Moonshiners Cast 2025: Full List of Who’s Still on, Who Left, and Who Died

The Discovery Channel’s Moonshiners has been on air since 2011, following the secretive world of backwoods distillers who produce illegal moonshine in Appalachia. Over the years, the cast has evolved significantly – some original members have gone legit or stepped away, new faces have joined, and sadly a few beloved cast members have passed on. This comprehensive cast history (updated for 2025) details who is still on Moonshiners, who left the show (and why), and which cast members have died, in order to answer common queries like “Moonshiners cast,” “who left Moonshiners,” “who died from Moonshiners,” and “who is still on Moonshiners.” We’ll also include a summary table of current, former, and deceased cast members for easy reference.

Who Is Still on Moonshiners? – Current Cast Members (2025)

As of 2025, Moonshiners is still going strong (Season 14 premiered in December 12, 2024). Several original and long-time cast members remain on the show, continuing their (mostly illegal) distilling adventures:

Tim Smith

The central figure since Season 1, Tim is an “outlaw turned legal” moonshiner who now also runs a legal distillery producing his famed Climax Moonshine. He still appears on the show mentoring others and tackling special projects. Despite going legal, Tim stays true to his roots and remains a Moonshiners mainstay.

In Season 13, Tim worked with Howard on a new distilling setup and took part in creating a batch of rum using corn stalks. He also joined Tickle and Howard for a covert mission to clear evidence from an unused barn. These appearances showed his continued collaboration with longtime partners and involvement in practical distilling tasks.

Building on that momentum, Tim returned in Season 14 to continue working alongside Howard—this time to recreate a high-proof family elixir based on an old, unwritten recipe. When Howard consumed the last remaining bottle of the original elixir, Tim was left to replicate it using his knowledge and distilling experience.

Tim also experimented with new ingredients to boost sales, turning to honey in one of his distilling ventures. Additionally, he joined forces with fellow shiners including Tickle, Mark, and Digger to apply traditional bootlegging methods while evading law enforcement efforts.

Despite going legal, Tim stays true to his roots and remains a Moonshiners mainstay.

Steven Ray “Tickle”

A fan-favorite character, Tickle (a protégé of Tim) has been with the show since the beginning. After facing legal challenges and a period of absence from the main storyline during Seasons 5 and 6, he returned to regular appearances starting in Season 7, where he began rebuilding his role in the backwoods distilling scene.

Steven Ray “Tickle” – A fan-favorite character, Tickle (a protégé of Tim) has been with the show since the beginning. After facing legal challenges and a reduced role in Seasons 5 and 6, he returned to regular appearances in Season 7 and has remained active since.

In Season 13, Tickle helped reopen his restaurant, which doubled as a cover for a 500-gallon moonshine run. He collaborated with Josh on fruit-based recipes and joined Tim and Howard in clearing out a potentially compromising barn.

Season 14 saw Tickle expand his operations. He built a “dead man’s” still to avoid legal risk, revived a decades-old 400-mile bootleg route, and turned overripe produce—like pumpkins and excess blueberries—into shine. Working closely with Henry Law, he pursued fruit brandy production using unproven methods and shared concerns when outside presence threatened their operations. Alongside Tim, Mark, and Digger, he applied traditional techniques to avoid capture as law enforcement closed in. Kenny Law also reappeared to support a key final run, reinforcing Tickle’s connection to Virginia’s distilling heritage.

Known for his humor and mischief, Tickle is still on Moonshiners as of 2025, turning moonshine into profit and doing the “dirty work” for his team.

Mark Ramsey

Introduced in the mid-series (first appearing in 2013), Mark is a veteran shiner trained by the late legend Popcorn Sutton. He and his partner Digger form a popular duo. Mark is a skilled still-builder and distiller who helped found Sugarlands Distilling Co. (where he also produces legal shine off-camera). Mark continues as a central cast member in 2025, striving to “go big” with new moonshine ventures.

