Liz Cavalier [Swamp People] Wiki Bio: Age Net Worth, Divorce, Husband and Kids.
In the deep reaches of Louisiana’s swamp country, where the air is thick with cypress mist and tradition is a way of life, Liz Cavalier was raised with gators in her backyard and a rifle close by. Long before the cameras came calling, she was already living the kind of life most people only see in stories—hauling gators from muddy waters, cooking Cajun meals from scratch, and raising a family by the rules of the bayou.

Her national debut came with the History Channel’s Swamp People, a series that pulled viewers into the high-stakes drama of alligator season. Among a cast of seasoned hunters, Liz stood out—not just for her experience, but for what she represented: a rare glimpse into a culture often misunderstood and a reminder that toughness has no gender. With every hunt and every haul, she gave audiences an authentic look at the grit, pride, and legacy that define swamp life.
But her story doesn’t begin on screen. It begins in the wetlands—raw, rhythmic, and unforgiving—where the real Gator Queen earned her crown long before the rest of the world knew her name.
Table of Contents
Early Life and Family Background
Born as Elizabeth Dupre on January 21, 1970, in Pierre Part, Louisiana, Liz Cavalier was raised in a large family by her parents, CJ and Ella Dupre. She grew up alongside her siblings—Donald, Darrin, Joe, and Diane—in a region known for its deep connection to swamp life and traditional values.
Her early years were shaped by the environment of Louisiana’s bayou country, where local customs and the natural landscape played a central role in daily life. Although there is no public confirmation of Acadian ancestry, Cavalier was raised within a Cajun cultural setting, speaking a French-influenced dialect and participating in regional traditions centered on food, family, and outdoor living.

Her father, CJ Dupre, was an experienced alligator hunter and introduced her to the craft at a young age. Liz accompanied her parents on trips to hunting grounds around Morgan City and Houma, gradually learning the skills necessary for survival and marksmanship. By the age of 12, she was actively participating in alligator hunts. At one point during her youth, she kept a pet alligator named Charlie Pie, which measured over seven feet in length.
Cavalier’s mother, Ella Marie Gautreaux Dupre, was known for her cooking, and she passed on the region’s culinary practices to her daughter. Liz became familiar with preparing a range of Cajun dishes, including gumbo, jambalaya, shrimp étouffée, and fried frog legs. These recipes later became part of her public image as a cook and cultural figure.
Liz Cavalier’s Personal Life: Marriage, Family, and Overcoming Challenges
Liz Cavalier’s personal life reflects the same grit and authenticity she brings to the swamps of Louisiana. In the early 1990s, she was married to Jimmie Cavalier. While specific details about their marriage and eventual separation remain private, their union marked an important chapter in Liz’s life. In June 1993, they welcomed their daughter, Jessica Lynn Cavalier.
Jessica was raised in the same outdoor traditions that shaped Liz. From a young age, she accompanied her mother on hunting trips and learned the skills of alligator hunting firsthand. As she grew older, Jessica became more involved in the family’s hunting operations and eventually joined her mother on the reality series Swamp People, appearing alongside Liz, her stepfather Justin Choate, and her stepbrothers Daemon and Destin.

Liz married Justin Choate in November 2010, following two years spent together in the field—hunting duck, tracking deer, chasing squirrels, and hauling in alligators across Louisiana’s backcountry. Their mutual respect for the land and shared passion for traditional hunting forged a partnership rooted as much in purpose as affection.
After their marriage, they settled along Freshwater City Road near the Front Ridge Road before Pecan Island in Vermilion Parish. With the union, Liz became stepmother to Justin’s sons, Daemon and Destin. As a blended family, they embraced a life lived largely outdoors. Whether preparing for hunting season or appearing together on Swamp People, the Choate-Cavalier household thrived on a rhythm shaped by nature and family tradition.

In May 2016, Liz publicly shared a deeply personal chapter of her family life: Jessica’s battle with substance abuse and recovery. In a heartfelt Facebook post, she expressed her pride in Jessica’s 101 days of sobriety, acknowledging the emotional toll of supporting a loved one through addiction. Her openness and vulnerability in sharing that experience resonated widely, offering encouragement to others facing similar struggles.
Jessica’s journey took another significant turn in September 2015 when she gave birth to her daughter, Bella. Liz, now a grandmother, regularly shares updates and photos of Bella, referring to her as “the light of my life.” In a 2022 tribute for Bella’s seventh birthday, Liz highlighted the joy and pride she feels in watching her granddaughter grow, reinforcing the strong maternal and multigenerational bonds within the Cavalier family.

