Ernie Brown Jr - The Turtleman's Wild Life Story

For folks who spent time watching Animal Planet between 2011 and 2014, the name Ernie Brown Jr. probably brings to mind a very specific kind of outdoor adventure. This Kentuckian, known widely as "the Turtleman," became a familiar face on television, sharing his unique approach to dealing with wild creatures that had wandered into places they perhaps shouldn't be. His show brought a bit of the wild right into people's living rooms, offering a glimpse into a life deeply connected to the natural world of Kentucky.

His story, you know, is quite a fascinating one, really. It's about a man who grew up learning the ways of the woods, a skill he then turned into a way to help people with what they called "nuisance animals." He wasn't just catching things; he was, in a way, showing a different side of wildlife interaction, often with his bare hands, which was pretty remarkable to watch for many viewers.

This article will take a closer look at Ernie Brown Jr.'s journey, from his early days learning about animals, to his time as a television personality, and what life has been like for him since his show wrapped up. We'll explore the path he took to becoming a national figure, and, in some respects, the challenges he faced along the way.

Table of Contents

Who is Ernie Brown Jr - The Man Behind the Legend?

Ernie Brown Jr., widely recognized by his distinctive nickname, the Turtleman, became a well-known figure through his appearances on a reality television program. He was, for a time, a central character on "Call of the Wildman," a series that ran on Animal Planet for a few years. This show, which first appeared on screens in October 2011 and concluded its run in September 2014, focused on his experiences as a person who dealt with wild creatures that caused trouble for people in Kentucky. He was, quite literally, a woodsman from Kentucky, whose life and work were brought to a wider audience through the medium of television.

His background, as a matter of fact, is deeply rooted in the outdoor life of Washington County, Kentucky, where he was born in March 1965. From a very young age, he spent his time exploring the natural surroundings, getting to know the animals that lived there. This early exposure, you know, shaped his unique skills and his approach to handling wildlife. The show really put his unusual way of life on display, making him a household name for many who enjoyed watching nature-focused programs.

Personal Details and Background of Ernie Brown Jr.

Full NameErnie Brown Jr.
Known AsThe Turtleman
Date of BirthMarch 28, 1965
Place of BirthWashington County, Kentucky, United States
OccupationReality TV Personality, Nuisance Animal Remover
Years Active (TV)2011 – 2014
SpousePreviously married (divorced)
ChildrenTwo daughters
Estimated Net Worth (as of Dec 2023)$5 million

Ernie Brown Jr's Early Days and How He Started

The story of Ernie Brown Jr.'s connection with animals goes way back, really, to when he was just a little boy. It's said that he was only seven years old when he managed to get hold of a snapping turtle. This wasn't just for fun; it was, in a way, a means to an end. That turtle, a rather large one, helped put food on the table for his family, who were struggling at the time. This early experience, you know, speaks volumes about his resourcefulness and his deep understanding of the natural world around him.

He once, apparently, managed to get hold of a truly massive turtle, one that weighed about 150 pounds. This particular creature, a snapping turtle, was given a rather playful name, "the Loch Ness," perhaps because of its size and the mystery it seemed to carry. These kinds of stories, in a way, highlight the kind of person Ernie Brown Jr. was even before he became famous. He was someone who lived off the land, using his skills to provide for those he cared about, and, in some respects, this foundation shaped the person viewers would later come to know.

What Made Call of the Wildman So Popular?

"Call of the Wildman," the television series that featured Ernie Brown Jr., managed to gather a significant number of people watching it from its very first showing in 2011 right up until it was taken off the air in 2014. The show's appeal, you could say, came from its straightforward approach to showing the life of a Kentucky woodsman. It wasn't just about catching animals; it was about the way Ernie, with his distinctive yell and his natural charisma, went about his work.

The program showcased Ernie Brown Jr. in his role as a person who specialized in moving wild creatures that were causing problems. He would, typically, get these animals out of tricky situations, often using just his bare hands, and then make sure they were released back into a more suitable wild setting. This direct, hands-on method was, in a way, quite captivating for viewers, offering something different from other wildlife programs. The series, in fact, ran for four seasons, putting out 72 episodes that followed his adventures.

The Team That Helped Ernie Brown Jr

Ernie Brown Jr. wasn't, by any means, working alone during his time on "Call of the Wildman." He had a trusted companion, a friend named Neal James, who was often by his side. Neal, who also went by the nickname "Banjo Man," played a significant part in the show, adding another layer to the interactions and adventures. Their friendship, in a way, was a key element that many viewers enjoyed watching.

