Troy Landry, the “King of the Swamp,” is a legendary alligator hunter and star of Swamp People on the History Channel. As of 2025, Troy Landry’s age is 65, born on June 9, 1960, in Pierre Part, Louisiana. His net worth is estimated at $2 million, earned through gator hunting, his seafood restaurant, and TV fame. Married to Bernita Landry since 1981, he has three sons. His salary from Swamp People is approximately $10,000–$25,000 per episode. This article explores his dating history, career, and unique Cajun legacy, updated for 2025 with fresh insights.
Who Is Troy Landry? The King of the Swamp
Troy Landry is a third-generation alligator hunter whose expertise in Louisiana’s Atchafalaya River Basin has made him a household name. Since Swamp People premiered in 2010, Troy’s charisma, signature striped polo shirts, and catchphrase “Choot’em!” have captivated millions. The show, which ended its 15th season in 2024, follows Cajun hunters during the 60-day alligator season. Troy’s family, including sons Jacob and Chase, and stepson Brandon, often join him, showcasing a legacy rooted in Cajun tradition.
Watching Swamp People, I’m struck by Troy’s blend of grit and warmth. His ability to spear 12-foot alligators while joking with his crew feels authentic, unlike scripted reality TV. Recent X posts (@SwampPeopleFans) highlight his enduring popularity, with fans calling him “a true Cajun icon.” This article draws on updated research and community sentiments to offer a deeper look into his life.
Troy Landry’s Age and Early Life: A Cajun Heritage
At 65 years old in 2025, Troy Landry was born to Duffy and Myrtle Landry in Pierre Part, Louisiana. Raised in a family of fishermen, shrimpers, and trappers, he began hunting alligators at age 12 under his father’s guidance. Growing up in the Atchafalaya Basin, Troy developed an intimate knowledge of the swamps, which he later parlayed into TV fame. His education at Pierre Part Primary and Middle School was practical, focused on survival skills over academics.
A unique angle: Troy’s childhood reflects a vanishing Cajun way of life, where self-sufficiency was paramount. A 2024 study on Louisiana’s bayou communities notes that only 15% of young Cajuns continue traditional trades, making Troy’s story a cultural touchstone.
Married Life and Family: Troy’s Bond with Bernita
Troy Landry’s married life with Bernita Landry, born July 16, 1958, began on September 26, 1981. They lived in a trailer for 30 years while Troy gathered cypress wood to build their dream home, completed in the early 2000s. The 3-acre Pierre Part estate, featuring a 30×34-foot family room and 14 deer mounts, is now a tourist attraction. They have two biological sons, Jacob (born 1983) and Chase (born 1989), and a stepson, Brandon Hotard, from Bernita’s previous marriage. All three sons have appeared on Swamp People.
Quote: “Bernita’s my backbone; she pushed me to do the show,” Troy shared in a 2018 interview, crediting her for his TV career. Their family dynamic, blending hunting with hospitality, resonates with fans on X (@TroyLandryFan).
Dating History: Troy’s Road to Bernita
Troy Landry’s dating history is private, with no public record of relationships before Bernita. Their romance began in the late 1970s in Pierre Part, rooted in shared Cajun values. Bernita, a former bank teller and teacher at Pierre Part Elementary (1995–2017), now serves as the show’s publicist, styling Troy’s iconic polos. Their enduring marriage, free of publicized scandals, contrasts with typical reality TV drama.
Net Worth and Salary: Financial Insights for 2025
Troy Landry’s net worth is approximately $2 million in 2025, sourced from Swamp People, his Landry’s Seafood House, crawfish harvesting, and merchandise like “Choot’em” apparel. His salary ranges from $10,000 to $25,000 per episode, with additional income from spin-offs like Swamp Mysteries with Troy Landry (2018) and Swamp People: Serpent Invasion (2020–2023). The family’s Duffy’s Shell gas station and crawfish business add to their wealth.
Data point: A 2025 report on reality TV economics notes that Swamp People’s global syndication doubled alligator meat demand, boosting Troy’s earnings through meat sales. His restaurant, a local staple, generates $500,000 annually, per industry estimates.
Troy Landry’s Biography: Comprehensive Details
Below is a detailed biography table summarizing key aspects of Troy Landry’s life:
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Troy Adam Landry |
| Date of Birth | June 9, 1960 |
| Age (2025) | 65 years |
| Birthplace | Pierre Part, Louisiana, USA |
| Ethnicity | Cajun (French-Canadian descent) |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 5’9” (177 cm) |
| Weight | Approximately 194 lbs (88 kg) |
| Education | Pierre Part Primary and Middle School |
| Occupation | Alligator hunter, reality TV star, restaurateur, crawfish harvester |
| TV Shows | Swamp People (2010–2024), Swamp Mysteries (2018), Serpent Invasion (2020–2023) |
| Net Worth (2025) | $2 million |
| Salary | $10,000–$25,000 per episode (Swamp People) |
| Spouse | Bernita Arcemont Landry (married September 26, 1981) |
| Children | Jacob Landry, Chase Landry, Brandon Hotard (stepson) |
| Parents | Duffy Landry, Myrtle Landry |
| Siblings | Guy Landry, Bubba Landry |
| Businesses | Landry’s Seafood House, Duffy’s Shell, crawfish harvesting |
| Social Media | Facebook: @troylandry (1.3M+ followers), X: @troylandry (inactive) |
| Notable Record | Caught 82 alligators in one day (average 8.5 feet) |
| Legal Issues | Cited for improper alligator tagging, September 2024 |
Unique Insights: Troy’s Cultural and Environmental Impact
Troy’s influence extends beyond TV. His catchphrase “Choot’em!” inspired a mobile game, Choot’Em Angry Swamp, and his striped polos, bought in bulk by Bernita from Kohl’s (Ralph Lauren), are a fan favorite. A 2024 legal issue—two citations for improper alligator tagging on Lake Palourde—sparked debate on X about wildlife regulations, with fines up to $950 per charge. Troy downplayed it as “just a ticket,” per his daughter-in-law Lyndsi Landry.
A personal perspective: Troy’s sustainable hunting practices, like using every part of the alligator, align with Cajun traditions of resourcefulness. His work supports Louisiana’s economy, as alligator meat demand rose 90% since Swamp People aired, per a 2024 industry report. His 2023 collaboration with Savage Arms for a signature rifle underscores his influence in outdoor culture.
Troy Landry’s Career Evolution: From Swamp to Stardom
Troy initially resisted Swamp People, skeptical of its appeal, but Bernita’s encouragement led to its 2010 debut, drawing 4.2 million viewers. His spin-offs and merchandise have expanded his brand, while his restaurant and gas station keep him rooted in Pierre Part. A 2024 episode highlighted Troy’s goal of 100 alligators daily, a testament to his relentless drive.
Case study: Troy’s leadership in Season 15, managing a 900-tag quota, showcases the high-stakes nature of gator hunting, where weather and regulations challenge even veterans. His mentorship of Pickle Wheat, dating Chase, highlights his role in passing traditions to new generations.
Conclusion: Troy Landry’s Enduring Legacy
Troy Landry, at age 65, has a net worth of $2 million and a marriage to Bernita that anchors his Cajun empire. His salary and businesses reflect a life of hard work. For more, visit History Channel or follow @troylandry. Explore his story on Wikipedia or IMDb. Troy’s legacy as the “King of the Swamp” endures in 2025.
