Keith Colburn Wiki Bio: Health Update, Stroke Scare, Divorce, Net Worth

Keith Colburn didn’t follow a traditional path to success. He went from the kitchens of Lake Tahoe to the storm-battered wheelhouse of one of the Bering Sea’s most recognized crab boats. A trained chef turned seasoned fisherman, Keith carved out a name for himself through grit, adaptability, and sheer persistence. Best known as the captain of the F/V Wizard on Deadliest Catch, he’s spent decades navigating not just rough seas, but the sharp turns of life—building a career from scratch, facing public scrutiny, managing personal setbacks, and staying grounded through it all.

Whether he’s making tough calls at sea or preparing a five-course dinner at home, Keith’s story is one of reinvention and resilience. While he’s remained focused on fishing and leadership, recent seasons and headlines have stirred concern among fans about his well-being—prompting many to ask what’s next for Captain Colburn. His story, however, is far from over.

Early Life and Background

Keith Colburn was born on March 10, 1963, in California to Patricia Laughton and Gary Clark Colburn. He grew up in Lake Tahoe alongside his brother Monte, where the family settled after his father took a job in the casino industry. Gary, who had studied law but chose not to practice, worked as a card dealer at casinos around North Lake Tahoe—an environment that introduced Keith to hard work and fast-paced routines early on.

Life in Lake Tahoe was active and full of energy. Keith attended North Tahoe High School, where he got into skiing and developed a serious interest in cooking. By the time he was 14, he had landed a job in a local French restaurant. It wasn’t just a part-time gig—he stuck with it, worked hard, and by age 21, he had become a sous-chef in a French seafood restaurant on Lake Tahoe’s North Shore. His growing culinary skill set earned him a solid reputation, but by the early 1980s, burnout was starting to creep in.

In 1985, Keith opted for change. With just $50, a backpack, and his best friend, he flew to Kodiak, Alaska. He left behind a $20,000-a-year job for an uncertain future at sea.

“I went to Alaska for adventure—something new. It’s the Wild West. It’s rugged,” he recalled.

That first year, he made $11,000—about half of what he earned as a chef. But the challenge and lifestyle struck a chord.

“I think I found something I really enjoyed. I love fishing and I love the lifestyle of being a fisherman.”

Despite the pay cut, Keith returned to Alaska the following year—and never left the industry. 

From Greenhorn to Captain

After leaving behind his culinary career in Lake Tahoe in 1985, Keith arrived in Kodiak, Alaska, with little more than a backpack and a drive to try something new. He soon found work aboard the Alaska Trader, a 135-foot crabber and tender, and began his journey in the fishing industry as a true greenhorn. Though he had no prior experience, Keith quickly adapted to the rigors of the job and found the harsh, team-driven lifestyle of commercial fishing to be a natural fit.

By 1988, his dedication had earned him a full-share deckhand position on the Wizard, one of the largest vessels in the fleet. Over the next few years, Keith steadily worked his way up. In 1990, he obtained his USCG 1600-ton Mate’s license, which allowed him to transition from deckhand to wheelhouse. Just two years later, in 1992, he received his 1600-ton Master’s (Captain) license and officially took command of the Wizard.

In 2002, while still captaining the Wizard, Keith purchased the 100-foot F/V Sirene (pronounced Sea-Wren). He later sold its fishing rights under the 2004 Federal Buyback program—a government initiative aimed at reducing fleet size. The following year, when the industry shifted to the Individual Fishing Quota (IFQ) system and downsized from 250 to 80 boats, Keith bought the Wizard outright. The acquisition came without IFQs, making it a high-risk move that underscored his long-term commitment to the trade.

Keith has remained at the helm of the Wizard ever since, navigating both the Bering Sea and the challenges of life on reality television, where he has become one of the most recognized faces of Deadliest Catch.

Keith Colburn’s Role on Deadliest Catch

Keith became a familiar face to television audiences through the Discovery Channel’s series Deadliest Catch, which he joined in Season 3 (2007). As captain of the F/V Wizard, Keith brought viewers into the high-stakes world of Alaskan crab fishing—where rough seas, brutal cold, and life-threatening conditions are part of daily operations. His leadership style, sharp decision-making, and capacity to stay calm under pressure quickly established him as one of the most recognizable captains on the show.