Beyond Neal, there was also Lolly, Ernie Brown Jr.'s dog, who was a constant presence during his animal-handling tasks. Lolly, too, was a recognized character on the show, often seen accompanying Ernie and Neal as they went about their work. This small team – Ernie, Neal, and Lolly – formed the core of the program, providing a sense of camaraderie and, in some respects, a very human element to the wild encounters they experienced. Stephen Busken was also involved in the series, adding to the cast of characters.

What Happened to Ernie Brown Jr's Show?

The television series "Call of the Wildman," despite its popularity, eventually stopped being shown. The program, which had its home on Animal Planet, was, apparently, taken off the air without much public explanation at the time, leaving many viewers wondering what happened. It was, in a way, an abrupt end to a show that had gathered a good number of people watching.

The reasons behind the show's cancellation were, in fact, linked to concerns about the well-being of the animals and certain official permits. There were, it seems, questions raised about how the animals were handled and whether all the necessary permissions were in place. A publication called Mother Jones, as a matter of fact, carried out an investigation that played a role in the show's eventual removal from television. This meant that Ernie Brown Jr. was, in some respects, left without the platform that had made him famous.

Ernie Brown Jr After the Show

Even though "Call of the Wildman" was no longer on television, Ernie Brown Jr. didn't simply disappear from the public eye. He has, in fact, remained quite active, continuing to share his knowledge and experiences with people. He still makes appearances in front of live audiences, bringing his unique personality and stories directly to his supporters. This allows him to keep a connection with those who enjoyed his television program.

Furthermore, Ernie Brown Jr. has also embraced online platforms, posting videos on a popular video-sharing site. This means that people can still see him in action, learning about the interesting creatures of south central Kentucky and the deep connection he has with the land. He is, in a way, still working to share his passion for wildlife and the outdoors, even without a regular television show. His online presence, too, helps him maintain his status as a national figure and a beloved Kentuckian.

How Did Ernie Brown Jr Get His Nickname?

The nickname "Turtleman" is, quite obviously, very much tied to Ernie Brown Jr.'s early life and his particular skill. It came about because of his long-standing practice of going into the murky water of Kentucky ponds to get hold of snapping turtles. He had, in fact, been doing this for nearly four decades, a very long time indeed, before he ever became a television personality. This activity was, in a way, his signature method for dealing with these creatures.

The name "Turtleman" itself became so closely associated with Ernie Brown Jr. that it was even used in the title of his famous yell, which was a very distinct sound he would make. This yell, which was, in some respects, a call to action, became a recognizable part of his public image. So, the nickname wasn't just a casual tag; it was a description of his primary skill and, in a way, a part of his overall persona that resonated with people.

Ernie Brown Jr's Personal Challenges and Family Life

Life for Ernie Brown Jr. hasn't been without its difficulties, even after achieving public recognition. He has, for instance, faced some serious health concerns. Before the passing of his friend Neal James, Ernie had, apparently, been in and out of medical facilities due to problems with his heart. These cardiac issues, you know, are a very real challenge for anyone to deal with, and they show a side of his life that was less visible on television.

Beyond health matters, Ernie Brown Jr. has also experienced personal changes in his family life. He was, at one point, married and had two daughters, but he later went through a divorce. Details about his children, his family life, and other personal facts like his birthday and what he did before he became famous are also part of his story. His financial situation, too, has been a topic of interest, with some analyses suggesting his personal wealth is around $5 million, which, in some respects, makes him one of the more financially comfortable reality television figures from the United States.

More recently, Ernie Brown Jr. was involved in an unfortunate mishap. In March 2022, he sustained an injury while attempting to cut down a tree limb. This incident left him with a broken bone and a sore chest. He even shared an update from a medical facility on a social media platform, letting his supporters know what had happened. This event, you know, was quite a shock for many who follow his activities, highlighting the very real risks associated with the kind of work he does. The passing of his friend, Neal James, also marked a significant event in Ernie Brown Jr.'s life, as Neal was a close companion and a key part of his public persona.

Ernie Through the Years | Muppet Wiki | FANDOM powered by Wikia

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A Beloved Icon: Celebrating The Legacy Of Ernie From Sesame Street

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