Who Are Keith Colburn’s Wife, Children, and What We Know About His Divorce? A Look Inside the Family Behind the Wizard

Before he was known to millions as the determined captain navigating the icy waters of the Bering Sea, Keith Colburn was just a young man who took a leap of faith. Born on March 10, 1963, in California, Keith started his journey in the hospitality industry before packing up for Alaska in 1985 with nothing more than a strong work ethic and a willingness to learn. He began as a greenhorn on a crab boat and eventually rose through the ranks to become captain of the FV Wizard—a role he’s held since 1995. His grit and leadership have made him a standout figure on Discovery’s Deadliest Catch since joining the show in its third season in 2007.

Keith Colburn’s Wife Florence: A Lifelong Partnership Before Divorce

But while fans saw Keith on deck battling rogue waves and tight quotas, there was once another side to his life that kept him grounded—his family. For years, Keith shared his world with his now ex-wife, Florence Colburn, and their two children, Caelan and Sienna. Together, they built not just a family, but a coordinated operation that reflected the same values he brought to the wheelhouse: teamwork, resilience, and trust.

Their story began in Lake Tahoe in the mid-1980s, where Keith met Florence Colburn—born on March 30, 1960, in Marseille, France. At the time, Florence was building a career in glacial geology and climatology. Despite coming from different professional worlds, they developed a strong personal and working partnership. Reflecting on their journey in a 2012 Facebook post, Keith described that they had been together for over 25 years and praised Florence as an “integral force” behind the success of the FV Wizard. He detailed how she transitioned from her scientific background into managing off-boat operations—including vessel scheduling, regulatory compliance, and financial duties for the Alaska Crab Producers cooperative. Keith emphasized how their work was deeply collaborative and highlighted their shared commitment to both business and family. Their teamwork extended beyond the wheelhouse, shaping both their careers and the upbringing of their two children.

Keith often highlighted Florence’s vital role in the FV Wizard’s success, recognizing her as both his spouse and business partner who helped manage critical vessel operations behind the scenes. Even after their eventual divorce, Keith continued to speak respectfully of her. In a 2016 interview with KIRO Radio, he candidly reflected on that difficult chapter of his life:

“I’ve battled a few health issues, I’ve battled some drinking issues, I’ve battled kind of a mid-life crisis and divorce in the last two years… It was one of those days where everything was piling up… I took a wrong turn instead of driving back to the boat.”

Despite the end of their marriage, Keith emphasized that he was not bitter, stating,

“Even Florence, my ex, is wonderful… I’m not complaining. I’m doing better than most.”

Their partnership—both personal and professional—left a lasting impact on the operation of the Wizard and on the lives of their children.

Their Son: Caelan Colburn

Caelan Colburn was born on May 9, 1996. From early on, he was often seen alongside his father—whether attending NFL games, traveling to the 2012 London Olympics, or being celebrated on social media for academic milestones. He graduated from Elko County High School in 2014 and later earned his degree from Southern Methodist University in 2018.

In June 2017, Keith shared with fans that Caelan would be joining the FV Wizard crew as a greenhorn. “Colburn #3, my son Caelan, is joining the crew,” Keith wrote, marking a proud moment in their family’s maritime legacy. Caelan’s debut aired on Deadliest Catch, giving viewers a firsthand look at the next generation stepping into the world Keith has long navigated.

Their Daughter: Sienna “Bug” Colburn

Sienna Colburn was born on May 5, 1998. Known affectionately as “Bug” in Keith’s posts, she has been involved in a wide range of school and extracurricular activities. One notable example came in March 2016, when she played the innkeeper’s wife in a high school production of Les Misérables—and stepped up to perform an additional role after her stage partner fell ill, demonstrating her versatility and commitment. Keith proudly shared the moment with the caption “#proudpops #showmustgoon.”

In addition to drama, Sienna has participated in swim team events and often lent a hand around the boat. Her diverse interests and dedication to her responsibilities reflect the same work ethic that defines the Colburn family.

A Glimpse Into Keith’s Values as a Father

Family is at the core of Keith Colburn’s life—whether he’s leading a crew through dangerous waters or encouraging his children to chase their passions. And sometimes, those values shine through in the quiet moments. On December 14, 2012, Keith took to Facebook to share a deeply personal reflection in response to news affecting children around the world. “When we attack our young, it is time to find a giant ‘fix’ for the world,” he wrote, urging others to hold their children close and reflect on the responsibility we all share.

It was a moment of stillness from a man usually seen in motion—known for facing down storms, but just as mindful of what it means to be present at home. The post wasn’t just about parenting his own kids—it was a window into the values that guide him, both as a father and as someone who believes deeply in protecting the next generation.

Public Appearances and Shared Milestones

Over the years, Keith and Florence appeared together at numerous public events, highlighting their long-standing partnership. In May 2012, Keith posted a photo of the two dining together in New York City, captioned, “My wife and I out on the big town, NYC.” In September, his assistant shared a photo of them at an event in Florence, Oregon, referring to her as his “wife and biz partner.” Later that year, in November, Keith shared another image of them sightseeing in New York City—each post reflecting moments they spent together off the boat.

In September 2013, they attended the Creative Arts Emmy Awards to celebrate Deadliest Catch winning two categories. A later post from October 2013 featured them again at the event alongside fellow cast members and Discovery executives. Their appearances during this period reflected their shared involvement in the public face of the show. Although they later divorced, these moments documented a time of professional alignment and personal visibility.