Drew Sherwood Biography– Ice Road Truckers, Early Life, Age, and Where He Is Now

For longtime fans of Ice Road Truckers, Drew Sherwood remains one of the most unforgettable figures from the show’s early days. Introduced in Season 1 as a confident but untested rookie, he quickly found himself battling both the elements and his own equipment on the frozen highways of Canada’s Northwest Territories. His clashes with mechanical breakdowns and his blunt, fiery personality made him a standout character even though his run on the ice roads was brief. Many fans have since wondered: what happened to Drew Sherwood after the cameras stopped rolling, and where is he now? The answer takes us from the icy wilderness of the Northwest Territories to unique chapters in film production and community activism in British Columbia.

Early Life and Background

Drew Sherwood was born and raised in British Columbia, Canada, and spent much of his youth in North Vancouver. Growing up in Upper North Vancouver, he enjoyed a comfortable upbringing while spending much of his free time skating at the popular Stardust Roller Rink, a venue located on Indigenous lands. There, he often mingled with Indigenous classmates, though at the time he gave little thought to the challenges they faced when sent to residential schools.

Role on Ice Road Truckers (Seasons 1–2)

Drew Sherwood entered Ice Road Truckers as a seasoned highway trucker but a complete rookie on ice roads—a stark juxtaposition that made his journey especially compelling. He joined Hugh Rowland’s crew after answering a newspaper help-wanted ad.

Rowland, an imposing veteran nicknamed “The Polar Bear,” owned multiple rigs and described Sherwood as a bit arrogant and a “one‑year driver”—a rookie likely to stick around for just one season. Sherwood’s confidence was clear in the series premiere when he quipped, “I have no intention of going into a ditch, bro.” Ironically, he soon ended up in a ditch himself—a humbling lesson in the unforgiving nature of ice-road trucking.

Mechanical issues further undermined his rookie efforts: he lost his battery box and batteries, suffered a flat tire, and even had to abandon a load when his truck’s computer failed. At one point, Sherwood drove Todd White’s truck after White was banned for speeding, but even that rig brought more problems. With repeated breakdowns and growing tension between Rowland and his mechanic, Lee Parkinson, Sherwood eventually left the ice road mid-season.

Sherwood returned in Season 2, this time joining the Tuktoyaktuk Winter Road as one of the so‑called “highway maggots.” He initially worked under Jordan Fedosoff at Matco in Inuvik and later joined Kelly Brown for training runs. He was often portrayed as still learning the ropes compared to more seasoned northern drivers. Despite his determination, his second season produced little success: he completed just 9 loads, most of his driving limited to pavement in Inuvik, and failed to match the higher tallies of his peers.

Life After the Show

Part-Time Santa and Community Work

In December 2010, a feature by Castanet News highlighted how Sherwood, a full‑time trucker and former reality TV personality, had transformed into Kelowna’s beloved “part‑time Santa.” Each Christmas season, he went all out with festive displays—stringing up between 4,500 and 5,000 lights, running more than 60 extension cords, and investing roughly $10,000 into decorations, including 6,000 candy canes. The city even disconnected a nearby streetlight so that his home display would shine brighter. Families flocked to his home every weekend to meet Santa, with children, grandparents, and even pets welcomed. Through these efforts, Sherwood raised thousands of dollars in goods and cash for local charities. He often remarked that, having once been in need himself, giving back through joy and community spirit was deeply important to him.

Film Production Work

In 2012, he also took an unexpected turn and joined the set of the TV movie A Mother’s Nightmare—not in front of the camera, but behind the wheel as a daycall driver for the production crew. While it wasn’t a return to TV stardom, it was a cool, offbeat chapter for a guy fans remembered for his grit and grit alone. Even off the ice, Drew found ways to keep the engine running.

Activism and Solidarity

In June 2022, Drew served as Grand Marshal at the We Stand in Solidarity Run in British Columbia. Joined by his wife Debbie, the rally honored the memory of the 215 Indigenous children found at the Kamloops residential school and reflected his personal ties to the Indigenous community.

This movement had roots in Debbie’s ties to the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Nation and the support of Drew’s longtime friend Mike. Sherwood explained how hundreds of trucks, motorbikes, and supporters set out from Kelowna and surrounding communities, converging in Kamloops for drumming, speeches, and ceremonies led by the Kamloops band. He also reflected on his upbringing in North Vancouver, admitting that it was only later in life that he recognized the hardships Indigenous classmates endured at residential schools. Calling the experience an “eye‑opener,” he explained that his involvement was his way of contributing to healing and reconciliation. His custom truck—emblazoned with “Every Child Matters” and the word “Eshway” (meaning “the missing”)—was signed by attendees as a rolling memorial and symbol of solidarity.

Personal Life

Sherwood is married to his wife Debbie, who has been a visible presence at his community and solidarity initiatives. Their wedding, held by the ocean, was a memorable occasion where Debbie wore a white lace gown with floral headpieces, while Drew chose a simple white shirt and dark trousers. Even their dog Jo Jo took part in the celebration, serving as ring bearer—something Sherwood later shared in a 2019 Facebook post. The event underscored the couple’s close bond and their habit of including family, pets, and humor in life’s milestones.

In December 2022, Sherwood highlighted another playful moment when he and Debbie were humorously crowned “lord and lady of a plot of land in Scotland.” This update reflected his easygoing nature and offered fans a glimpse of his personal life beyond trucking, television, and activism.

Age

Based on his own statements in June 2022, Drew Sherwood was 61 years old at that time, which places his year of birth around 1960 or 1961.

Wiki Bio Facts

Field	Information
Full Name	Drew Sherwood
Nationality	Canadian
Occupation	Trucker, Reality TV Personality
Known For	Ice Road Truckers (Seasons 1–2)
Team Affiliation	Hugh Rowland’s crew (Season 1), Matco/Kelly Brown (Season 2)
Load Count	9 (Season 2)
Notable Events	Mechanical struggles in Season 1; Grand Marshal at We Stand in Solidarity Run (2022); Facebook update declaring himself and wife Debbie “lord and lady” of Scottish plot (2022)
Spouse	Debbie Sherwood
Age (as of 2025)	65 years old (born circa 1960–1961)
Current Residence	British Columbia, Canada