing competitions, and selling merchandise.

With Paul Teutul Sr., there’s never a dull moment!

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About Jessi Combs Death: Object That Caused Jessi Combs’ Jet Car to Crash at 550 mph

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On Tuesday, 27 August 2019, Jessi knew she would make history. She woke up in the morning, headed to the Alvord Desert with her partner, went through all the safety checks, recounted the safety protocols, got in the North American Eagle Supersonic Speed Challenger that had become her lucky charm after she drove it straight to her land-speed record, and strapped herself in, ready to drive her way into a Guinness World Record. However, fate had a different plan for Jessi’s life. Unknown to her, her partner, her crew, and her legion of fans around the world, Jessi’s ride across the desert would be her last. In a few moments, she would crash at the highest speed she had ever recorded, and her car would catch fire. Here is a look at the accident that cost motorsports enthusiasts one of their most promising legends, and the object that caused it.

The Rise of a Daredevil, Speed Racer, Speed Champion

Jessi Combs is a legend in the world of speed racing. Her journey to the top of the motorsports industry started with the dream of a little girl in Rapid City, South Dakota. Jessi was lucky to grow up in a family that loved to explore the outdoors, which introduced her to off-roading. From there, her passion for machines and speed was born, and she ecame fascinated with everything automotive. In addition, Jessi was a talented artist who loved to work and create things with her hands. She worked with every material she could find, but was particularly partial to metal and leather, two materials that complemented her passion for cars.

The drive, passion, and courage that emanated from Jessi during her racing events were a part of her character and personality since she was a child. They drove her to abandon a fully sponsored spot at a prestigious interior design school, to try her hand at snowboarding in Denver, Colorado, however, her heart wasn‘t in it, and before long, she was headed to Laramie, Wyoming to pursue her love for speed racing and passion for automotive machines. She enrolled at Wyotech, and took courses that aligned with her passion such as Chassis Fabrication, Trim and Upholstery, Collision and Refinishing, and Street Rod Fabrication. She topped her class, and graduated with a degree in Custom Automotive Fabrication.

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With her degree, Jessi was ready to conquer the world of automotive fabrication. Her alma mater, Wyotech, showed its confidence in her skills and its Custom Automotive Fabrication program by hiring her to build a car with another student. Within six months, Jessi and fellow student Ben built and showcased their creation at a specialty equipment event in Las Vegas. The car was auctioned, and Jessi set off to make her place beyond Wyotech. The automotive and collision school recognizes her as one of its most successful students, and honored her contribution to the field of automotive fabrication with the “Jessi Combs Foundation Scholarship,” which is awarded to young women pursuing the trades and careers in other male-dominated industries.

Work and Television

Jessi ventured out on her own as soon as she completed her contract with Wyotech after her car was auctioned off for charity; she moved to California and opened a fabrication shop. Television executives soon came calling, drawn in by her skills, passion, and desire to bring more women into motorsports and automotive fabrication. She first appeared on television as a guest fabricator in “Overhaulin’”, before securing a permanent position as a co-host of Spike Tv’s “Xtreme 4×4.” She co-hosted over 90 episodes of the show over four years, building everything from small to large and complicated machines with co-host Ian Johnson, until a freak accident in 2007 led her to leave the show.

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An accident involving machinery falling on her that fractured her spine and had her bedridden for months, didn’t dampen Jessi’s resolve to pursue her passion for speed racing, and building cars from scratch. As soon as she recovered from the accident and regained mobility, Jessi was back on television. Her appeal was largely based on her ability to pique her audience’s interest in the things she was building, her expertise, and the maintenance of her integrity in her craft. She made appearances on “Pirate 4X4,” “Bosch 125,” and “2 Guys Garage”, and was a regular in several shows on the Velocity Channel, including “All Girls Garage” and “The List: 1001 Car Things To Do Before You Die.” Jessi even graced fans’ television screens after her death, following the release of a documentary she’d been filming for years before her death.

Achievements

Jessi’s success in her career as a fabricator didn’t come close to the success she enjoyed as a performance driver and speed racer. She had always loved racing for fun, but didn’t venture into speed racing as a career until she trained as a performance driver for some of her television shows. After her training, she could drive anything with wheels, from monster trucks and rally cars to super speed cars and hot rods. As her experience and confidence as a driver grew, Jessi ventured into stunt driving, and started to enter professional racing events. At the height of her career, Jessi raced in the most difficult races and tracks. She became the first female driver to record a win in the Ultra4’s King of the Hammers in 2014, having already won the Baja 1000 and a National Championship.

