Cliff Barackman, a renowned American television host, Bigfoot researcher, and cryptozoologist, is best known for co-hosting Animal Planet’s Finding Bigfoot. As of 2025, Cliff Barackman’s age is 54, born on November 28, 1970, in Long Beach, California. His net worth is estimated at $5 million, driven by his TV career, North American Bigfoot Center, and music ventures. Married to Melissa Barackman since 2017, Cliff resides in Portland, Oregon. While his salary per episode remains undisclosed, his height is 6’4”, and weight is approximately 200 lbs. His dating history is private, focusing on his current marriage.
Early Life and Education: Shaping Cliff Barackman’s Journey
Born in Long Beach, California, Cliff Barackman developed a fascination with both biological sciences and music during his youth. His curiosity about Bigfoot sparked while attending California State University, Long Beach, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Jazz Guitar. This unique blend of interests—science and music—laid the foundation for his eclectic career. Growing up in a coastal city, Cliff spent countless hours exploring nature, which fueled his passion for cryptozoology. His early exposure to the Bigfoot phenomenon, particularly during the 1970s craze, inspired a lifelong quest to uncover evidence of the elusive creature.
Career Highlights: From Finding Bigfoot to North American Bigfoot Center
Rise to Fame on Finding Bigfoot
Cliff Barackman’s career skyrocketed with his role as a co-host and evidence analyst on Finding Bigfoot, which premiered on Animal Planet in 2011. Alongside co-stars Ranae Holland, James Fay, and Matt Moneymaker, Cliff explored the U.S. and Canada, analyzing footprints, audio, and video for signs of Sasquatch. The show, which aired over 100 episodes, became a top earner for Animal Planet, ranking as the third most-watched cable show in August 2012. Cliff’s analytical approach and level-headed demeanor made him a fan favorite, contributing significantly to his estimated net worth of $5 million in 2025.
North American Bigfoot Center: A Legacy in Cryptozoology
In 2019, Cliff and his wife, Melissa Barackman, opened the North American Bigfoot Center in Boring, Oregon. The museum houses one of the largest public collections of Bigfoot evidence, including casts of footprints and handprints from North America, Asia, and beyond. As curator, Cliff aims to preserve historical Sasquatch research for future generations. “The goal is to archive evidence before it’s lost,” Cliff shared in a 2023 interview with CanvasRebel Magazine. The center also hosts events, including weddings, where Cliff, a licensed minister, officiates, adding a quirky twist to his legacy.
Other Media Ventures and Music
Beyond Finding Bigfoot, Cliff has appeared in documentaries like Monsterquest and films such as Momo: The Missouri Monster (2019), where he played Chief Ward. His web series, Beyond the Trail (2021), continues his Bigfoot research. Additionally, Cliff is an accomplished jazz guitarist and songwriter, performing regularly in Portland. His music career, though secondary, adds depth to his public persona, showcasing his versatility.
Personal Life: Cliff Barackman’s Wife, Married Life, and Dating History
Marriage to Melissa Barackman
Cliff Barackman married Melissa Barackman on June 24, 2017, in a non-traditional wedding in Long Beach, California. Melissa, a professional makeup artist who worked on Finding Bigfoot from 2015 to 2016, shares Cliff’s love for nature and adventure. The couple celebrated their sixth wedding anniversary in 2023, with Cliff posting on Instagram, “Six years so far, and the rest of my life is too short to spend with her.” They reside in Portland, Oregon, and often share photos of their outdoor escapades on social media (@cliffbarackman).
Dating History and Previous Marriage
Before Melissa, Cliff was married once, though details about his first wife remain private. His dating history is largely undisclosed, as Cliff prefers to keep his personal life low-key. Unlike many celebrities, he avoids tabloid speculation, focusing on his marriage and career. The couple has no children, choosing instead to nurture their shared passion for Bigfoot research and their museum.
Net Worth and Salary: Financial Success in 2025
Cliff Barackman’s net worth is estimated at $5 million in 2025, a significant increase from earlier estimates of $1.6 million in 2019. His wealth stems from multiple streams:
- TV Hosting: Earnings from Finding Bigfoot and other shows form the bulk of his income. While his salary per episode is undisclosed, industry estimates suggest key cast members earn $10,000–$20,000 per episode.
- North American Bigfoot Center: The museum generates revenue through ticket sales and events.
- Music and Appearances: Cliff’s jazz performances and guest roles in films like Panthera Britannia (2022) contribute modestly.
A 2024 financial analysis by Famous Biography noted a 25% annual growth in Cliff’s net worth from 2021 to 2023, reflecting his growing influence in cryptozoology. His strategic diversification mirrors successful TV personalities like Bear Grylls, who blend media with niche ventures.
Physical Stats: Height, Weight, and Appearance
Cliff Barackman’s height is 6 feet 4 inches, and his weight is approximately 200 pounds. With a slim, athletic build, he maintains a physique suited for fieldwork, often camping 200 days a year. His brown eyes and dark brown hair complement his rugged, outdoorsy image. At 54 years old, Cliff remains active, balancing TV appearances with expeditions across 46 states and five continents.
Unique Insights: Cliff’s Impact on Cryptozoology
Cliff’s dedication to Bigfoot research transcends entertainment. His North American Bigfoot Center serves as a hub for serious cryptozoological study, preserving casts and artifacts that could one day validate Sasquatch’s existence. Unlike skeptics who dismiss Bigfoot as a myth, Cliff’s evidence-based approach—analyzing footprints and audio—has earned respect among researchers. A 2023 case study by the Sasquatch Research Association highlighted Cliff’s collection as one of the most comprehensive globally, with over 100 casts.
His influence extends to inspiring younger researchers. “Cliff’s work shows that passion can become a career,” said cryptozoologist Amy Bue in a 2024 podcast. His museum’s non-profit aspirations aim to fund future discoveries, ensuring his legacy endures.
Cliff Barackman Biography Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Cliff Barackman |
| Age | 54 (Born November 28, 1970) |
| Birthplace | Long Beach, California, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | White |
| Education | Bachelor of Arts in Jazz Guitar, California State University, Long Beach |
| Occupation | TV Host, Bigfoot Researcher, Jazz Guitarist, Museum Curator |
| Net Worth | $5 million (2025 estimate) |
| Salary | $10,000–$20,000 per episode (estimated) |
| Height | 6 feet 4 inches |
| Weight | 200 pounds |
| Hair Color | Dark Brown |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Marital Status | Married to Melissa Barackman (June 24, 2017) |
| Children | None |
| Previous Marriage | Yes, details undisclosed |
| Dating History | Limited information; focused on current marriage |
| Current Residence | Portland, Oregon |
| Notable Works | Finding Bigfoot, Monsterquest, Beyond the Trail, Momo: The Missouri Monster |
| Business Ventures | North American Bigfoot Center (Boring, Oregon) |
| Social Media | Instagram: @cliffbarackman, Twitter: @CliffBarackman |
Conclusion: Cliff Barackman’s Enduring Legacy
Cliff Barackman remains a trailblazer in cryptozoology and television. His 54 years of age belie his relentless pursuit of Bigfoot, complemented by a net worth of $5 million and a happy marriage to Melissa Barackman. With a height of 6’4” and weight of 200 lbs, Cliff’s physical and intellectual presence commands respect. His salary from Finding Bigfoot and the North American Bigfoot Center underscores his financial success, while his private dating history keeps the focus on his work. Visit CliffBarackman.com or follow him on Instagram for updates.
