Is Andy Hillstrand Sick? Why did Andy Hillstrand Leave Deadliest Catch? What does Andy Hillstrand Do Now?

Is Andy Hillstrand Sick?

Andy Hillstrand’s departure from the popular show “Deadliest Catch” coincided with his brother Johnathan Hillstrand’s retirement. The two brothers had shared captain’s duties on their boat, the FV Time Bandit. Although Jonathan and the Time Bandit made a return after a multi-season absence, Andy was no longer part of the ship’s crew.

In a 2011 interview with Entertainment Weekly, Hillstrand disclosed that he and his family, along with the Discovery Channel team, had experienced disagreements, particularly during the production of a planned spinoff called “Hillstranded.” Hillstrand stated, “It got to the point in our relationship where something had to change, and we just said enough’s enough.” While Jonathan returned to “Deadliest Catch” following those difficulties, it is likely that the disagreements played a role in Andy’s decision to permanently leave the series. Additionally, there was a lawsuit involving a crew member of the Time Bandit who was injured by a firework produced by their Hillstrand Fireworks brand, further complicating their involvement.

Limited information about Hillstrand’s life after “Deadliest Catch” is available. According to the official website for ClearSpan, a company specializing in large, open buildings, Hillstrand and his wife own Hobby Horse Acres, a 17-acre ranch in Chandler, Indiana. It is possible that Hillstrand now resides on the ranch in Chandler, living a private life away from the public eye. This allows him to avoid situations like conflicts with the Discovery Channel.

Andy first appeared on the show during its second season in 2006, alongside his brother Johnathan. They both served as co-captains on the family-owned ship FV Time Bandit, navigating the treacherous waters of the Bering Sea. Fans have missed Andy since his departure after Season 13 of “Deadliest Catch.” Since leaving the show, he has maintained a private life near Seattle, according to reports. Andy enjoys spending time with his wife Sabrina, to whom he has been married for over 29 years. They have two grown daughters named Chelsey and Cassandra. Andy is also the proud owner of Hillstrand Construction, a business he started from scratch. While he is not active on social media, he has occasionally shared dog photos on his Twitter account. However, given his past experiences, it seems unlikely that Andy will make a return to “Deadliest Catch.”

Why did Andy Hillstrand Leave Deadliest Catch?

Captain Andy skillfully commanded his vessel, the Time Bandit, along with his crew of rugged sailors. He always appeared ready to face any challenges that the unpredictable sea presented. However, a dramatic fallout with the producers of “Deadliest Catch” forced Andy to part ways with his ship. Working alongside his brother Jonathan on a spin-off called “Hillstranded,” Andy encountered disagreements with the show’s producers, ultimately leading to his departure. In an earlier interview with EW, he candidly revealed that the working conditions on “Deadliest Catch” were less than ideal. Andy expressed, “It revolved a lot around our rights to pursue our own brand. There were many misunderstandings. We believed Discovery had everything they needed, but then they came back and requested additional shots, which disrupted our schedule.” Andy acknowledged that a combination of factors influenced his decision to leave the series.

Over the course of its extensive run, “Deadliest Catch” has seen changes in its cast due to various reasons, including the demanding nature of the work, production challenges, and the evolving nature of the show itself. For instance, Captain Jake Anderson’s vessel, the Saga, temporarily disappeared from the series before making a return in subsequent episodes. However, Andy Hillstrand, a long-standing fixture of the show, departed “Deadliest Catch” entirely, leaving fans curious about his whereabouts and the reasons behind his departure.

Andy Hillstrand rose to prominence with his television debut on the popular Discovery Channel show, which centers around the high-stakes world of commercial crab fishing in Alaska. With its captivating content, the program has garnered a vast following and is currently broadcasted in more than 200 countries worldwide. On the show, Andy is recognized as Captain F/V Time Bandit during the intense Opilio Crab fishing season.

What does Andy Hillstrand Do Now?