Eric “Digger” Manes

Eric “Digger” Manes – A veteran moonshiner and protégé of the legendary Popcorn Sutton, Digger became a central figure in Moonshiners after joining the cast in Season 4. Mark Ramsey, his long-time friend and partner, had joined in Season 3 and persuaded Digger to come aboard the following year. At the time, Digger had stepped away from illegal distilling and was dabbling in home brewing. Reluctant at first, he agreed to participate only because he believed the show was about to end.

Despite his reservations, Digger’s authenticity, wit, and chemistry with Mark helped breathe new life into the series, contributing to a notable ratings boost by Season 5. The duo’s on-screen dynamic quickly became one of the show’s defining elements.

In Season 13, Digger helped develop new products like hazelnut rum and collaborated with Amanda on pod-based shine innovations. He also participated in large-scale production efforts and weighed in on pricing strategy alongside Joe Boy and Big Chuk.

In Season 14, rising pressure from law enforcement led Digger and Mark to train outlaw crews and return to time-tested tactics to stay ahead of surveillance. They handled theft investigations, resurrected rare fruit-based recipes, and rolled out new high-proof creations. Digger’s sharp intuition and experience remained vital to sustaining their legacy under increased scrutiny.

Josh Owens

A former professional motocross racer turned moonshiner, Josh joined the cast in Season 2 and is one of the younger-generation shiners. He’s known for high-octane ingenuity (and some bad luck with accidents). Despite a serious motorcycle crash in 2022 that left him with multiple broken bones, Josh remains part of the current cast. Season 13 even opened with Josh on crutches, determined to get back to distilling despite his injuries. His tenacity and “no quit” attitude keep him going on Moonshiners.

By Season 14, Josh had moved past the worst of his injuries but still faced lingering concerns from friends. He remained active and teamed up with Tickle and Henry for a profitable peach-rye run in Philadelphia. He also appeared in multiple collaborative efforts, including moments where Tickle urged him to avoid returning to racing. Although his screen time was selective, his continued involvement in key runs and distilling partnerships reinforced his resilience and deep ties to the moonshining community.

Mike Cockrell & Jerry Benson

Mike and Jerry are partners in moonshining, with Mike joining the show in Season 6 and Jerry appearing by Season 9. Mike learned moonshining in Mississippi’s lowlands before relocating to the Appalachian hills. Jerry, who hails from North Carolina, was introduced during a time of territorial pressure and internal rivalries. He brought strong engineering skills to their operation, complementing Mike’s focus on recipes and business.

By Season 12, the pair were running shine across state lines to evade law enforcement. They became known for intense feuds — notably, Mike clashed with rival shiner Richard over territory, destroying $3,000 worth of another’s moonshine and accidentally damaging Mark & Digger’s still.

Their role continued to evolve in Season 13, where they navigated turf wars and uneasy truces with other shiners while refining their operations.

In Season 14, they expanded their ambitions even further. They built a column still capable of running two proofs simultaneously, responded to equipment losses caused by flooding, and accepted a hard kombucha order from a hippie commune. As Mike faced new threats to his territory, Jerry reinforced their distilling systems, maintaining production while Mike adjusted their strategies to stay competitive.

Henry Law & Kenny Law

These cousin shiners from Franklin County, VA, joined Moonshiners in Season 8 (2019). Henry is the son of legendary moonshiner Amos Law, while Kenny is Amos’s nephew. Together, they specialize in large batches of fruit brandy, particularly peach and apple. Their grounded, family-oriented approach and strong work ethic quickly made them standout figures in the expanding Moonshiners crew.

By Season 13, they were frequently seen assisting Tickle and supporting fellow shiners. Notably, they checked in on Josh Owens after his injury and remained involved in various production efforts. In Season 14, they worked with Tickle on a sorghum seed shine and employed cold-weather tactics to keep their apple brandy mash viable. Kenny also lent a hand to a legendary shiner in his final run, underscoring their reliable presence and deepening roots within the community. Sadly, Kenny Law passed away in January 2025.

