Who Left Moonshiners? – Former Cast Members and Departures
Jeff Waldroup (Seasons 2–7):
Jeff, a native of North Carolina, joined Moonshiners in Season 2 alongside his son, Lance Waldroup. For several years, the father-son duo brought a heartfelt family dynamic to the show as they distilled together and supported each other’s growth in the trade. Their episodes often highlighted Appalachian values, resourcefulness, and close family ties. Jeff regularly appeared through Season 7, and his screen presence ended after 2018.
Jeff left the show to care for his wife, Lynn, who had been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. He also returned to his previous work outside of moonshining. Since November 2020, Jeff has reportedly faced difficulties due to weather-related disruptions and the economic impact of COVID-19. Despite no current plans to return to the show, Jeff remains connected to the moonshining community and is remembered for his generosity—often traveling out of state to assist with fundraisers for others in need.
Lance Waldroup (Seasons 2–7):
Lance, Jeff’s son, made his debut in Season 2 and quickly became known as one of the youngest shiners on the series. A native of Graham County, Lance brought a new generation’s perspective to the craft. He experimented with nontraditional recipes—such as absinthe—and became known for his eagerness to learn and innovate, even if some attempts led to trial and error. Off-camera, Lance had faced profound personal losses. He lost both his siblings—his sister Lyndsey and brother Lamar—to cystic fibrosis at a young age, and carried the emotional burden of survivor’s guilt.
Lance struggled with addiction for several years but entered recovery to turn his life around. He left Moonshiners after season 7 to care for his mother during her illness, committing himself fully to her support. A GoFundMe organized on behalf of the family shared that “he did not want to leave her side and waited on her hand and foot.”
Tragically, Lance passed away in February 2021 at age 30. The Moonshiners community honored his memory for his kind heart, dedication to family, and contributions to the show. His legacy continues to resonate with fans and cast alike.
Bill Canny (Seasons 2–6):
Bill Canny joined Moonshiners in 2012 as Josh Owens’ distilling partner. He became involved after helping Josh complete a memorial project for the late moonshiner Barney Barnwell—a combined still site and band stage. The project drew the attention of Discovery Channel, eventually leading both men to the show.
From Seasons 2 through 5, Bill played a key role in still building and troubleshooting, known for his mechanical skill and steady presence. His appearances declined in Season 6, though he took part in the holiday episode “Making Spirits Bright” (S06E07), where he joined friends for Carolina-style Christmas caroling.
After the show, Bill returned to carpentry and focused on music. As of 2025, he performs bass and guitar at local events like the Plum Hollow Festival and in community venues. He has been in a civil union with Sara Brunjes since 1998. Though no longer on Moonshiners, Bill remains respected for his foundational role and craftsmanship.
Chico & Sandra (Seasons 3–7):
Chico (Matthew Louis Tungate) and Sandra, credited as his fiancée and later wife, appeared on Moonshiners from 2013 to 2018. Chico participated in 52 episodes and Sandra in 21. Initially introduced as Tim Smith’s assistant, Chico later established himself in Kentucky-based distilling operations, with Sandra supporting production and site work.
Their departure after Season 7 coincided with the birth of their child in late 2018. Following this, Chico partnered with Olde Towne Distillery to launch “Chico’s Spirit Whiskey,” a legal bourbon-white whiskey blend. The venture was short-lived and no longer appears active.
As of 2025, Sandra resides in Lebanon, Kentucky, where she manages a restaurant under the name Cassondra Whitaker. Her social media profile indicates a new marriage in 2020. Though no longer affiliated with the show, Chico and Sandra’s contributions remain part of Moonshiners’ mid-series period.
Marvin “Jim Tom” Hedrick (Seasons 2–5, recurring in 6, 8 & 10):
Marvin “Jim Tom” Hedrick was a foundational figure in Moonshiners, debuting in Season 2 (2012) and becoming a fixture through Season 5. Revered for his storytelling, folksy humor, and decades of distilling knowledge, Jim Tom embodied the old-school Appalachian shiner, bridging generations with both wit and wisdom. His presence extended into later seasons with occasional appearances, notably in Seasons 6, 8, and 10.