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Some of Jessi’s wins broke records and elevated her to a position she enjoyed as a role model for women in motorsports. For instance, in 2013, Jessi set the record for the Fastest Woman on Four Wheels when she reached 440mph and recorded an average speed of 398mph while driving the car that would kill her in six years. Two years later, she finished first in an all-women off-road drive across the Sahara Desert, and in the same year, Jessi became the first woman in history to compete in “The Race of Gentlemen”, and wrote a children’s book about a young girl who rode motorcycles. As an influential woman in a male-dominated industry, Jessi used all her wins as a platform to inspire girls and women to take their place in the trades and sports.

Fatal Accident

Jessi started her preparations for the most defining moment of her career years before she boarded the car that took her life, but helped her carve a place for herself in the Guinness Book of World Records, documenting the journey that would culminate with the historic moment when she would be crowned the fastest woman, after setting a new land-speed record. In addition to practicing and documenting her journey, Jessi had taken another important step. She’d visited Kitty O’Neil, the woman whose record she intended to break, to seek permission. Kitty was honored by the gesture, and passed on the torch to Jessi.

With years of training and experience, a car she knew well and had used to set another record in the past, and the blessing of her hero, Jessi was unstoppable. She set off across the Alvord Desert under the full view of the cameras. Everything seemed to be going well until one of her vehicle’s front wheels failed. At the time of the incident, she was cruising at 550mph, making it impossible for her to recover from the damaged front wheel. Within seconds, the vehicle crashed, Jessi hit her head against one of its surfaces, and the vehicle exploded in flames. Jessi was dead of blunt force trauma, before the vehicle caught on fire.

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Further investigations showed that the wheel failure was not caused by mechanical problems in the vehicle. Rather, Jessi hit an object along her path, which led to the collapse of the front wheel assembly. The nature of the object has remained a mystery, but it lay along the dry lake bed in which Jessi drew her last breath. The speed racing legend died at 39, after breaking Kitty O’Neil’s record of 512 mph. In her death, the honor she chased in the last moments of her life was conferred upon Jessi Combs. She currently holds the record for the fastest land speed record (female) of 522.783 mph or 841.338 kph. Her name is enshrined in the Speed Racing Hall of Fame.

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What is “American Chopper” cast doing now 20 years after premiere?

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It’s been twenty full years since “American Chopper” first burst onto the scene, and changed the way we looked at motorcycles forever. We were captivated by the drama between Paul Sr. and Paul Jr. Teutul, the main stars of the show, as they bickered their way through every episode. So, what happened after the show ended? Where did everyone go?

The cast of “American Chopper” has spread out over the last two decades, but that doesn’t mean they’ve stopped working on motorcycles. From custom-built machines to charitable works, the cast continue to churn out projects worthy of admiration. With that in mind, let’s take a look at what everyone’s up to now. In this article, we’ll dive into the world post- “American Chopper”—what each member of its original cast is up to now, and how it reflects back on their time on the show.

What is “American Chopper”?

If you’re a fan of the hit American reality TV show “American Chopper”, you’re no stranger to the drama between the Teutul family. The show has been capturing audiences around the world for over 20 years now, and with it, fans have come to love and sometimes hate the entire crew. The show premiered on Discovery Channel in 2003, introducing us to Paul Teutul Sr. and his sons Paul Jr. and Michael. The show follows their lives at Orange County Choppers, their custom bike shop in Rock Tavern, New York State, and documents the conflicts between father and his sons as they work together on over-the-top motorbike builds for celebrity customers, and create jaw-dropping bikes for various clients and contests.

Through it all, fans watched in awe as these skilled craftsmen crafted motorcycles from scratch and worked through their very real family issues—allthe  while making us laugh along with them! The series was shifted to TLC In December of 2007, with its first season premiering in January of 2008. In February of 2010, the channel cancelled the show, only for it to return as a spinoff “American Chopper: Senior vs. Junior” that same year; it lasted two years before being cancelled as well. The original series was revived between 2018 and 2019, with a special entitled “American Chopper: The Last Ride” airing in August 2020. Now that it’s been 20 years since this show’s premiere, let’s take a look at what each member of the cast is up to today…

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Paul Teutul Sr.