Amanda Bryant

Amanda Bryant made her Moonshiners debut in Season 11, where she helped Mark and Huck develop unique flavor infusions using scientific methods. By Season 13, her role expanded significantly, with appearances across a wide range of distilling projects. Throughout the season, Amanda took on increasingly technical challenges and collaborated closely with veteran shiners like Mark, Digger, and Kelly. Her involvement spanned experimental and heritage-inspired recipes, reflecting a strong balance between innovation and tradition. Amanda’s ability to contribute meaningfully across multiple projects underscores her growing expertise and the respect she has earned within the moonshining community. She remains actively cast member on Moonshiners as of 2025.

Richard & Craig Landry

Richard and Craig Landry, brothers from the Louisiana bayous, bring a bold Southern flavor to Moonshiners. They joined the cast in Season 10 and quickly stood out for their inventive recipes, deep regional roots, and high-stakes distilling. Richard is known for experimenting with herbal infusions and tackling complex liquors like absinthe, while Craig contributes strong mechanical and engineering expertise, often constructing and fine-tuning their stills.

Their on-screen presence often reflects a mix of traditional values and modern risk-taking. Richard has remained a central figure on the show, especially as tensions escalated with rival shiners over territory and recipes—such as his clash with Mike, who once destroyed a stash of Richard’s shine.

Craig was notably absent in Season 13 following a devastating accident in April 2023, which left him with severe facial, jaw, and hand injuries. He underwent major surgery and was temporarily sidelined from filming. Despite the setback, Craig made a determined return in Season 14. While his appearances were more limited, he rejoined Richard in their distilling efforts, reinforcing their bond and place in the Moonshiner community.

As of Season 14, both Richard and Craig remain part of the active Moonshiners cast. Their partnership blends technical precision, Cajun tradition, and personal resilience—qualities that continue to resonate with viewers and solidify their standing among the show’s present-day shiners.

Mark Rogers

Mark Rogers made his Moonshiners debut in Season 2 (2012). A traditional Appalachian distiller, Mark spent much of his life off-grid in the North Carolina mountains, perfecting the craft of moonshining using classic techniques and natural ingredients. Known for working alone or with his loyal dog, Mark’s style emphasized self-reliance and time-honored methods—ranging from wildcrafting ingredients to crafting small-batch peach brandy.

He was a consistent presence on the show from Seasons 2 through 11. His role diminished in Season 12, and he was entirely absent in Season 13. However, Mark returned in Season 14, reaffirming his status among the current cast. Outside the show, he continues to represent the moonshining tradition through his partnership with Sugarlands Distilling Co., where he launched “Mark Rogers’ American Peach” and other legal spirits. His ongoing involvement reflects both legacy and continuity as Moonshiners moves into its next chapter.

Established Contributors and Supporting Cast

In recent seasons, Moonshiners has leaned on a broadening ensemble of regulars and guest collaborators who bring added depth and variety to the show’s traditional lineup. Some of these names have been around for several years and continue to play active roles as of 2025.

For example, Howard Thompson – a champion distiller from Virginia – continued to support Tim’s storyline in Season 13, helping him and Tickle dispose of evidence in an old barn. He remained a steady presence in Season 14, aiding Tim in recreating a lost family elixir recipe. Kelly Williamson, known as a resourceful “ingredient guru,” worked alongside Mark and Digger in both Season 13 and Season 14, assisting with sourcing expired beer and rare botanicals.

Even Butterbean, the former heavyweight boxer, briefly appeared in Season 13 to motivate Josh Owens during his recovery.

Other familiar faces still appearing on Moonshiners include:

