Ezekiel “Zeke” Tenhoff, a renowned gold miner and reality TV star, captivates audiences on Discovery Channel’s Bering Sea Gold. Known for his daring dives in Alaska’s icy waters, Zeke’s journey blends adventure, resilience, and personal growth. Fans searching for details about Zeke Tenhoff’s age, net worth, married status, salary, and dating life will find comprehensive insights here, including his career milestones, relationships, and unique contributions to gold dredging. This article dives deep into Zeke’s life, offering fresh perspectives, updated information, and exclusive angles not found in typical searches.
Who Is Zeke Tenhoff? A Snapshot of His Life and Career
Born on January 27, 1987, in Nome, Alaska, Zeke Tenhoff is 38 years old in 2025. His rugged Alaskan upbringing shaped his independent spirit, leading him to gold mining at age 20. As a key cast member of Bering Sea Gold since its 2012 debut, Zeke’s innovative dredging techniques and fearless attitude have made him a fan favorite. His net worth is estimated at $200,000 to $300,000, derived from gold mining and TV appearances, with salaries reportedly ranging from $10,000 to $65,000 per episode depending on the season.
Zeke Tenhoff’s Biography: Key Details at a Glance
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ezekiel Eugene Tenhoff |
| Date of Birth | January 27, 1987 |
| Age | 38 (as of 2025) |
| Place of Birth | Nome, Alaska, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Gold Miner, Reality TV Star |
| Known For | Bering Sea Gold (2012–present) |
| Education | Homeschooled |
| Siblings | Gabe Tenhoff, Sam Tenhoff |
| Height | 6 feet (1.82 meters) |
| Weight | Approximately 82 kg |
| Net Worth | $200,000–$300,000 (estimated, 2025) |
| Salary per Episode | $10,000–$65,000 (varies by season) |
| Current Dredge | The Black Swan |
| Previous Dredges | The Clark, The Edge, The Havilah |
| Social Media | Facebook, Twitter |
| Marital Status | Engaged to Alexis Alamillo (since May 2022) |
| Past Relationships | Emily Riedel (ex-girlfriend), Sarah Dunn (ex-girlfriend) |
Zeke Tenhoff’s Net Worth and Salary in 2025
Zeke’s net worth of $200,000 to $300,000 reflects his success in gold mining and reality TV. His primary income sources include gold extracted from the Bering Sea and earnings from Bering Sea Gold. Reports suggest he earned $22,000 in Season 2 and up to $65,000 per episode in Season 4, with current estimates for 2025 ranging between $10,000 and $25,000 per episode for an 18-season series. Despite financial ups and downs, Zeke’s innovative dredging methods, like his sailboat dredge The Black Swan, have bolstered his earnings. His ability to locate gold hotspots, as seen in Season 13’s haul of 10 ounces worth $12,500, showcases his expertise.
Zeke Tenhoff’s Married Status and Dating History
Is Zeke Tenhoff married? As of 2025, Zeke is engaged to Alexis Alamillo, a professional rigger and artist, since their announcement on May 14, 2022. Alexis, with experience at Cirque du Soleil and Burning Man, complements Zeke’s adventurous spirit, potentially aiding his dredging operations. Their engagement has sparked fan excitement, with social media posts showcasing their shared adventures.
Previously, Zeke dated Sarah Dunn, whom he met in New Orleans during a challenging period following the 2012 suicide of his friend John Bunce. Sarah, who ran the Au Gratin food truck in Nome, helped Zeke recover from depression and substance abuse. However, their relationship status post-2017 remains unclear due to limited public updates.
Zeke’s earlier romance with Emily Riedel, a fellow Bering Sea Gold star, was marked by drama. Their on-and-off relationship, which began before the show, ended after Season 1 due to frequent disagreements. Despite their split, they maintained a professional partnership, with Zeke selling his dredge The Edge to Emily, renamed The Eroica. Emily described working with Zeke as “infuriating yet creative,” highlighting their complex dynamic.
Career Highlights: From The Clark to The Black Swan
Zeke’s gold mining career began at 20 when he built and captained The Clark in 2008. His innovative approach caught Discovery Channel’s attention, leading to his starring role in Bering Sea Gold. Over the years, he owned dredges like The Edge and The Havilah, and founded Tenhoff Mining. After a hiatus from Seasons 10 to 12 due to personal struggles, Zeke returned in 2021 as captain of The Black Swan, a sailboat dredge reflecting his bold ingenuity. His 124 episodes from 2012 to 2024 underscore his enduring presence.
Zeke’s diving skills and risk-taking mindset set him apart. For instance, in a 2022 episode, he and Sarah Dunn successfully dredged 10 ounces of gold, valued at $12,500, demonstrating his knack for finding lucrative spots. His nickname, “Mad Scientist,” reflects his experimental methods, like adapting equipment to maximize gold extraction in harsh conditions.
Personal Struggles and Resilience
Zeke’s journey hasn’t been without hardship. The 2012 loss of his friend John Bunce led to a downward spiral of depression and substance abuse, prompting a move to New Orleans. There, meeting Sarah Dunn marked a turning point, helping him rebuild his life. His return to Bering Sea Gold in Season 13 showcased a revitalized Zeke, with fans noting his renewed spark, possibly fueled by his engagement to Alexis.
Zeke’s homeschooling and Alaskan roots fostered a self-reliant mindset. Growing up with brothers Gabe and Sam, who also appeared on the show, strengthened his bond with family and diving. His resilience shines through in overcoming financial setbacks and personal losses, making him a relatable figure for fans.
Unique Insights: Zeke’s Environmental Advocacy
Beyond mining, Zeke advocates for responsible mining practices, minimizing environmental impact on the Bering Sea’s ecosystem. Unlike some miners, he prioritizes sustainable methods, a lesser-known aspect of his work. This commitment aligns with growing viewer interest in eco-conscious practices, adding depth to his public persona. For example, in Season 13, Zeke emphasized equipment adjustments to reduce seabed disturbance, a practice not widely covered in existing articles.
Why Zeke Tenhoff Resonates with Fans
Zeke’s appeal lies in his authenticity and grit. Fans admire his willingness to take risks, like diving in icy waters or building unconventional dredges. Social media comments on his Facebook page highlight his “pioneer spirit” and “relentless drive.” His story mirrors the American dream—self-made success through perseverance. Unlike typical reality stars, Zeke’s life reflects real stakes, from financial gambles to personal redemption.
Looking Ahead: Zeke Tenhoff in 2025 and Beyond
As Bering Sea Gold continues its 18th season, Zeke remains a central figure, with fans eager to see his next moves. His engagement to Alexis suggests a stable personal life, potentially influencing future seasons. Will Alexis join him on the dredge, blending her rigging expertise with his mining prowess? The show’s high ratings and Zeke’s innovative streak ensure his story will evolve, keeping viewers hooked.
For more on Zeke’s journey, check his IMDb profile or Wikipedia page. Follow his updates on Twitter for real-time insights into his gold mining adventures.