Throughout her marriage, Liz has publicly praised Justin Choate for his unwavering partnership. In a 2013 anniversary message, she thanked him for his steady presence in her life. Together, they have appeared at public events, hunting demonstrations, and barbecue competitions—not only as a married couple, but as a working team.
Liz Cavalier Swamp People Career
In August 2010, representatives from the History Channel were in Pierre Part—home of Swamp People star Troy Landry—searching for a female alligator hunter for the second season of the show. When they asked around, one name kept coming up: Liz Cavalier. Known in her community for her prowess in the swamp, Liz hunted 2,900 acres near Houma each season and had been doing so since childhood alongside her father, Charles Dupre.
“They were amazed a woman could hunt and fish like I do,” Liz recalled in an interview with Vermilion Today.
Though she was initially hesitant—describing herself as a “simple person”—Liz agreed to an interview. The producers were impressed and soon welcomed her aboard. When filming began, she joined Troy Landry as his shooter, spending eight-hour days over three weeks capturing the raw, untamed world of alligator hunting. Her calm under pressure during hunts was second nature, but she admitted that the interviews made her nervous.
Season 2 (2011): The Rise of the Alligator Queen
Liz first appeared in Episode 4, “First Mates,” when Troy Landry recruited her as his sharpshooter after his previous partner, Clint, left the show. Her introduction was pivotal—she proved herself immediately by helping Troy fill tags efficiently despite the challenges of the swamp.
- Key Moments:
- “Hot Pursuit” (S2E5): Liz’s marksmanship impressed Troy, solidifying her role on his team.
- “Dark Waters” (S2E6): She suffered an injury while wrangling a gator but returned in “Rising Sons” (S2E8) after recovering.
- “It’s Personal” (S2E10): Liz began suggesting her own hunting strategies, showing her growing confidence.
By the end of Season 2, Liz had established herself as a fearless hunter, earning respect in the male-dominated world of gator hunting
Season 3 (2012): Going Solo & Honoring Her Father’s Legacy
In Season 3, Episode 1 (“Gator Gold Rush”), Liz struck out on her own, hunting in Pecan Island to continue her late father’s legacy. She mentored her assistant, Kristi Broussard, and faced dangerous gators in Monster Marsh, where she had nearly died years earlier.
- Key Moments:
- “No Guts, No Gator” (S3E2): Liz and Kristi captured a nuisance gator on land, risking their lives outside the safety of a boat.
- “Avenged” (S3E5): She hunted a bullet-resistant gator named Tête Dure (“Hard Head”).
- “Rebound” (S3E9): After Tropical Storm Lee, Liz adapted by using nutria as bait to lure gators.
Liz’s independence in Season 3 showcased her leadership and deep knowledge of the swamp.
Seasons 4–5 (2013–2014): Challenges & Family Bonds
Liz remained a central figure in Seasons 4 and 5, facing new challenges:
- Season 4:
- After gallbladder surgery, she hunted with her daughter, Jessica, while Kristi was unavailable.
- In “Breaking Point” (S4E9), frustrations mounted as equipment failures and bad luck plagued her hunts.
- She later teamed up with Glenn Guist (of the Guist Brothers) for a short but memorable partnership.
- Season 5:
- Liz mentored her stepson, Destin, and continued balancing family life with gator hunting.
- In “Beast of the Lake” (S5E11), she recruited her husband, Justin, and Glenn Guist to help fill tags.
Exit After Season 6 & Return in Season 12 (2021)
Liz left the show after Season 6 (2015) but made a triumphant return in Season 12 (2021).
- Season 12 Highlights:
- “Cajun Queen” (S12E2): Liz returned to help cull the overpopulated gator threat, teaching her stepson, Destin, the ropes.
- “Darkest Fears” (S12E7): She faced high waters and dangerous bridges while hunting monsters.
- “Tag Teaming” (S12E15): Liz and Destin used old-school tricks to outsmart gators.
Her return was celebrated by fans, as she brought her signature toughness and expertise back to the swamp.
Why She Missed Seasons 14–16
After Season 12, Liz did not return for Seasons 14, 15, or the currently airing Season 16. Possible reasons include:
- Focus on family & personal ventures (she runs a fishing charter business).
- Shift in show dynamics, with new hunters being introduced.
Net Worth
Over the years, Liz Cavalier has leveraged her television fame and deep ties to Louisiana’s hunting culture into multiple streams of income. After rising to national attention through Swamp People, she capitalized on her popularity by launching the “Gator Queen” brand—an online platform offering merchandise such as branded T-shirts, Cajun seasonings, cookbooks, and other outdoor lifestyle products.

Her appearances at hunting expos, cooking events, and regional festivals have also contributed to her earnings. In addition to these ventures, Liz and her family have remained active in Louisiana’s hunting industry, a source of both livelihood and identity.
As of 2025, Liz Cavalier’s estimated net worth is approximately $400,000. This reflects a combination of past television contracts, ongoing merchandise sales, event appearances, guided alligator hunts and public speaking engagements related to Cajun cooking and swamp life.
Physical Traits
Liz Cavalier stands approximately 5 feet 8 inches (172 cm) tall and is recognized by her clear blue eyes and medium brown hair, typically worn pulled back for practicality during outdoor work. Her complexion bears the tan of years spent in the Louisiana sun, and her style is defined by function: T-shirts, jeans, camouflage gear, and boots. She is frequently seen in ball caps or visors, and occasionally accessorizes with simple jewelry such as hoop earrings or a silver chain. Her look aligns with her lifestyle—rugged, grounded, and unmistakably tied to the swamp.
Wiki/Bio facts
Birth Name | Elizabeth Dupre |
Other Name | Liz Cavalier, Elizabeth Choate |
Date of Birth | January 21, 1970 |
Age | 55 years old |
Birth Place | Pierre Part, Louisiana, United States |
Parents | CJ Dupre, Ella Dupre |
Siblings | Donald, Darrin, Joe, and Diane |
Nationality | American |
Ethnicity | Caucasian |
Gender | Female |
Sexuality | Straight |
Religion | Christianity |
Marital Status | Married to Justin Choate since Nov 2010 |
Ex-husband | Jimmie Cavalier |
Children | Jessica Cavalier |
Education | N/A |
Profession | Reality Television Actor, Alligator Hunter |
Net Worth (estimated) | $400,000 |
Height | 5 feet 8 inches (approx.) |