The Life of Edgar Hansen After Deadliest Catch

It’s not just pulling handles—I know this. But if you were in it and you knew something needed to be done, you could have let me know, and I would have started to handle it. I would have started to learn. But I can’t do that because you’ve always done everything. What you’re missing is the fact that you lost a lot of years because you’re all screwing up.

In the tumultuous world of crab fishing, few personalities have captured the hearts of fans quite like Edgar Hansen. With his rugged charm and unparalleled expertise, Edgar became a fixture on the hit reality series Deadliest Catch, captivating audiences with his daring exploits and down-to-earth demeanor.

For years, fans tuned in to watch Edgar navigate the treacherous waters of the Bering Sea. His easy smile and quick wit made him a fan favorite, earning him a devoted following around the world. However, just as suddenly as he had burst onto the scene, Edgar disappeared from the show, leaving fans questioning what had happened to their beloved captain.

So, let’s find out why Edgar left the show and what he’s doing after his Deadliest Catch years.

Years ago, that scar—there—that was a knife about that wide and about that long. I was doing something on deck during one of my first years here.

Edgar Hansen, born on January 14, 1971, in Seattle, Washington, is a well-known figure in the world of commercial fishing and reality television. He’s best known for his role as the deck boss on the fishing vessel Northwestern, which is featured on the hit reality series Deadliest Catch on the Discovery Channel.

Edgar was born into a family with a rich fishing tradition. His father, Spere Hansen, was a Norwegian fisherman who immigrated to the United States and settled in Seattle, where he started a successful fishing business. Edgar grew up surrounded by the fishing industry and developed a passion for the sea at a young age.

Edgar embarked on his professional journey aboard the Northwestern as a cook when he was just 18 years old. Over the years, he honed his skills and now holds multiple key roles on the ship, including deck boss, chief engineer, and relief skipper. His unwavering commitment to his work and pivotal role in ensuring the crew’s sustenance have cemented his reputation as one of the most skilled fishermen aboard the vessel.

The Northwestern, constructed in 1977 at Marco Shipyards, is primarily engaged in tanner crab and king crab fishing. The vessel gained widespread recognition through its appearances on Deadliest Catch. Apart from their fishing endeavors, Edgar and his brothers, Sig and Norman, are renowned for their association with Russian king crab—a partnership that has significantly boosted their financial standing.

Edgar Hansen is married to Louise Hansen, and together they have three children. Despite his deep dedication to his career, Edgar places great importance on his family, often grappling with feelings of conflict due to the long periods spent away from home because of his maritime profession.

Edgar’s older brother, Sig Hansen, was already a seasoned fisherman when Edgar was growing up. Sig had started working on fishing boats at a young age and eventually became the captain of the Northwestern, one of the most successful crab fishing vessels in the region. Edgar’s father, Spere, also worked on the Northwestern, further solidifying the family’s ties to the fishing industry.

As Edgar grew older, he followed in his family’s footsteps and began working on fishing boats as well. He honed his skills as a fisherman and as a mechanic, learning the ins and outs of the fishing business from his brother and father. Edgar’s hard work and dedication earned him a reputation as a skilled deckhand and a valuable member of any crew he worked with.

In 2005, the Discovery Channel launched a new reality series called Deadliest Catch, which aimed to showcase the dangerous and challenging world of crab fishing in the Bering Sea. The show’s producers were looking for real-life fishermen to feature, and the Hansen family’s reputation in the fishing industry made them a natural choice. Sig Hansen was approached to be a part of the show, and he agreed, bringing his crew and the Northwestern along with him.

Edgar, who had been working as the deck boss on the Northwestern for several years by this point, was also featured prominently on the show. His calm demeanor, hard work, and mechanical skills made him a standout character on Deadliest Catch, and he quickly became a fan favorite.

Since joining the cast of Deadliest Catch, Edgar was a central figure on the show, showcasing his skills as a fisherman and a mechanic. His dedication to his work and his family’s fishing legacy made him one of the most respected and beloved figures on the show.

During Season 9 of the show, Edgar Hansen assumed control of the Northwestern, overseeing operations alongside Mandy Hansen, the daughter of Sig Hansen. Together, they navigated the challenges of fishing in Alaskan waters, leading the vessel to successful catches.

However, Edgar’s presence on the show became less prominent, and by Season 15, he vanished from the series without a clear explanation. His final formal appearance aired in August 2018.

What led to Edgar’s disappearance from the show was his guilty plea in July 2018 for the misconduct of a young girl. Following this, the Discovery Channel swiftly removed him from Deadliest Catch.

After his guilty plea, Edgar received a suspended jail sentence of 364 days and had to pay court fines totaling $1,653. This plea deal allowed him to avoid imprisonment, but he expressed remorse for his actions and began treatment to prevent such behavior in the future.

In 2023, it is speculated that Edgar may still be working with his brother on the Northwestern. However, the Discovery Channel has deliberately kept him out of the spotlight, ensuring he does not feature in the series. Fans have also claimed to have caught glimpses of him in Season 19, such as in Episode 6, Blood and Treasure, though he was not the focus of the show and appeared in the background.

Despite his continued involvement in fishing, Edgar’s return to Deadliest Catch seems unlikely, with production avoiding featuring him. Fans speculated about a potential soft launch of his return, but this was dismissed as an error by the production company.

Edgar is reportedly doing well for himself, though as a private person, he is not very open about his personal life. His estimated net worth ranges from $2 to $3 million, primarily earned through his work as a fisherman and engineer. During his time on Deadliest Catch, Edgar was rumored to earn between $20,000 to $50,000 per episode.

Despite his absence, the Hansen family—particularly Captain Sig Hansen—appears unfazed. Sig has expressed support for his daughter Mandy Hansen, who has taken on more responsibilities aboard the Northwestern. In a recent interview with Nikki Swift, Sig discussed Mandy’s role, stating, “She’s been fast-tracked to take over my position.” He emphasized the importance of gaining experience, adding, “The more experience she has there, the better off we are as a family entity.”

Mandy Hansen has embraced her new responsibilities and is excelling in her role as a deckhand. Her dedication and skill have been apparent, earning the respect of her fellow crew members.

Despite his departure from Deadliest Catch, Edgar Hansen’s legacy lives on in the hearts of fans who continue to admire his skill, courage, and unwavering passion for the sea. Whether he decides to return to the world of crab fishing or pursue other endeavors, there is no doubt that Edgar Hansen will always be remembered as one of the true legends of the Bering Sea.