Liz Cavalier Vanished from Swamp People—The Untold Truth Behind Her Sudden Disappearance, Career Fallout, and What She’s Hiding from the Cameras 

Elizabeth “Liz” Cavalier—known to fans as the “Gator Queen”—rose to prominence on the History Channel’s Swamp People for her fierce hunting skills, charismatic screen presence, and deep Cajun roots. Yet after Season 6 in 2015, she suddenly disappeared from the show—only to return briefly years later. Here’s a full look at what went down, why she was cut, her stand-off with production, and where she is now.

Early Life & Rise on Swamp People

Born Elizabeth Dupre on January 21, 1970, in Pierre Part, Louisiana, Liz was raised in a family immersed in alligator hunting. Her father, C.J. Dupre, taught her the craft alongside traditional swamp life and culinary skills passed down by her mother . She first appeared in Swamp People during Season 2 (2011), partnering with Troy Landry, and quickly earned the title “Gator Queen” thanks to her sharp shooting, expertise, and bold personality C. As her reputation grew, so did her role—by Season 3 she led her own hunting team, eventually relocating to Pecan Island with her family and husband Justin Choate (previously married to Mr. Cavalier, with whom she shares daughter Jessica)

The Sudden Exit: Season 6 (2015)

Following Season 6 in 2015, Liz and several original cast members—including her daughter Jessica—were abruptly cut from Swamp People. The mass firing was part of a production shake‑up by Original Media, the company behind the show. No clear explanation was given, prompting Liz to go public via Facebook:

“Due to unknown reasons by the production company Original Media, my family and myself … will no longer be participating…” and that “our fans are the ones who will suffer from these unexplained actions”

Her comments reportedly angered producers, who asked her to delete the post. Liz refused—and famously quipped, “KISS MY A$$,” flamboyantly standing her ground in defense of her heritage and fans

Why the Cut?

The cast overhaul was sweeping—several legacy members, including Junior and Willie Edwards, Joe LaFont, Tommy Chauvin, Jeromy Pruitt, and David LaDart, were also let go. Though rumors swirled of salary demands, those cut denied asking for more money. The firings were attributed to changes in production leadership rather than individual conflicts

Return in Season 12 (2021)

In a surprising move, Liz returned for Season 12 in 2021—nearly six years after her exit. She appeared in nearly all episodes that season, bringing her total to about 94. Though a welcome comeback for her fans, she didn’t remain on subsequent seasons. Observers suggest the return may have been tied to a one‑season contract or disagreements on pay—but no official statement was given

What Happened After the Show?

Personal Life & Family

Today Liz continues to live in Pecan Island with husband Justin Choate and his children Destin and Daimon—both of whom made brief Swamp People appearances. Her daughter, Jessica Cavalier, also appeared on the show through Season 6 and remains active on social media—portraying a happy, thriving life filled with hunting, motherhood, and creativity

Hunting & Craft Work

Hunting remains central to Liz’s life. Every September she heads into the swamp to keep her traditions alive, long before and after cameras are involved. On social media, she regularly connects with fans—sharing memories, updates, and snapshots from her hunting season. Her posts exude pride in Louisiana’s culture and swamp lifestyle

She’s also built a low‑key creative hobby/business: selling handmade floral wreaths and decorative crafts (often featuring birdhouses). These posts offer fans a personal look into her authentically grounded life, deeply tied to her heritage and independence

Financial Snapshot

Estimates vary—some sources (2023) peg her net worth around $300,000, while others (2024–25) suggest $2.8–3.3 million, including TV income, crafts, public appearances, and merchandise . Regardless of the exact figure, it’s clear Liz didn’t pursue celebrity branding beyond what aligned with her lifestyle.

Legacy & Cultural Impact

Liz Cavallier never sought high-profile fame. Her appearances on Swamp People and her one appearance on The Queen Latifah Show in 2014 were grounded in introducing viewers to authentic Cajun life—not constructing a personal brand or influencer persona

Her refusal to “sell her soul” for TV control, her unapologetic authenticity, and her commitment to the swamp hunting tradition cemented her legacy among long-time fans—even long after her television exit. Though others (like Ashley Jones or Pickle Wheat) have been dubbed “new Gator Queens,” to many, Liz will always be the original and most authentic Collider.