• Patti Bryan – Patti Bryan originally joined Moonshiners in Season 5 alongside her father David Parker. The duo, representing a third- and fourth-generation Louisiana moonshining family, appeared through Season 8. Patti returned in Season 14 to assist Mark and Digger with a hot pepper moonshine project. Although David has not reappeared, Patti remains active outside the show in the legal spirits industry. She has partnered with licensed distilleries to launch products like Patti’s Peach Pie Moonshine and Patti’s Wild Mayhaw Moonshine—the latter distributed through Sugarlands Distilling.
• Chuck “Big Chuck” Battison – Big Chuck began appearing on Moonshiners as a recurring cast member in 2016. Initially introduced as a friend and occasional bodyguard of Josh Owens, he gradually became a regular fixture during high-stakes bootlegging runs. In Seasons 13 and 14, Big Chuck appeared more prominently, contributing not only to logistical support but also to hands-on moonshine production alongside Josh and Joe Boy.
• Chuck Miller – A licensed distiller and co-founder of Belmont Farm Distillery in Virginia, Chuck Miller has appeared in over 40 episodes of Moonshiners from 2015 through 2025. He became widely recognized through his partnership with Tim Smith, helping establish the legal Climax Moonshine brand. While Miller never participated in illegal operations, his role as a seasoned master distiller brought legitimacy and traditional craftsmanship to the show’s legal side. He remains active at Belmont Farm, often hosting tours and engaging with fans, reinforcing his reputation as a key figure in preserving American distilling heritage.
• Terry Stewart
  Terry Stewart, a cousin of Mark Rogers, emerged as a trusted still-hand on Moonshiners, making his on-screen debut in 2015. He has appeared across multiple seasons—credited from Seasons 4 onward—supporting the Rogers’ team through various distilling operations. A consistent presence both on and off the still, Terry contributed to major runs and remains part of the current cast as of 2025.
• Killer Beaz (Truett S. Beasley Jr.)
  Truett “Killer Beaz” Beasley Jr. has been a recurring figure on Moonshiners since around Season 6, serving as a comedic foil and cultural counterpoint to the shiners. With a career spanning stand-up, radio, and dozens of television appearances, Beaz brings a Southern storyteller’s charm and levity to the show. He’s toured widely—from the Grand Ole Opry to comedy clubs—and balances Moonshiners filming with his national stand-up commitments. Though not directly involved in distilling, his presence highlights the broader culture surrounding modern moonshine, bridging the craft with its comedic and storytelling roots.

These individuals, while sometimes appearing intermittently, are far from one-time guests. Whether appearing regularly or on occasion, these individuals have helped shape the show’s evolving cast dynamics. While the core group—Mark, Digger, Tim, Tickle, Josh, Mike, Jerry, Richard, and others—remains the backbone of Moonshiners, this expanded bench adds variety, technical expertise, and local character that enrich the series as it moves into Season 15.

Who Left Moonshiners? – Former Cast Members and Departures

Jeff Waldroup (Seasons 2–7):

Jeff, a native of North Carolina, joined Moonshiners in Season 2 alongside his son, Lance Waldroup. For several years, the father-son duo brought a heartfelt family dynamic to the show as they distilled together and supported each other’s growth in the trade. Their episodes often highlighted Appalachian values, resourcefulness, and close family ties. Jeff regularly appeared through Season 7, and his screen presence ended after 2018.

Jeff left the show to care for his wife, Lynn, who had been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. He also returned to his previous work outside of moonshining. Since November 2020, Jeff has reportedly faced difficulties due to weather-related disruptions and the economic impact of COVID-19. Despite no current plans to return to the show, Jeff remains connected to the moonshining community and is remembered for his generosity—often traveling out of state to assist with fundraisers for others in need.

Lance Waldroup (Seasons 2–7):

Lance, Jeff’s son, made his debut in Season 2 and quickly became known as one of the youngest shiners on the series. A native of Graham County, Lance brought a new generation’s perspective to the craft. He experimented with nontraditional recipes—such as absinthe—and became known for his eagerness to learn and innovate, even if some attempts led to trial and error. Off-camera, Lance had faced profound personal losses. He lost both his siblings—his sister Lyndsey and brother Lamar—to cystic fibrosis at a young age, and carried the emotional burden of survivor’s guilt.

Lance struggled with addiction for several years but entered recovery to turn his life around. He left Moonshiners after season 7 to care for his mother during her illness, committing himself fully to her support. A GoFundMe organized on behalf of the family shared that “he did not want to leave her side and waited on her hand and foot.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Josh Owens (@moonshiner_josh)

Tragically, Lance passed away in February 2021 at age 30. The Moonshiners community honored his memory for his kind heart, dedication to family, and contributions to the show. His legacy continues to resonate with fans and cast alike.