Paul Teutul Sr. may have been the star of “American Chopper”, but it looks like the man still has plenty of skills to show off. After the show ended in 2010, he founded Paul Sr. Designs, and continued to work in custom auto fabrication. In recent years, he’s even brought his sons onto the team – now, Paul Jr. Designs and Paul Sr. Designs exist under one roof. Paul Sr., known for his laid-back, affectionate leadership style, remains an iconic figure in the motorcycle industry, a motorcycle designer and fabricator, and co-owner of both Orange County Choppers and Paul Sr. Designs, the former based outside of New York City and the latter in Rock Tavern. As part of his work in the business, he still produces custom motorcycles for clients who come looking for his unique designs. In addition to his auto business, Paul Sr. also takes on special projects from time to time—such as being asked to transform a Boeing 737 fuselage into a fully functioning RV for tech-billionaire Elon Musk!

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Unfortunately, Paul Sr. is no stranger to lawsuits, and has been involved in quite a few over the years. From suing his son, Paul Jr., to being sued by professional photographer Scott Gunnells, as well as business partner Thomas Derbyshire, to filing for bankruptcy, the family patriarch sure made headlines, albeit for the wrong reasons.

While he may be popular for his impressive bike customization, he’s almost as popular for his wide range of tattoos across his body. In 2019, he launched a product named ‘Tattseal’, a topical medicine derived from bioceuticals, which he claims to reduce pain and inflammation from tattoos. All in all, it looks like Paul’s life post the show has been full of interesting projects, that make the most of his talents and passion for automotive design.

Paul Teutul Jr.

Since his time on “American Chopper”, Paul Jr. has made a string of television appearances, including a stint on “Celebrity Apprentice” in 2009. He’s also starred in numerous other shows, such as “American Dad”, “RuPaul’s Drag Race”, and “The Grand Tour”; in addition, he’s made several cameos in TV shows such as “The Big Bang Theory” and “Curb Your Enthusiasm”.

Paul Jr. also remains a successful entrepreneur in the motorcycle industry, although he no longer works with OCC or on his father’s business ventures. His current enterprise is his own custom fabrication shop called Paul Jr. Designs, which offers custom design services as well as produces a wide variety of accessories such as T-shirts and coffee cups for motorcyclists worldwide. He’s won many awards for his designs, and even created custom bikes for clients such as Jon Bon Jovi and Kid Rock. Moreover, he occasionally makes cameo appearances in other TV shows such as  “Counting Cars” and “Fast N’ Loud”, to showcase some of his pieces of work.

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Paul is also an entrepreneur and launched a clothing line called Paul Jr Designs. He sells hats, T-shirts, hoodies, and accessories such as mugs with his branding. His website also includes detailed pictures of the custom motorcycles that we have seen him building in the show. In 2019, he partnered with Wayne Carini for Discovery Channel’s MotorTrend Network’s launch of “Chasing Classic Cars”– a weekly series showcasing cars and automotive industry experts.

At the end of 2019, Paul announced that he was taking some much-needed rest from public life to spend more time enjoying privacy with his family and friends. While it remains unclear how much more we will see from him in public, one thing is clear – Paul Teutul Jr. will always be remembered for his role in creating the iconic show “American Chopper”!

Mikey Teutul

When it comes to Mikey Teutul, the youngest son of Paul Teutul Sr., you might be wondering what’s he been up to since the show ended. After appearing on the show for several years, Mikey left in 2011, and a lot has changed in his life since then. Mikey is now a professional driver, and has appeared in several racing shows like MotorTrend’s “Fastest Car”, but his true passion lies with off-roadingThroughout this journey, he’s also found success as an Off-Road Champion and a professional race car driver. . He’s also expanded into creating custom off-road parts which are manufactured by his own company, MOX Offroad Gear.

It’s no secret that Mikey has always had a passion for customization, something that was evident during his time on “American Chopper”. Even before leaving the show, he was already working on his own projects, such as building mini-bikes and customizing cars. In 2016, he even launched two luxury electric bikes under the brand Epic Bikes, and attempted to raise funds for them through crowd-funding websites Kickstarter and Indiegogo. Mikey has certainly gone through many changes in the past few years ever since the show ended its glorious run—but it’s clear that his love of customization still remains strong!