Even in a limited capacity, Jim Tom’s later appearances reinforced his role as a mentor and cultural touchstone within the moonshining community. His involvement in traditional distilling efforts—particularly when collaborating with fellow veterans like Mark—offered viewers a glimpse of his ongoing influence, despite no longer being a full-time cast member. These moments served as a bridge between the show’s early years and its evolving cast, maintaining continuity and honoring the roots of the craft.
Though he stepped away from regular appearances after 2016 due to age and health considerations, Jim Tom remained active in the industry. He became a brand ambassador for Sugarlands Distilling Company, where he helped bring authenticity to a commercial line of moonshine bearing his name. He was frequently mentioned by fellow cast members, particularly Mark and Digger, who credited him as a guiding force and cultural anchor.
Jim Tom passed away in 2023 at the age of 82 following a battle with kidney cancer. He is remembered with great respect as one of the most colorful and influential personalities to appear on Moonshiners, preserving the spirit of traditional distilling while mentoring a new generation of shiners.
Tyler Wood (Seasons 3-5)
Tyler was a younger cast member who joined Moonshiners in 2013. A singer-songwriter from Kentucky, he came on the show to support his music career and family tradition by making moonshine. Tyler appeared in a handful of episodes (mostly in Season 3, 4, and 5), often alongside his friend Chico. He departed Moonshiners by 2016. The reason was straightforward: Tyler decided to go legitimate and focus on his burgeoning legal distilling business and music. After leaving, he founded the Tyler Wood Distilling Company and launched a legal “traditional whiskey” (a 103-proof white whiskey) drawing on his family’s recipes. He also continued releasing country music albums. Tyler’s time on the show was brief, but he used it as a springboard for a lawful career in distilling – a path several former cast members have taken.
“Muddog” Mike Mitchell, “Shot” Brandon, and Darlene (Season 3):
These three comprised the short-lived Mississippi contingent on Moonshiners. Mike “Muddog” Mitchell, his son Shot, and their friend Darlene Moran joined in Season 3 (2013–2014) to represent moonshining in the Deep South. Darlene, a fearless single mom and horse trainer, was one of the show’s few female distillers. Despite their colorful introduction (the trio aimed to “take over” the shine scene in Mississippi), they did not continue beyond a short run during the season. The likely reason is that Discovery shifted focus back to the Appalachia teams. After leaving the show, Darlene Moran returned to barrel racing and ranch life; Mike and Shot also left the spotlight. Darlene did attempt to run moonshine along the barrel-racing circuit during her stint, but once off TV, she and the “Muddog” crew seemingly went back to normal life. They are counted among the early former cast who left quietly.
Roy Grooms (Seasons 3–4)
Roy Grooms was an older moonshiner from Tennessee who appeared briefly during the 2013–2014 era of Moonshiners. Known for his deep connection to traditional backwoods distilling, Roy proudly embraced the spotlight—referring to himself as “Moonshiner Roy Grooms” on social media. Though his appearances on the show were limited, some drawn from archival footage, he left a distinct mark during his time on air.
Following his departure from the series, Roy continued to engage with the moonshining community. Between 2015 and early 2017, he actively participated in regional heritage events and festivals, including the Mountain Moonshine Festival in Georgia, the Etowah Moonshine Festival in Tennessee, and the Hillbilly Jam in Maggie Valley, North Carolina.
Roy passed away on February 21, 2018, at age 71, which explains his absence from later seasons.
J.B. Rader (Seasons 6–11):
A longtime friend and former still-hand of the late Popcorn Sutton, J.B. joined the series in Season 6 and made intermittent appearances through Season 11. Though not a weekly presence, his role was meaningful—he served as a respected elder who embodied traditional Appalachian moonshine practices.
J.B.’s deep knowledge of backwoods distilling, and close ties to moonshine history lent credibility to the show. He was often seen sharing stories, mentoring younger shiners, or contributing to heritage-style distillation projects. His final appearances included Season 11 episodes such as “Boom Time for Moonshine,” “Holy Grail of Moonshine,” and “Moo Shine.”
Outside of television, J.B. partnered with several legal distilleries to bring his expertise to commercial spirits. Notably, he collaborated with Sugarlands Distilling Company on a line of branded liquors, including J.B. Rader’s Tennessee Whiskey. He also teamed up with South Mountain Distilling Company to launch J.B. Rader’s Honeycrisp Apple Moonshine, crafted using real Honeycrisp apples and local honey.