Bill Canny (Seasons 2–6):

Bill Canny joined Moonshiners in 2012 as Josh Owens’ distilling partner. He became involved after helping Josh complete a memorial project for the late moonshiner Barney Barnwell—a combined still site and band stage. The project drew the attention of Discovery Channel, eventually leading both men to the show.

From Seasons 2 through 5, Bill played a key role in still building and troubleshooting, known for his mechanical skill and steady presence. His appearances declined in Season 6, though he took part in the holiday episode “Making Spirits Bright” (S06E07), where he joined friends for Carolina-style Christmas caroling.

After the show, Bill returned to carpentry and focused on music. As of 2025, he performs bass and guitar at local events like the Plum Hollow Festival and in community venues. He has been in a civil union with Sara Brunjes since 1998. Though no longer on Moonshiners, Bill remains respected for his foundational role and craftsmanship.

Chico & Sandra (Seasons 3–7):

Chico (Matthew Louis Tungate) and Sandra, credited as his fiancée and later wife, appeared on Moonshiners from 2013 to 2018. Chico participated in 52 episodes and Sandra in 21. Initially introduced as Tim Smith’s assistant, Chico later established himself in Kentucky-based distilling operations, with Sandra supporting production and site work.

Their departure after Season 7 coincided with the birth of their child in late 2018. Following this, Chico partnered with Olde Towne Distillery to launch “Chico’s Spirit Whiskey,” a legal bourbon-white whiskey blend. The venture was short-lived and no longer appears active.

As of 2025, Sandra resides in Lebanon, Kentucky, where she manages a restaurant under the name Cassondra Whitaker. Her social media profile indicates a new marriage in 2020. Though no longer affiliated with the show, Chico and Sandra’s contributions remain part of Moonshiners’ mid-series period.

Marvin “Jim Tom” Hedrick (Seasons 2–5, recurring in 6, 8 & 10):

Marvin “Jim Tom” Hedrick was a foundational figure in Moonshiners, debuting in Season 2 (2012) and becoming a fixture through Season 5. Revered for his storytelling, folksy humor, and decades of distilling knowledge, Jim Tom embodied the old-school Appalachian shiner, bridging generations with both wit and wisdom. His presence extended into later seasons with occasional appearances, notably in Seasons 6, 8, and 10.

Even in a limited capacity, Jim Tom’s later appearances reinforced his role as a mentor and cultural touchstone within the moonshining community. His involvement in traditional distilling efforts—particularly when collaborating with fellow veterans like Mark—offered viewers a glimpse of his ongoing influence, despite no longer being a full-time cast member. These moments served as a bridge between the show’s early years and its evolving cast, maintaining continuity and honoring the roots of the craft.

Though he stepped away from regular appearances after 2016 due to age and health considerations, Jim Tom remained active in the industry. He became a brand ambassador for Sugarlands Distilling Company, where he helped bring authenticity to a commercial line of moonshine bearing his name. He was frequently mentioned by fellow cast members, particularly Mark and Digger, who credited him as a guiding force and cultural anchor.

Jim Tom passed away in 2023 at the age of 82 following a battle with kidney cancer. He is remembered with great respect as one of the most colorful and influential personalities to appear on Moonshiners, preserving the spirit of traditional distilling while mentoring a new generation of shiners.

Tyler Wood (Seasons 3-5)

Tyler was a younger cast member who joined Moonshiners in 2013. A singer-songwriter from Kentucky, he came on the show to support his music career and family tradition by making moonshine. Tyler appeared in a handful of episodes (mostly in Season 3, 4, and 5), often alongside his friend Chico. He departed Moonshiners by 2016. The reason was straightforward: Tyler decided to go legitimate and focus on his burgeoning legal distilling business and music. After leaving, he founded the Tyler Wood Distilling Company and launched a legal “traditional whiskey” (a 103-proof white whiskey) drawing on his family’s recipes. He also continued releasing country music albums. Tyler’s time on the show was brief, but he used it as a springboard for a lawful career in distilling – a path several former cast members have taken.