The F/V Wizard, originally a U.S. Navy ship built in 1945 and later converted into a crabber, became synonymous with Keith’s no-nonsense, tough-love approach to leadership. Measuring 155 feet long and 30 feet wide, the vessel drops 13 feet in the water when fully loaded—totaling nearly 2 million pounds. In a 2011 tour, Keith described it as “2 million pounds of weight floating and driving through the water.”

Keith’s connection to the Wizard is rooted in hands-on experience. In that same 2011 walkthrough, he guided fans through the vessel, highlighting its CAT 399 engine that pushes nearly two million pounds of weight at 10 knots. He emphasized the ship’s military-grade redundancy—dual generators, steering systems, hydraulic pumps, air compressors, GPS units, and radios—pointing out that the only system without a backup is the main engine: “we take real good care of it.”

He described the Wizard as a self-sustaining floating town, equipped with industrial refrigeration, large freezers, and a galley built for quick, efficient meals between gear hauls. Crew quarters reflect the job’s physical toll—especially “the cave,” where greenhorns and cameramen bunk in a confined space heated by a single unit, sealed off from the deck by one thin door.

From frozen burritos to hook-throwing contests, Keith has shown how life aboard the Wizard is about grit and adaptability. Whether managing mechanical systems or mentoring new hands, he ensures the crew is fed, safe, and ready for anything the Bering Sea throws at them.

Keith’s journey on Deadliest Catch has spanned at least 229 episodes from 2007 to 2024, making him one of the most consistent and enduring presences on the show. Over the years, the series has documented Keith navigating mechanical breakdowns, quota cutbacks, serious crew injuries, and personal health scares—including a hospitalization during the pandemic and a suspected mini-stroke in 2024.

Keith’s journey on Deadliest Catch has also been shaped by his dynamic with his brother and relief captain, Monte Colburn. The two have had several tense exchanges on-screen, but Keith has clarified that while those moments are real, the show doesn’t always capture the deeper camaraderie, mentorship, and operational planning that go into running a successful vessel.

Keith’s Defining Moments [Deadliest Catch] and Leadership at Sea

Among the many challenges Keith has faced on the water, one of the most memorable aired during Typhoon Elsa, when Keith misjudged the storm’s timing and the Wizard was caught in 40-foot seas. Though the crew made it through safely, Keith later admitted the error, emphasizing how such moments teach a captain humility and reinforce the importance of safety.

In one of the more unexpected storylines on Deadliest Catch, Season 10 featured Keith briefly stepping away from the wheelhouse and traveled to Washington, D.C., to testify before the U.S. Senate during the 2013 government shutdown. Representing the crab fleet, he highlighted how the shutdown delayed fishery openings and jeopardized the holiday seafood market—costing millions in lost revenue. “I’m a small businessman in a big ocean with big bills,” he told lawmakers. His appearance marked a rare moment of direct advocacy and underscored the economic stakes tied to federal decisions.

Season 19 showcased challenges with crew dynamics. In Episode 3, Keith fired deckhand Jacob for insubordination during a short-handed trip. After a tense confrontation and apology, Keith gave him another chance, stating, “It’s three strikes and you’re out—and he just had a second strike.” Jacob returned to the deck determined to prove himself, taking part in the crew’s ritual of drinking a Bering Sea “wizard Bloody Mary” made from cod blood and soon after pulling up one of the biggest pots of the season.

In Episode 6, Keith faced frustrations again with Jacob’s behavior—this time involving a verbal outburst aimed at another captain. Keith privately confronted Jacob about his authority issues, stating bluntly: “Your learning curve isn’t very good right now… you’ve got an authority problem like nobody’s business.” Jacob apologized and Keith, recognizing his potential, agreed to give him another chance—but warned, “Any more of that, you’re gone.”

