Rick Ness, a prominent figure in reality TV and gold mining, has captured audiences with his journey on Discovery Channel’s Gold Rush. As of 2025, fans are eager to know about Rick Ness’s age, net worth, career, relationship status, whether he’s married, his salary, height, weight, and recent dating updates. At 44 years old, Ness has a net worth estimated at $3-5 million, built through mining and TV fame. Currently engaged to Leese Marie, he’s not married but has faced relationship turbulence. His salary per Gold Rush episode ranges from $20,000-$25,000. Standing at 5’11” and weighing approximately 78 kg, Ness remains a fan favorite.
Early Life and Background: Age, Height, and Weight
Born on March 5, 1981, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Rick Ness’s age is 44 as of August 2025. Growing up in a family running a construction business, he developed an early knack for operating heavy machinery, a skill that later defined his mining career. Ness’s height is 5 feet 11 inches (1.80 m), and his weight is around 78 kg (172 lbs), reflecting a sturdy build suited for the rugged demands of gold mining. His athletic background as a college football player was cut short by a severe head injury, redirecting his path toward music and eventually mining. His twin brother, Randy Ness, remains a key figure in the family’s construction business in Escanaba, Michigan.
Career Journey: From Music to Gold Mining Stardom
Musical Beginnings with .357 Stringband
Before Gold Rush, Rick Ness’s career took root in music. After his football dreams ended, he picked up the upright bass and joined the .357 Stringband in 2003. The band released three albums—Ghost Town (2006), Fire & Hail (2008), and Lightning From the North (2010)—and toured globally. Ness’s passion for music was evident, but a chance meeting in 2011 changed his trajectory. While performing at the Southeast Alaskan State Fair, he met Parker Schnabel, a Gold Rush star, sparking his interest in gold mining.
Rise to Fame on Gold Rush
Ness joined Gold Rush in its second season (2011), initially working as a truck driver and excavator under Schnabel. His mechanical expertise, honed at his family’s Roy Ness Contracting, made him indispensable. By season 8, he became a foreman and later struck out independently, leading his own crew in the Klondike. In season 9, Ness mined 1,105 ounces of gold, valued at $1.3 million, surpassing his 1,000-ounce goal. His salary per episode is estimated at $20,000-$25,000, contributing significantly to his net worth of $3-5 million as of 2025. Ness’s resilience shone in season 14, returning after a hiatus to rebuild his mining operation following personal and financial setbacks.
“Gold mining is a gamble, but it’s the challenge that keeps me going. Every ounce we pull from the ground feels like a victory.” – Rick Ness
Net Worth and Salary: Financial Success in 2025
Rick Ness’s net worth in 2025 ranges between $3 million and $5 million, driven by his Gold Rush earnings, gold mining ventures, and occasional endorsements. His salary from the show, approximately $20,000-$25,000 per episode, forms a substantial part of his income. In 2021, Ness mined gold worth $1.3 million, showcasing his mining prowess. Despite financial lows after his mother’s passing in 2018, selling her house and restarting his mining operation marked a comeback. His lavish Milwaukee home, adorned with fine interiors, reflects his success, though he keeps details private.
Relationship Status: Is Rick Ness Married or Dating?
Engagement to Leese Marie
As of 2025, Rick Ness is not married but is engaged to Leese Marie, a Wisconsin native and occasional Gold Rush contributor. Their relationship, publicized on November 16, 2020, via Ness’s Facebook page, faced scrutiny, including body-shaming trolls. The couple briefly split in November 2022 due to Ness’s infidelity but reconciled by 2023, getting engaged in October 2022. Leese appeared on Gold Rush in 2021, driving a rock truck, and continues to support Ness’s career. They live together with their dog, Rubi, in Milwaukee.
“Leese has been my rock through the highs and lows. We’ve faced challenges, but we’re stronger for it.” – Rick Ness
Past Relationships and Rumors
Ness was previously married to Jen Ness, though details about their marriage and divorce remain scarce. Rumors linking him to Parker Schnabel’s ex, Ashley Youle, were debunked as unconfirmed fan speculation. Ness’s openness about his personal struggles, including depression after his mother’s death, has endeared him to fans, who admire his authenticity.
Personal Struggles and Triumphs
Ness’s journey hasn’t been without hardship. The loss of his mother, Judy Marie Bedard, to cancer in 2018 sent him into a depressive spiral, exacerbated by drug use during his Gold Rush hiatus in season 13. Returning in season 14, he sold his mother’s house to fund his mining comeback, demonstrating resilience. Fans noticed changes in his appearance, particularly his nose, sparking rumors of cosmetic surgery or drug-related damage, though no evidence confirms these claims. Ness’s candidness about mental health has inspired others, as he shared in a People interview.
“The weight of the world can crush anybody. Sharing my story helped me heal and hopefully helps others.” – Rick Ness
Unique Insights: Ness’s Impact and Legacy
Ness’s story is a testament to adaptability. From a football player to a musician, then a gold miner, his career shifts reflect a relentless pursuit of purpose. Unlike other Gold Rush stars like Parker Schnabel ($8 million net worth) or Tony Beets ($15 million), Ness’s $3-5 million net worth is modest yet earned through grit. His tattoos, including a neck piece dubbed “The Holy Mother of Horsepower,” symbolize his bold personality. Ness’s support for cancer charities, inspired by his mother’s battle, adds depth to his public persona, making him a relatable figure.
Biography Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Richard Ness |
| Age | 44 (Born March 5, 1981) |
| Height | 5’11” (1.80 m) |
| Weight | 78 kg (172 lbs) |
| Birthplace | Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Caucasian |
| Occupation | Gold Miner, Reality TV Star, Former Musician |
| Net Worth | $3-5 million (2025 estimate) |
| Salary | $20,000-$25,000 per Gold Rush episode |
| Relationship Status | Engaged to Leese Marie |
| Married | Previously married to Jen Ness; currently not married |
| Education | Escanaba Area High School (1999); college football (details undisclosed) |
| Family | Twin brother: Randy Ness; Father: Richard Ness Sr.; Mother: Judy Marie Bedard (deceased) |
| Notable Shows | Gold Rush, Gold Rush: Parker’s Trail, Gold Rush: The Dirt |
| Music Career | Bassist for .357 Stringband (2003-2011); albums: Ghost Town, Fire & Hail, Lightning From the North |
| Social Media | Facebook, Instagram, Twitter |
Conclusion: Rick Ness’s Enduring Appeal
Rick Ness continues to captivate Gold Rush fans with his tenacity and authenticity. At 44, with a net worth of $3-5 million, a salary of $20,000-$25,000 per episode, and a height and weight suited for mining’s demands, he’s a multifaceted figure. Engaged to Leese Marie, his relationship status reflects growth through challenges. Ness’s career, from music to mining, and his openness about personal struggles make him relatable. Follow his journey on Discovery’s Gold Rush or Wikipedia for more.