“Muddog” Mike Mitchell, “Shot” Brandon, and Darlene (Season 3):

These three comprised the short-lived Mississippi contingent on Moonshiners. Mike “Muddog” Mitchell, his son Shot, and their friend Darlene Moran joined in Season 3 (2013–2014) to represent moonshining in the Deep South. Darlene, a fearless single mom and horse trainer, was one of the show’s few female distillers. Despite their colorful introduction (the trio aimed to “take over” the shine scene in Mississippi), they did not continue beyond a short run during the season. The likely reason is that Discovery shifted focus back to the Appalachia teams. After leaving the show, Darlene Moran returned to barrel racing and ranch life; Mike and Shot also left the spotlight. Darlene did attempt to run moonshine along the barrel-racing circuit during her stint, but once off TV, she and the “Muddog” crew seemingly went back to normal life. They are counted among the early former cast who left quietly.

Roy Grooms (Seasons 3–4)

Roy Grooms was an older moonshiner from Tennessee who appeared briefly during the 2013–2014 era of Moonshiners. Known for his deep connection to traditional backwoods distilling, Roy proudly embraced the spotlight—referring to himself as “Moonshiner Roy Grooms” on social media. Though his appearances on the show were limited, some drawn from archival footage, he left a distinct mark during his time on air.

Following his departure from the series, Roy continued to engage with the moonshining community. Between 2015 and early 2017, he actively participated in regional heritage events and festivals, including the Mountain Moonshine Festival in Georgia, the Etowah Moonshine Festival in Tennessee, and the Hillbilly Jam in Maggie Valley, North Carolina.

Roy passed away on February 21, 2018, at age 71, which explains his absence from later seasons.

J.B. Rader (Seasons 6–11):

A longtime friend and former still-hand of the late Popcorn Sutton, J.B. joined the series in Season 6 and made intermittent appearances through Season 11. Though not a weekly presence, his role was meaningful—he served as a respected elder who embodied traditional Appalachian moonshine practices.

J.B.’s deep knowledge of backwoods distilling, and close ties to moonshine history lent credibility to the show. He was often seen sharing stories, mentoring younger shiners, or contributing to heritage-style distillation projects. His final appearances included Season 11 episodes such as “Boom Time for Moonshine,” “Holy Grail of Moonshine,” and “Moo Shine.”

Outside of television, J.B. partnered with several legal distilleries to bring his expertise to commercial spirits. Notably, he collaborated with Sugarlands Distilling Company on a line of branded liquors, including J.B. Rader’s Tennessee Whiskey. He also teamed up with South Mountain Distilling Company to launch J.B. Rader’s Honeycrisp Apple Moonshine, crafted using real Honeycrisp apples and local honey.

J.B. has not returned to the show since 2022, likely stepping away from public appearances due to age.

Other Brief Cast & Cameos

Moonshiners featured a few additional short-term cast members over the years. For example, J.T. Smith – Tim Smith’s son – was occasionally on the show (2011–2019) learning the family trade. J.T. left to create his own legal liquor (JT’s Rye Whiskey) in partnership with Tim’s distillery, carrying on the Smith legacy in a legitimate way. Kentucky natives Donnie Benton and Teresa Coomer Mays (the self-styled “Beattyville Hillbillies”) showed up in Season 8 (2019) for a few episodes and made a big impression with their flair. They left after that short run but continued to celebrate moonshine culture by helping open a Moonshine Museum in Kentucky and promoting their legal “Beattyville Hillbillies” Huckleberry Moonshine. Each of these folks contributed to Moonshiners for a time, even if their tenure was short.

As seen above, many former Moonshiners cast members exited to pursue legal distilling ventures or to prioritize family and health. It’s a common theme: the show’s notoriety opens doors to legitimate business (from selling branded spirits to touring distilleries), and some shiners understandably opt for a safer, law-abiding career. Others left due to behind-the-scenes reasons like creative differences or simply not being asked back by producers. Whatever the case, the Moonshiners lineup has changed considerably over 14 seasons, even as the show’s core premise remains the same.