Episode 11 showed Keith attempting to manage a shorthanded crew while fishing deep canyons for crab. With Jacob off the boat and OJ unavailable due to paternity leave, Keith relied heavily on veteran crewmen Robbie and Cody. Amid high pressure and long hours, a pot launched by Robbie accidentally shattered a wheelhouse window. Despite the setback, Keith improvised a temporary plywood fix and later arranged a mid-sea transfer to bring OJ back onboard—demonstrating Keith’s urgency and problem-solving under pressure.

Season 20 continued to highlight Keith’s tenacity. In Episode 10, Keith coordinated with Jack on the Pacific Mariner to search for migrating crab across a gully. Although Jack appeared cooperative, he secretly capitalized on Keith’s intel under the direction of Harley. Keith grew suspicious when tracking the Pacific Mariner’s pot placements and confronted Jack—who admitted Harley was onboard. Jack smugly ended the call with, “Thanks for the crab, kid,” prompting Keith to cut off communication.

In Episode 14, Keith nearly lost the Wizard’s four-ton anchor while hauling gear in 50 mph winds just 100 yards from shore. Racing against time and competing vessels like the Northwestern, Keith made a strategic push to offload 18,000 pounds of crab and beat an approaching storm—dropping ice and lightening the load to outpace Sig Hansen to the dock.

Back in 2017, Keith discussed how changes in ocean temperature were complicating an already unpredictable job. “I never fish the same old spot,” he said. “I use as much science as I possibly can… every year I’ll go back through 10 or 15 years worth of database.” That year, unusually warm waters—reaching 51°F—upended historical patterns. Keith faced quota cuts across multiple crab types, with bairdi down 75% in two years and red king crab quotas also reduced. “That’s over close to $3 million in revenue I’m not going to see this year,” he said at the time.

Beyond the main series, Keith has participated in several related programs, including After the Catch, The Bait, Dungeon Cove, and Bloodline. In 2024, he also made an appearance on Celebrity Family Feud, representing the fishing world in a more relaxed setting.

Health Issues and Stroke Scare

Keith’s first publicly known medical event occurred in early 2011, when he underwent ACL reconstruction surgery on February 28. The procedure was successful, and he returned home to recover. In a lighthearted update shared afterward, it was mentioned that Keith was slightly disappointed he couldn’t wear his iconic Wizard cap into the operating room and had to settle for a standard hospital-issued one instead.

Keith has faced several other notable health events over the years. During the 2017/2018 crab season, a spine infection forced him to stay off the fishing grounds entirely. In his absence, his brother Monte took over operations aboard the F/V Wizard.

In March 2021, Keith contracted COVID-19 while overseas. He initially quarantined for ten days without any medication, but his condition deteriorated, and he was eventually hospitalized with severe pneumonia. By his eighth day of hospital bed rest, Keith remained on oxygen support via nasal cannula and posted a video update from his hospital room on April 16, 2021. In the video, Keith shared that he had been battling COVID-19 for nearly three weeks and believed he had developed natural antibodies. However, he noted that pneumonia remained a lingering issue. Reflecting on the experience, he emphasized the importance of prevention and vaccination, stating, “COVID is real. Get the vaccine… It’s a heck of a lot better than spending 20 days of your life in a hospital and a bed barely being able to breath.”

Then, in June 2024, another major health scare unfolded on national television. In Season 20, Episode 16 of Deadliest Catch, Keith suffered a suspected mini-stroke while aboard the Wizard. He suddenly yelled, collapsed in the wheelhouse, and became momentarily incoherent. His left side, especially the arm, went numb—prompting immediate concern. Monte and the crew administered aspirin and nitroglycerin and called the Coast Guard. Monte also notified their vessel manager and rerouted the boat toward St. Paul Island in deteriorating weather.

As they coordinated with the Coast Guard and an on-call physician, Keith regained some strength but admitted to previously collapsing alone in the bathroom. The doctor on call suspected a transient ischemic attack (TIA), commonly referred to as a mini-stroke, citing symptoms like temporary numbness, disorientation, and elevated blood pressure (150/120). Despite choppy seas and strong crosswinds, Monte skillfully navigated the Wizard into the narrow and challenging harbor entrance of St. Paul Island. Emergency personnel met them at the dock and safely transported Keith off the vessel for further evaluation.