Mikey is focusing on family these days, after his departure from Orange County Choppers in 2008. The younger son of Paul Sr, and big brother to Daniel seems to be living a quiet life away from any major business operations, with wife Veronica Sizemore-Teutul since 2013 according to public records. He continues to be an advocate for animal rescue organizations, and enjoys painting when he’s not working on cars and motorcycles

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Christian Welter

Christian Welter played a supporting role as OCC’s foreman, fabricator and head mechanic in the series “American Chopper”, and 20 years later he’s now a successful entrepreneur. After his time on the show, Welter started his own metal fabrication shop – CW Fabrications—located near OCC. He works on custom motorcycles, sculpts and designs parts for them as well. He also runs a bike-building business called ‘CW Garage’, that builds show pieces from scratch, along with some uniquely designed limited edition collections. In the past decade or so, Welter has been an active member of the motorcycle community.

On top of that, Welter also owns C3 Powersports, a full-service powersports dealership offering rentals, sales, accessories and service for ATV’s, UTV’s and more. He’s also an accomplished steel sculptor, whose work has been featured in various cities across the country. Besides that, he chairs a motorcycle charity event every year, which benefits disabled veterans throughout the US and Canada, by providing them with appropriate transportation.

Vinnie DiMartino

While fans of the show were kept entertained by the almost-daily conflicts and bickering between father and his sons, one person truly stood out: Vinnie DiMartino. As the store’s mechanic and fabricator, Vinnie was usually seen keeping his head down and staying out of the conflicts. Fans knew him for his dedication to his craft, and his especially calm nature in the hectic workplace. In 2007, he ended his journey with both OCC and the show, deciding to move on with his own ventures.

He founded his own garage, VForceCustoms, citing, ‘…I really didn’t have any chance for advancement, and I had always wanted to have my own shop, so the natural progression was to leave and start my own place.’. He went on to run his store for five years, while working as a contractor for former castmate, Paul Jr. By 2013, DiMartino had sold all his bikes, replacing them with cars. He bought car-related inventory, before opening DiMartino Motorsports, primarily a truck and car repair company based in Walden, New York.

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Where can you find the cast?

Despite the cast going their separate ways, quite fortunately fans can still catch a glimpse of their lives thanks to the wonders of modern technology. From social media to websites, there are a lot of ways for dedicated fans and curious newcomers alike to see what the cast members of “American Chopper” have been up to. Paul Sr., Paul Jr., Mikey, Christian and Vinnie each have active social media accounts, with many on both Twitter and Instagram, a great way to stay up-to-date with their interests and activities. Plus, many post photos and videos from their time on the show—as well as more recent projects.

How much are they each worth?

The show’s cast has gone on to become some of the most recognizable names in the motorbike building industry. But have you ever wondered how much their celebrity status is worth?

  • Paul Teutul Sr, who founded Orange County Choppers in 1999, is worth an estimated $500,000 as of 2023. Despite his lengthy career and business ventures, recent bankruptcy and multiple lawsuits have seen his net worth dwindle considerably. He continues to work as a custom motorcycle designer and fabricator, often making appearances on television shows and commercials. He’s also branching out into other businesses related to custom motorcycling. and owns a line of merchandise.
  • Paul Teutul Jr., who co-founded Orange County Choppers, is estimated to be worth $10 million as of 2023. He went his own way after the family drama, created Paul Jr. Designs (now Paul Jr. Technologies), specializing in custom bike builds, as well as designing products for other companies such as Scion and Ford Motor Co.
  • Mikey Teutul has an estimated net worth of $2 million as of 2023. After leaving the family business in 2009, he started his own production company, Gas Monkey Garage. Mikey was also able to leverage his celebrity status by launching Gas Monkeys Clothing in 2017 which has become a popular brand throughout the US and Europe.

Summary

It is no surprise that the cast members of “American Chopper” have gone on to do great things, 20 years since the show premiered. While most have continued their passion for motorcycle design and fabrication, even launching their own custom bikes and apparel lines, others have opted for different ventures including cars, tattoos, lines of merchandise and clothing. Overall, this pioneering show helped create a brand-new industry that many people can enjoy today. Cast members have certainly made their mark in the world of custom motorcycles, inspiring new generations of bike builders with their unique vision and expertise.

Conclusion

All in all, the cast of “American Chopper” still remain some of the most popular faces in TV history. The show’s success has stood the test of time, and the cast’s ongoing commitment to their craft and passion continues to captivate viewers today. From their early days of building bikes together to their current projects, the cast sure have come a long way in the past two decades. They continue to inspire and entertain fans all over the world with their unique style and dedication to the show. Whether you’re a fan of the show or simply curious about the cast, there’s no denying that the show has provided top-tier entertainment for many years.

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