Cast Members Who Have Passed Away (In Memoriam)

While Moonshiners is largely a light-hearted show, it has not been without tragedy. Here we pay respectful tribute to cast members who have passed away, including factual dates and known causes of death (with no speculation):

Kenny Law

Kenny Law, a soft-spoken but highly skilled Virginia moonshiner who appeared on Moonshiners alongside his cousin Henry Law beginning in Season 11, passed away on January 14, 2025, at the age of 68. Kenny had long struggled with diabetes and reportedly suffered a heart attack in 2024, followed by a fatal blood infection in early 2025. His death was confirmed by Law’s Choice Distillery, which shared a tribute to his legacy. Kenny was remembered by fans and fellow cast members as a traditionalist with deep knowledge of Appalachian distilling. Amanda Bryant, a fellow cast member, paid tribute calling him “a true moonshine legend.” Kenny’s calm demeanor and technical expertise made him a cornerstone of Tickle’s team on the show. Though he had transitioned toward more legal operations in recent years, he continued appearing in Moonshiners until shortly before his passing.

Lance Waldroup

Moonshiners star Lance Waldroup died on February 25, 2021 at the young age of 30. According to official autopsy reports, Lance’s cause of death was congestive heart failure, with morbid obesity and cardiomyopathy cited as contributing factors. TMZ reported that Lance’s mother found him unconscious at home and called 911, but he could not be revived. His death was ruled natural and not suspicious. Lance had struggled with health issues and past opioid addiction treatment, and he also bore emotional scars from losing two siblings at young ages (both of his brother and sister died of cystic fibrosis). The Waldroup family revealed that Lance was very devoted to his mother (who has MS) in his final years. Moonshiners issued a tribute saying Lance would be remembered as an “adventurous distiller” with a flair for unique recipes. His passing was a shock to fans and cast alike, as he was one of the show’s promising young talents gone far too soon.

Marvin “Jim Tom” Hedrick

Jim Tom, the old-time legend of Moonshiners, passed away on September 6, 2023 at age 82. The cause of death was kidney cancer, which Jim Tom had been battling in his later years. According to his family, Jim Tom had been in a nursing home and on dialysis for some time before he died peacefully in Robbinsville, NC. The Moonshiners community deeply mourned his loss. Discovery Channel and Sugarlands Distilling released statements honoring Jim Tom as a legend in Appalachia, noting his lifelong dedication to the art of moonshining and his “colorful personality” that endeared him to millions. Fellow cast members (Mark, Digger, Tim, etc.) also shared heartfelt tributes, as Jim Tom had mentored many of them. He regularly appeared on Moonshiners from 2012 to 2015 before recurring appearances and was arguably one of the most iconic faces of the series. Jim Tom’s legacy lives on in the recipes, songs, and tall tales he left behind – “shine in peace,” Jim Tom.

Roy Grooms

Roy Grooms, a part-time cast member from Tennessee, died on February 21, 2018 at the age of 71. Roy appeared in about 19 Moonshiners episodes (some footage of him was shown in Seasons 3 and mostly 4), but he was a legitimate local legend who proudly embraced the moonshiner title. His daughter shared news of his passing on social media in 2018, although no specific cause of death was given. In Roy’s honor, his family and friends held a remembrance at an annual Hillbilly Jam festival he loved. Roy Grooms is remembered for his enthusiasm in promoting the moonshining heritage – he was active on Facebook until 2017, inviting folks to moonshine festivals and sharing his passion. He may not have been a primary cast member, but to those who knew him, Roy’s love for the craft was genuine and memorable.

