Gene Cheeseman left Gold Rush without much fanfare, but it wasn’t for the reason most viewers suspect. One of the less reality-focused reality shows aired by the Discovery Channel, Gold Rush follows various miners, prospecting families, and businesses who search the US, Canada, and the rest of the globe hoping to literally strike it rich. The series has led to numerous spinoffs, including Freddy Doge’s Mine Rescue, Parker’s Trail, White Water, and more. Those who appear on these shows often drop in and out, without much explanation.
In season 4, episode 2, “Learning Curve”, a new miner appeared on the series: Gene Cheeseman. Cheeseman first worked with Parker Schnabel’s crew before eventually moving to Tony Beets’ mining crew. He was a beloved and properly old-school miner who never seemed to like the camera that much. Cheeseman was also one of the most talented mechanics on the show and in the one spin-off he appeared in, Gold Rush: The Dirt. Despite his popularity, Gene Cheeseman up and disappeared from Gold Rush without much explanation.
It’s Unknown Why Gene Cheeseman Left Gold Rush (But He & Parker Schnabel Have Made Up)
Cheeseman Returned To Gold Rush In Season 10 For A Few Episodes
Gene Cheeseman was on Gold Rush for 72 episodes, from season 4 to season 7, and then reappeared for a few episodes in season 10, only to disappear once again. Both times Cheeseman left the show, after season 7 and after season 10, there was no explanation given for his departure. Cheesman had an antagonistic relationship with Parker Schnabel while he worked for him, and it eventually led to Cheeseman going to work for Tony Beets. Some fans speculated his beef with Schnabel was why he left the show, but then Cheeseman came back for season 10.
That season, Cheeseman came to assist a struggling Rick Ness in episode 12, “Million-Dollar Pay Day”, and stuck with him for a few more episodes before once again riding off into the sunset. Schnabel himself quashed rumors that his and Cheeseman’s rivalry led to Cheeseman being removed from the series. In a Facebook interview, Schnabel said,
Gene Cheeseman Is Reportedly Still Working With Tony Beets’ Crew
Cheeseman Does Not Have A Social Media Presence
According to what Schnabel said in the live interview, it seems that Cheeseman is still working with Tony Beets’ crew. Cheeseman has a Facebook and X account, but he has not updated them in years. The miner seems to value his privacy and may prefer to continue working in the industry without appearing on the show. In 2017, he posted a tweet, illuminating his feelings about appearing on Gold Rush.
Cheeseman’s son, however, Cole Cheeseman, is much more active on social media, frequently posting on Instagram about his construction business in Juneau, Alaska.
If Gene Cheeseman has no interest in being on Gold Rush, more power to him, as long as he’s doing what he wants — mining for gold and fixing everyone’s mechanical problems.