After parting ways with Deadliest Catch, Andy Hillstrand has intentionally distanced himself from the public eye. He has chosen to reside in the Seattle-Tacoma area, seeking solace away from the spotlight. As the proud founder of Hillstrand Construction, a company he established from the ground up, Andy remains focused on his entrepreneurial endeavors.

In 2017, Andy faced a temporary setback when he underwent back surgery, leading him to take a break from his construction work. However, he has since made a remarkable recovery and promptly resumed his responsibilities. While the possibility of Andy returning to Deadliest Catch remains uncertain, it appears highly unlikely. Expressing his long-term aspirations, Andy has expressed a desire to retire on a yacht in warmer waters, indicating that his ice-fishing days aboard the Time Bandit are likely behind him.

Multiple reliable sources have conducted assessments to determine his worth. Andy’s involvement in the entertainment industry and his ownership of a horse ranch contribute to his overall value. It is projected that his net worth stands at $2 million.

Despite his involvement in the entertainment industry, Andy remains committed to his primary profession as a commercial fisherman. Unlike some celebrities who actively engage with social media platforms alongside their reality TV appearances, Andy is one of the few who maintains an active presence on social media. With over 100,000 followers on his official Twitter account, he utilizes the platform to connect with his fans and promote his work. Additionally, they have launched an official website for their fishing vessel, where enthusiasts can purchase various products and access further information.

Who is Andy Hillstrand?

Andy Hillstrand, known for his role as a former star on the reality TV show “Deadliest Catch,” was a co-captain of the FV Time Bandit alongside his brother Johnathan Hillstrand.

Born on September 25, 1963, in Homer, Alaska, USA, Andy Hillstrand pursued a diverse range of interests. He studied music, dance, and drama at Makerere University, establishing himself as a renowned entertainer and radio presenter. Additionally, he is skilled in playing the guitar and drums, and he has a passion for horse training.

Andy is married to Sabrina Hillstrand and is a proud father of two daughters, Chelsey and Cassandra. He also enjoys the presence of two grandchildren. Currently residing near Seattle, he manages his own construction business, Hillstrand Construction.

In 2020, Andy departed from the show after his brother Johnathan retired. The decision was influenced by a fallout with the show’s producers, primarily related to a spin-off special titled “Hillstranded,” as well as a lawsuit involving a crew member injured by a firework on their boat. Additionally, Andy faced a setback in 2021 when he contracted COVID-19, preventing his return for the show’s 17th season. Furthermore, in 2017, he underwent surgery for an undisclosed medical condition.

Deadliest Catch

Deadliest Catch is an unscripted American television series that made its debut on the Discovery Channel on April 12, 2005. It chronicles the challenging experiences of crab fishermen as they navigate the treacherous waters of the Bering Sea during the Alaskan king crab and snow crab fishing seasons. Dutch Harbor, located in the Aleutian Islands of Alaska, serves as the central hub for the fishing fleet.

The show, produced by the Discovery Channel, derives its title from the inherent hazards and risks associated with this line of work, which can lead to severe injuries or even death. It has received acclaim for its authentic portrayal of the perils involved in crab fishing and has been honored with four Primetime Emmy Awards. Moreover, Deadliest Catch is credited with raising the profile of crab fishing as a sport and has influenced the creation of other reality TV shows centered around fishing, such as Wicked Tuna and The Deadliest Catch: Bloodline.

However, the series has faced criticism for its graphic depiction of violence and fatalities. In 2010, it garnered controversy when a deckhand on the fishing vessel F/V Cornelia Marie lost his life in a tragic crab pot accident. Despite the incident, the show’s producers defended their decision to continue filming, emphasizing the importance of showcasing the inherent dangers of the profession.

Despite the occasional controversies, Deadliest Catch has maintained its status as one of the most popular reality television shows, capturing the attention of audiences worldwide. The series has been renewed for an 18th season, slated to premiere in April 2022, further solidifying its enduring popularity.

Through its immersive portrayal, Deadliest Catch offers viewers a window into the challenging and perilous world of crab fishing, shedding light on a profession that is both demanding and deeply ingrained in the Alaskan way of life.