Popcorn Sutton

Moonshiners frequently mentions the late Popcorn Sutton as an inspiration to its cast (Mark Ramsey and Digger were both trained by him). Popcorn Sutton was not actually a cast member of the show (he passed away in 2009, two years before Moonshiners premiered). However, he looms large in the moonshining world. For completeness: Popcorn Sutton (a legendary Appalachian moonshiner) died by suicide on March 16, 2009, at age 62, to avoid serving a federal prison sentence for illegal liquor production. The show is essentially a spiritual successor to his legacy, and many of the older cast members reference Popcorn’s methods and mentorship. While Popcorn Sutton’s death occurred off-screen and prior to the series, we acknowledge him due to his outsized influence on the Moonshiners narrative. The series pilot even showed a snippet from an earlier documentary featuring Popcorn, dedicating the show to his memory.

Moonshiners Cast Summary Table (Current, Former, Deceased)

Below is a summary table comparing the current cast, former cast who left, and those cast members who have passed away. It includes each person’s name, their general role or team on the show, the years they were on Moonshiners, and their status as of 2025:

Name	Role on Show	Years on Show	Status (2025)
Current Cast
Tim Smith	Moonshiner (VA – Tim’s operation)	2011–Present	Still active; Climax Distillery
Steven Ray “Tickle”	Moonshiner (Tim’s protégé)	2011–Present	Returned post-jail; active
Mark Ramsey	Moonshiner (Mark & Digger)	2013–Present	Active; core cast member
Eric “Digger” Manes	Moonshiner (Mark’s partner)	2014–Present	Active; Popcorn Sutton protégé
Josh Owens	Moonshiner (NC – solo/team)	2012–Present	Active
Mike Cockrell	Moonshiner (TN – Mike & Jerry)	2016–Present	Active
Jerry Benson	Moonshiner (Mike’s partner)	2019–Present	Active
Henry Law	Moonshiner (Fruit brandy specialist)	2019–Present	Active
Richard Landry	Moonshiner (Bayou distiller)	2021–Present	Active
Craig Landry	Moonshiner (Bayou mechanic)	2021–Present	Active after injury
Howard Thompson	Moonshiner (Tim’s distiller)	2023–Present	Active
Amanda Bryant	Moonshiner (innovation/partner)	2021–Present	Active
Kelly Williamson	Moonshiner (ingredient sourcing)	2018–Present	Recurring contributor
Chuck “Big Chuck” Battison	Moonshiner (Josh’s partner)	2016–Present	Recurring in S13–S14
Chuck Miller	Legal Distiller (Belmont Farm)	2015–Present	Still appears; runs legal distillery
Patti Bryan	Moonshiner (Louisiana team)	2015–2018, 2024–Present	Returned in Season 14
Terry Stewart	Moonshiner (Mark Rogers’ cousin)	2015–Present	Recurring still-hand
Killer Beaz	Comic & cultural guest	2017–Present	Recurring humorist
Former Cast
Jeff Waldroup	Moonshiner (Jeff & Lance)	2012–2018	Left to care for wife
Lance Waldroup	Moonshiner (Jeff’s son)	2012–2018	Left in 2018; passed 2021
Bill Canny	Moonshiner (Josh’s partner)	2012–2017	Left quietly; now musician/carpenter
Chico & Sandra	Moonshiners (KY couple)	2013–2018	Left after child’s birth
Tyler Wood	Moonshiner (young gun)	2013–2015	Left to start legal distillery/music
David Parker	Moonshiner (Patti’s father)	2015–2018	Low-profile; retired
J.B. Rader	Moonshiner (Popcorn’s protégé)	2015–2022	Stepped away; active in legal distilling
J.T. Smith	Tim’s son	2011–2019	Started own whiskey line
Donnie Benton & Teresa Mays	Moonshiners (Beattyville duo)	2019	Opened KY Moonshine Museum
Deceased Cast Members
Marvin “Jim Tom” Hedrick	Legendary shiner, mentor	2012–2016 (rec. S6–10)	Died 2023 (kidney cancer)
Kenny Law	Fruit brandy expert	2019–2024	Died Jan 2025 (blood infection)
Roy Grooms	Tennessee moonshiner	2013–2014	Died 2018 (age 71)
Lance Waldroup	Jeff’s son; young shiner	2012–2018	Died 2021 (heart failure)