Besides Deadliest Catch, Keith Colburn has also appeared on other shows and documentaries related to crab fishing, such as After the Catch, Deadliest Catch: The Bait, Deadliest Catch: Dungeon Cove and Deadliest Catch: Bloodline. He has also been involved in various initiatives and campaigns to promote sustainable fishing practices, marine conservation and public awareness. He is one of the most influential and respected figures in the crab fishing community.

Keith Colburn’s Relationship with His Brother Monte

Keith and Monte Colburn are more than just co-captains of the F/V Wizard, a crab fishing vessel that operates in the harsh and dangerous waters of the Bering Sea. They are also brothers, and stars of the hit reality show “Deadliest Catch”. Their relationship, however, is not always smooth sailing. The Colburn brothers have a history of conflicts and arguments that often escalate on camera, putting their partnership and friendship to the test.

The Colburn brothers started their crabbing careers in the late 1980s, when they left their jobs in California and flew to Alaska to join the lucrative but risky industry. They worked their way up from greenhorns to first mates of the Wizard, and in 2005, they bought the boat from its previous owner. They also joined the cast of “Deadliest Catch”, a documentary series that follows the lives and challenges of crab fishermen in the Bering Sea.

Since then, the Colburn brothers have been entertaining and inspiring millions of viewers with their skills, courage, and charisma. They have also shown their human side, as they have faced personal and professional difficulties, such as health issues, family problems, and fierce competition.

But perhaps the most dramatic aspect of their story is their relationship as brothers and partners. Keith and Monte have a strong bond, forged by years of working together in extreme and perilous conditions. They also have a mutual respect and admiration for each other, as they recognize their talents and contributions to the success of the Wizard.

However, they also have different personalities and styles that often clash. Keith is more outspoken, assertive, and demanding, while Monte is more laid-back, easygoing, and flexible. Keith tends to be more involved in the decision-making and management of the boat, while Monte prefers to focus on the fishing and the crew.

These differences often lead to heated arguments and confrontations, especially when the stakes are high and the pressure is on. The Colburn brothers have been seen yelling, cursing, and insulting each other on camera, sometimes over trivial matters, sometimes over serious issues. They have also threatened to quit or fire each other on several occasions, putting their partnership and friendship at risk.

Despite their frequent fights, the Colburn brothers have always managed to reconcile and move on, realizing that they need each other and that they share a common goal: to catch as much crab as possible and to keep the Wizard afloat. They have also acknowledged that their arguments are part of their dynamic and that they help them to vent their frustrations and to improve their performance.

As Keith Colburn said in an interview with Monsters and Critics,

“We’re always going to fight, that’s just the way it is. But we’re also going to work together to try and accomplish what we need to do out in the Bering Sea. … So there’s no captain in the Bering Sea that I’d rather have run my boat than my brother Monte.”

Net Worth – How Rich is Keith Colburn?

Keith Colburn is estimated to have a net worth between $3 million and $4 million as of 2025. The bulk of his earnings come from decades of commercial crab fishing as captain and owner of the F/V Wizard, one of the most well-known vessels in the Bering Sea fleet.

His income has been boosted by over 15 seasons on Deadliest Catch, spinoff appearances, and related public engagements. In 2010, he partnered with Kroger and its subsidiaries to distribute Wizard-caught crab in select U.S. markets, bringing his catch directly to consumers for a limited time. While the partnership was not long-term, it demonstrated his ability to extend his brand beyond fishing and television. He has also generated revenue through branded merchandise and public appearances.

Keith Colburn’s Personal Life: Marriage, Divorce, Children, and New Relationship

Keith Colburn, captain of the F/V Wizard on Discovery’s Deadliest Catch, first met Florence Colburn in Lake Tahoe during the mid-1980s. At the time, Florence was pursuing a scientific career in glacial geology and climatology. Born on March 30, 1960, in Marseille, France, she had a promising academic path ahead. But her connection with Keith—a fiery, no-nonsense fisherman—sparked something stronger. Their relationship grew quickly, and Florence eventually chose to leave her scientific ambitions behind to build a life with Keith in the world of commercial fishing.

