Update: Moonshiners’ Digger Manes Shares Health Update and What It Means for His Future on the Show.
‘Moonshiners’ Star Digger Manes Opens Up About Leukemia Diagnosis and His Future on the Show
For more than a decade, Discovery Channel’s Moonshiners has introduced viewers to the gritty, secretive world of backwoods distilling. At the center of it all are Mark Ramsey and his longtime partner in crime, Digger Manes (real name Eric Manes), who have become fan favorites for their quick wit, craftsmanship, and dedication to keeping a centuries-old Appalachian tradition alive.
But this season, fans were met with sobering news: Digger revealed he has been diagnosed with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL), a form of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow. The revelation has sparked concern about his health, his future, and whether his days on Moonshiners may be numbered.
Digger’s Diagnosis
In the Season 13 premiere, Digger sat down with his close friend and co-star Mark Ramsey to share the news. His words carried weight, especially when he admitted that he wanted to “go big before he goes home,” a phrase that left many viewers fearing the worst.
CLL, according to the National Cancer Institute, is the most common type of leukemia in adults, though it remains relatively rare in the U.S. with fewer than 200,000 cases each year. It typically progresses slowly, but symptoms such as fatigue and swollen lymph nodes can make it difficult to manage. The disease tends to worsen with age, which is why fans have been particularly worried about Digger’s long-term outlook.
Clearing the Air on Facebook
After the episode aired, Digger took to social media to clarify his condition. Posting on the joint Facebook page he shares with Mark, he explained that the way the episode was edited may have made his illness seem more dire than it really is.
“I want to follow up with the news that the show aired tonight. The production company did film Mark and myself when I gave him the news after I first received my diagnosis of Leukemia,” Digger wrote. He went on to say that, like fans, he doesn’t see episodes until they air, and he was surprised by how the conversation came across on television.
He then reassured viewers with a more precise update: “After more extensive tests, my definite diagnosis is Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia, a condition that is not terminal (ain’t no fun though).” In classic Digger fashion, he added a touch of humor, saying the disease would “probably just make me miserable until something else kills me.”
Fans Show Their Support
The post sparked an outpouring of love and encouragement from the Moonshiners community. “Thanks for the post elaborating — we’ve been worrying since we heard tonight! Prayers and love for ya!” wrote one fan. Dozens of similar messages poured in, offering prayers, good wishes, and gratitude for his honesty.
For many viewers, Digger’s candid approach was both reassuring and inspiring. While the diagnosis is serious, his decision to face it with optimism and humor is consistent with the resilient, down-to-earth personality fans have come to admire.
What It Means for His Future on Moonshiners
With rumors swirling, some wondered if Digger might be stepping away from the series due to his health. However, there has been no indication from him or Discovery that he plans to leave. In fact, Digger emphasized that while the condition is challenging, it is not terminal and does not prevent him from continuing to work.
Digger and Mark have been central to Moonshiners since the series first premiered in 2011, and together they’ve become the heart of the show. Their partnership, creativity, and humor are among the reasons the series remains popular after more than a decade.
Looking Ahead
While a leukemia diagnosis is never easy news, Digger Manes is making it clear that he isn’t backing down. His outlook is hopeful, his spirit unshaken, and his sense of humor intact. Though he acknowledges that the illness will affect his life, he’s determined to keep doing what he loves alongside Mark and the rest of the Moonshiners crew.
For fans, the message is simple: Digger isn’t going anywhere just yet. As he continues to battle CLL with grit and positivity, viewers can expect to see him doing what he does best—distilling, joking, and keeping the Moonshiners legacy alive.
