What happened to Jerry Benson on “Moonshiners”? The Health Crisis That Nearly Took Jerry Benson Off Moonshiners.
MOONSHINERS STAR JERRY BENSON’S HEALTH BATTLE, CAST CHANGES, AND THE RICH HISTORY BEHIND THE SHOW
For the past several years, master distiller Jerry Benson has been a key figure on Moonshiners, the hit Discovery Channel series that spotlights real-life liquor makers in Appalachia. The show follows these modern-day outlaws as they distill homemade spirits, often dancing along the edge of legality. For more than a decade, Jerry has showcased his skills to a loyal fanbase — but not long ago, viewers feared it might all come to a sudden end.
JERRY BENSON’S HEALTH SCARE
In 2021, Jerry’s health took a serious turn. He was rushed to the hospital after experiencing weakness in his limbs, excessive sweating, and vomiting. The situation escalated quickly when doctors discovered internal bleeding and dangerously high blood pressure.
His close friend and Moonshiners partner Mike Cockrell revealed just how dire the situation was:
“His blood pressure is at a stage where he should be dead. Something is going wrong with the mind — with the brain. Jerry’s in rough shape.”
Jerry’s girlfriend, Kiera, traveled from Indiana to be by his side. Fans flooded social media with well wishes after the show’s official Facebook page posted a photo with the caption: “Wishing Jerry a speedy recovery.”
By December 2022, Jerry had made a remarkable recovery. He returned to work, active once again in the distillery and on social media — much to the relief of his fans.
LOSING A FELLOW MOONSHINER: LANCE WALDROP
Sadly, not every Moonshiners cast member was as fortunate. In March 2021, Lance Waldrop was found unresponsive in his bedroom and pronounced dead at just 30 years old. The autopsy listed the cause as congestive heart failure, likely triggered by obesity — Lance weighed over 500 pounds.
Fans remembered him fondly as the hardworking son of Jeff Waldrop, known for his upbeat spirit and dedication to the family business in North Carolina.
STEVE “TICKLE” RAY’S CLOSE CALLS
Another fan-favorite, Steve Ray Tickle, has cheated death on more than one occasion. First, he broke six ribs after falling off a roof. Later, he was involved in a serious car crash and even faced jail time — all while still on probation. Despite his brushes with danger, Tickle remains a staple of the show.
THE LEGEND OF POPCORN SUTTON
Though never part of the Moonshiners cast directly, Popcorn Sutton remains the spiritual father of the franchise. His 2002 documentary — “This is the Last Damn Run of Liquor I’ll Ever Make” — helped shape the show’s early seasons.
In 2009, facing 18 months in federal prison for illegal distilling and weapons charges, the aging and ill Sutton requested house arrest. When that request was denied, he tragically took his own life via carbon monoxide poisoning.
MIKE COCKRELL AND JERRY BENSON: BUSINESS PARTNERS THROUGH UPS AND DOWNS
Jerry and Mike Cockrell became one of the show’s most iconic duos after Jerry joined the cast a few seasons into Mike’s 2016 debut. But in early 2021, rumors circulated that the two had split — or worse, been busted for illegal moonshining.
In truth, the pair had briefly separated their business ventures. Mike teamed up with the Tennessee Shine Company, while Jerry continued independently. Fortunately, whatever the rift was, it didn’t last long. By Season 12, the two reunited on-screen — even joining forces with Solomon Sutton, son of the late Popcorn, to develop new liquor recipes.
MASTER DISTILLER AND NEW BLOOD
Jerry and Mike also appear on the Moonshiners spin-off Master Distiller, with Mike serving as one of the judges. Season 12 introduced new faces like Amanda Bryant, who wowed judges with her hazelnut-flavored liquor. A self-taught hobbyist, Amanda proved that women have a firm place in the male-dominated craft.
MIKE’S FAMILY AND BUSINESS LEGACY
Outside of the show, Mike Cockrell continues to expand Tennessee Shine Co., which started in Sevierville and now operates in Pigeon Forge, Wears Valley, and Gatlinburg. Visitors can even enjoy moonshine tours at the flagship location.
A proud family man, Mike recently celebrated eight years of marriage to his wife Jenna, with whom he shares three children. In a heartfelt Facebook post, Mike wrote:
“One wonderful year of marriage after eight years together. The best days of my life. I love you, sweetheart.”
MEET SHINE GIRL: DANIELLE PARTON
Another rising star is Danielle Parton, better known as Shine Girl. A military veteran turned distiller, Danielle is none other than Dolly Parton’s niece. She launched her own spirits brand in 2022, aiming to create products “by and for women.”
Her background includes service as a military pilot, and she currently works in public affairs for the Air National Guard. Her goal: change the face of moonshine — and bring a feminine touch to a centuries-old craft.
THE HISTORY OF MOONSHINE
The practice of moonshining dates back to post-Revolutionary America, when farmers resisted high alcohol taxes. This led to the Whiskey Rebellion of 1791. But it wasn’t until Prohibition (1920–1933) that moonshining flourished nationwide.
The Appalachian region, with its dense forests and limited roadways, became the epicenter of illegal distillation. Bootleggers — often modifying their cars to outrun police — later inspired the birth of NASCAR.
Globally, moonshining continues in places like Eastern Europe (with rakija, slivovica, and sliwowitz) and Finland, where pontikka is still made at home. In Cameroon, moonshine called Odikotor can reach up to 80% alcohol — among the strongest in the world.
LOOKING AHEAD
As Moonshiners continues to thrive into its second decade, fans remain captivated by its blend of real-life grit, Appalachian tradition, and colorful characters. Whether it’s Jerry Benson’s miraculous recovery, Mike Cockrell’s growing empire, or new blood like Shine Girl Danielle, one thing is certain: moonshining is far from dead — it’s evolving.
Stay tuned, and don’t forget to raise a glass to the rebels keeping this legacy alive.