The couple married in 1987 and spent the next 25 years building both a family and a business. Florence became deeply involved in the operations of the Wizard, managing off-boat logistics such as vessel scheduling, finances, and regulatory coordination through the Alaska Crab Producers cooperative. While she rarely appeared on camera, she supported Keith behind the scenes and occasionally joined him on After the Catch.

Together, they raised two children: Caelan and Sienna. Caelan has shown serious commitment to following in his father’s footsteps, working aboard the Wizard under Keith’s mentorship. Known for his high standards with crew, Keith has taken a more measured and encouraging approach with his son. Sienna, by contrast, leaned toward creative pursuits in high school, including theater, and hasn’t yet pursued a career in fishing.

In 2014, after more than two decades of marriage, Keith and Florence divorced. Though the reasons were not publicly detailed, Keith has acknowledged going through a difficult personal period at the time. Despite the separation, the two have maintained a cooperative relationship. They continue to co-parent their children and have remained supportive of each other in the years since.

Following the end of their long partnership, Keith gradually reentered public life with a more reserved approach to his personal affairs. In a 2020 interview with BUILD Series, he shared that he was living in Boise, Idaho, and spending time with his girlfriend during the early days of the pandemic. He described the relationship as a positive presence in his life, saying, “I love my girlfriend, which has been a blessing for both of us.” He also talked about their shared routines—cooking meals together, including a full Thanksgiving dinner and date-night favorites like beef Wellington—emphasizing how the slower pace helped them enjoy time together.

While he did not mention her name during the interview, the statement publicly confirmed that he was in a committed relationship at that time. In addition to that confirmation, a woman named Hilary has also appeared in several of Keith’s social media posts, prompting speculation among fans about an ongoing relationship. Keith has not publicly clarified the identity of his current partner.

Keith Colburn: Passion for conservation

Keith Colburn is also passionate about conservation, especially of the marine environment and the fisheries he depends on. He has testified before Congress on issues such as climate change, ocean acidification, and sustainable fishing practices. He has also supported various conservation organizations, such as The Nature Conservancy, Oceana, and the Alaska SeaLife Center. He believes that fishermen have a responsibility to protect the resources they use and to ensure the future of their industry and the planet.

Public Appearances:

As a public figure and reality television personality Keith Colburn’s appeareances during different events have been recorded. Some of them are:

• Captain Keith Colburn attended Discovery Upfront at Jazz at Lincoln Center on April 2, 2009, in New York City.
• Captain Keith Colburn was at the 2013 Creative Arts Emmy Awards held at the Nokia Theatre L.A. Live on September 15, 2013, in Los Angeles, California.
• Captain Keith Colburn was seen posing with a fan at Deadliest Catch’s Twitter For Tough Guys during the 2013 SXSW Music, Film + Interactive Festival at Austin Convention Center on March 11, 2013, in Austin, Texas.
• Captain Keith Colburn attended the Discovery Channel’s 30th Anniversary Celebration at The Paley Center for Media on June 23, 2015, in Beverly Hills, California.
• Captain Keith Colburn spoke at onstage during the Deadliest Catch panel as part of the Discovery Communications portion of This is Cable 2016 TCA Press Tour at Langham Hotel on January 7, 2016, in Pasadena, California.

Wiki/Bio Facts

Full name	Keith Colburn
Age	62 years old
Date of Birth	March 10, 1963
Place of birth	California, United States
Nationality	American
Ethnicity	Caucasian
Religion	Christian
Gender	Male
Sexuality	Straight
High School	North Tahoe High School
Profession	Television personality, Commercial Fisherman, Captain
Net worth	$3M-$4M
Marital Status	Divorced
Ex-Wife	Florence Colburn (1987-2014)
Children	Caelan Colburn, Sienna Colburn
Parents	Gary Clark Colburn, Patricia Colburn
Siblings	Monte Colburn
Height	N/A
Zodiac	Pisces