What Really Happened to the Stars of Yukon Men? The Untold Truth About Where They Are Now Will Sh0ck You

The raw, untamed wilderness of Alaska, with its breathtaking landscapes and unforgiving climate, has long captivated the human imagination. For seven seasons, the Discovery Channel’s hit series, “Yukon Men,” offered a rare and intimate glimpse into the lives of the resilient inhabitants of Tanana, a remote village on the banks of the Yukon River. The show, which aired from 2012 to 2016, chronicled their daily struggles and triumphs as they navigated a subsistence lifestyle, deeply rooted in the traditions of their ancestors. But what happened when the cameras left and the world’s gaze shifted? For the stars of “Yukon Men,” the end of the series was not an end to their story; it was the beginning of a new, and in many ways, more challenging chapter.

The show’s simplicity and genuine portrayal of life in the Alaskan interior resonated with millions, creating a loyal fanbase that has often wondered about the fate of their favorite cast members. The assumption that they might abandon their arduous existence for the comforts of city life couldn’t be further from the truth. The men and women of Tanana have not only continued to embrace their heritage but have also evolved, adapted, and faced profound personal and communal challenges that have tested their mettle in ways the show never could.

Stan Zuray, the grizzled patriarch and one of the show’s most prominent figures, remains a steadfast resident of Tanana, a place he has called home for over four decades. His journey from a “Boston Greaser” to an Alaskan homesteader is a testament to his enduring spirit. Since the show’s conclusion, Stan has not been idle. He co-authored a book, “Carry On: Stan Zuray’s Journey from Boston Greaser to Alaskan Homesteader,” sharing the incredible story of his life. But his contributions to his community have extended far beyond storytelling.

Deeply concerned about the declining salmon populations in the Yukon River, a vital resource for the people of Tanana, Stan established the Rapids Research Center. Through this initiative, he has been at the forefront of research efforts, working to understand and address the environmental challenges threatening their way of life. His expertise and dedication did not go unnoticed. In a move that surprised many in the Alaskan fishing industry, Governor Mike Dunleavy appointed Stan to the state Board of Fisheries in 2022. This prestigious position has given him a powerful platform to advocate for sustainable fishing practices and to be a voice for the subsistence communities that are so often overlooked. In 2023, his remarkable life became the subject of a new documentary, “The Stan Project,” further cementing his legacy as a true Alaskan icon.

While Stan has been making waves in the political and environmental arenas, other members of the “Yukon Men” cast have continued to carve out their existence in the familiar landscapes of their homeland. James Roberts, the go-to man for lumber, has proven that resourcefulness is the key to survival in the Yukon. When a new road project threatened his business by clearing thousands of trees, he didn’t see it as a setback but as an opportunity. He invested in a portable sawmill, and today, his business is thriving, providing essential building materials for his community. His life remains a testament to the quiet, unassuming pragmatism that was his hallmark on the show.

The next generation of Yukon men is also making its mark, blending the old ways with the new. Joey Zuray, Stan’s son, has grown from a young, sometimes reckless, adventurer into a devoted husband and father. He and his wife, Samantha, are raising their daughter, Renee, and expecting their second child, all while continuing to live a subsistence lifestyle. Joey remains an avid hunter and trapper, and his passion for riverboat racing has made him a respected figure in the Yukon 800. Through his father’s social media, fans have been delighted to see that he has maintained a small kennel of sled dogs, keeping the family’s mushing legacy alive.

The Wright family, another cornerstone of the Tanana community, has also seen its members take on new and important roles. Charlie Wright, the skilled trapper, mechanic, and hunter, has emerged as a prominent community leader. Reelected as the secretary/treasurer of the Tanana Chief’s Conference Executive Board of Directors, and serving as a commissioner with the Yukon River Intertribal Fish Commission, Charlie has become a powerful advocate for salmon conservation and the protection of subsistence rights. He has publicly voiced his concerns about the disappearance of fish camps and the potential for a cultural void to be left for the younger generations. Despite his official duties, he remains a humble man, dedicated to his family and the traditional lifestyle he holds so dear.

His son, Robert “Bob” Wright, has found a way to balance the demands of the modern world with the traditions of his heritage. He works for an Alaskan native oil field company, but his heart remains in the wilderness. He continues to hunt, trap, and maintain his family’s fish wheel, proving that it is possible to earn a wage in Alaska’s oil fields while preserving the skills and values passed down from his father. His close friendship with Joey Zuray endures, and the two have even raced together in the Yukon 800.

The Moore family, known for their deep connection to the mushing world, has faced a series of profound challenges in the years since the show ended. Pat Moore, the family patriarch and elder musher, has endured both heartbreak and reinvention. He tragically lost his wife and partner of 44 years, Lorraine, who had battled a life-threatening brain aneurysm and dementia. Pat himself has faced his own health struggles, but his spirit remains unbroken. He continues to operate the family dog kennel with his daughter, Courtney, and has found a new passion in music. His band, The Backstreet Social Club, has become a local sensation, performing at community events and bringing joy to the people of Tanana.

Courtney Agnes, Pat’s daughter, has blossomed into a multifaceted and inspiring figure. She is a public speaker, an artist, a hunter, a motivational figure, and a community leader. Through her social media, she shares glimpses of her life in Tanana, from her intricate beadwork to her adventures with her husband and two daughters. She is a passionate advocate for her culture and is dedicated to passing down the traditions of mushing and trapping to the next generation, proving that gender is no barrier to mastering the skills of the wild.

The show also featured appearances by Lance Mackey, a legendary figure in the world of dog mushing. A four-time winner of both the Iditarod and the Yukon Quest, his presence on “Yukon Men” served as a bridge between the isolated communities of the Yukon River and the globally recognized mushing circuit. Sadly, Lance’s later years were marked by a long and arduous battle with cancer. He passed away in 2022 at the age of 52, leaving behind a legacy that will forever be etched in the annals of Alaskan history.

The cancellation of “Yukon Men” in 2017, reportedly due to declining ratings and complaints of staged drama, left a void for many viewers. However, the stories of its stars have continued to unfold, revealing a depth and complexity that a television series could only hint at. They are not just characters on a screen; they are real people, living real lives, and facing real challenges. Their stories are a powerful reminder that the human spirit is as resilient and untamable as the Alaskan wilderness they call home. They are the living embodiment of a legacy that is not just being preserved but is being actively shaped and passed on to a new generation. The Yukon men, and women, endure.