Highlights at a Glance

• Joined Swamp People in Season 2 (2011) and rose to fame as the “Gator Queen” by Season 3.

• Cut from Season 7 (2015) alongside other original cast members, after going public on Facebook to condemn the non‑transparent firings led by Original Media

• Brandished her independence—responding to production’s request to delete her post with the now‑infamous “KISS MY A$$.”

• Briefly returned in Season 12 (2021) for about 94 episodes total, but hasn’t appeared since.

• Lives on Pecan Island, continues to hunt each season, and connects with fans through social media and creative works.

• Estimated net worth ranges widely, but reflects income from TV, hunting, crafts, and personal appearances.

• Legacy rests in authenticity—her respect for Cajun tradition, unwavering pride, and refusal to conform to manufactured TV drama.

When producers asked Liz to remove the post, she responded with a big, clear “KISS MY A$$.”

She stood her ground and doubled down on her support for Louisiana culture and refused to let go of the legacy she’d built. But interestingly, after nearly six years away, she returned in Swamp People Season 12 (2021) for a full-season arc, pushing her episode total to 94. That short-lived comeback seemed to be a one-season deal, possibly tied to a limited contract or less-than-ideal pay — take that with a bucket of salt.

This was in 2021, and since then, Liz hasn’t returned and hasn’t made a public statement about a future return either. But, she stays in contact with her fans on Facebook, regularly posting updates and memories from past gator seasons. It’s also clear that every September, she still heads out to hunt and is keeping her long-standing tradition alive. Her posts reflect both her pride in Louisiana’s swamp culture and her continued passion for the hunt. While she’s not as active on Instagram, her daughter Jessica’s bio — “Gator hunter, Duck hunting, Hog Hunting, Deer Hunter, Nutria Hunter, Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Loving Life” — makes it clear that her connection to hunting runs deep and goes far beyond alligators.

What Is Liz Cavalier Doing Now?

Though she’s no longer on Swamp People, Liz hasn’t exactly slowed down. In addition to hunting, she shares on Facebook that she frequently sells handmade decorative items, like floral wreaths complete with birdhouses, likely as a creative side gig. These posts give fans a glimpse into her day-to-day life, which remains grounded, proud, and deeply personal — and every other day there’s a comment from one of the fans, asking her to either return to the show or let her know how much she’s still missed on Swamp People and honestly, we can’t disagree.

Liz currently lives on Pecan Island with her husband, Justin Choate, and his children Destin and Daimon Choate, who also briefly appeared on Swamp People Season 4. Justin was featured during the period when Liz led her hunting team apart from Troy. Her daughter Jessica also appeared on the show during this phase, and while she has reportedly dealt with personal issues in the past, she is active on her Instagram and paints a much more stable and happy picture. She’s active, smiling, and seemingly thriving. Liz’s family life, which includes hunting, seems to have a just as healthy pace to date, despite no longer being on camera.

Liz Cavalier Never Moved to Any Other Hunting Show After ‘Swamp People’ Sour End

Despite being a breakout personality on Swamp People, Liz never crossed over into other TV projects. Her only known non-History Channel appearance was a one-episode guest spot on The Queen Latifah Show in 2014 alongside her family, and this was during the height of her popularity. That appearance was more novelty than a launchpad.

She never pursued full-blown celebrity status or spin-off opportunities after that. In some way, that aligns with who she’s always been: a hunter first, a TV personality second. It also shows that her fame was an extension of her lifestyle, not the other way around.

Even now, Liz remains low-key. She continues to connect with fans, especially older viewers who remember her era on the show. But she hasn’t tried to rebrand, chase influencer fame, or turn her legacy into a product. That consistency, living on her own terms, rejecting corporate control, and maintaining her roots, might be exactly why she’s still respected in the community. While Ashley Jones or Pickle Wheat may have been called the new Gator Queen in recent seasons, long-time fans know that title was earned first by Liz, and it was never just for the cameras.