J.B. has not returned to the show since 2022, likely stepping away from public appearances due to age.
Other Brief Cast & Cameos
Moonshiners featured a few additional short-term cast members over the years. For example, J.T. Smith – Tim Smith’s son – was occasionally on the show (2011–2019) learning the family trade. J.T. left to create his own legal liquor (JT’s Rye Whiskey) in partnership with Tim’s distillery, carrying on the Smith legacy in a legitimate way. Kentucky natives Donnie Benton and Teresa Coomer Mays (the self-styled “Beattyville Hillbillies”) showed up in Season 8 (2019) for a few episodes and made a big impression with their flair. They left after that short run but continued to celebrate moonshine culture by helping open a Moonshine Museum in Kentucky and promoting their legal “Beattyville Hillbillies” Huckleberry Moonshine. Each of these folks contributed to Moonshiners for a time, even if their tenure was short.
As seen above, many former Moonshiners cast members exited to pursue legal distilling ventures or to prioritize family and health. It’s a common theme: the show’s notoriety opens doors to legitimate business (from selling branded spirits to touring distilleries), and some shiners understandably opt for a safer, law-abiding career. Others left due to behind-the-scenes reasons like creative differences or simply not being asked back by producers. Whatever the case, the Moonshiners lineup has changed considerably over 14 seasons, even as the show’s core premise remains the same.
Cast Members Who Have Passed Away (In Memoriam)
While Moonshiners is largely a light-hearted show, it has not been without tragedy. Here we pay respectful tribute to cast members who have passed away, including factual dates and known causes of death (with no speculation):
Kenny Law
Kenny Law, a soft-spoken but highly skilled Virginia moonshiner who appeared on Moonshiners alongside his cousin Henry Law beginning in Season 11, passed away on January 14, 2025, at the age of 68. Kenny had long struggled with diabetes and reportedly suffered a heart attack in 2024, followed by a fatal blood infection in early 2025. His death was confirmed by Law’s Choice Distillery, which shared a tribute to his legacy. Kenny was remembered by fans and fellow cast members as a traditionalist with deep knowledge of Appalachian distilling. Amanda Bryant, a fellow cast member, paid tribute calling him “a true moonshine legend.” Kenny’s calm demeanor and technical expertise made him a cornerstone of Tickle’s team on the show. Though he had transitioned toward more legal operations in recent years, he continued appearing in Moonshiners until shortly before his passing.
Lance Waldroup
Moonshiners star Lance Waldroup died on February 25, 2021 at the young age of 30. According to official autopsy reports, Lance’s cause of death was congestive heart failure, with morbid obesity and cardiomyopathy cited as contributing factors. TMZ reported that Lance’s mother found him unconscious at home and called 911, but he could not be revived. His death was ruled natural and not suspicious. Lance had struggled with health issues and past opioid addiction treatment, and he also bore emotional scars from losing two siblings at young ages (both of his brother and sister died of cystic fibrosis). The Waldroup family revealed that Lance was very devoted to his mother (who has MS) in his final years. Moonshiners issued a tribute saying Lance would be remembered as an “adventurous distiller” with a flair for unique recipes. His passing was a shock to fans and cast alike, as he was one of the show’s promising young talents gone far too soon.
Marvin “Jim Tom” Hedrick
Jim Tom, the old-time legend of Moonshiners, passed away on September 6, 2023 at age 82. The cause of death was kidney cancer, which Jim Tom had been battling in his later years. According to his family, Jim Tom had been in a nursing home and on dialysis for some time before he died peacefully in Robbinsville, NC. The Moonshiners community deeply mourned his loss. Discovery Channel and Sugarlands Distilling released statements honoring Jim Tom as a legend in Appalachia, noting his lifelong dedication to the art of moonshining and his “colorful personality” that endeared him to millions. Fellow cast members (Mark, Digger, Tim, etc.) also shared heartfelt tributes, as Jim Tom had mentored many of them. He regularly appeared on Moonshiners from 2012 to 2015 before recurring appearances and was arguably one of the most iconic faces of the series. Jim Tom’s legacy lives on in the recipes, songs, and tall tales he left behind – “shine in peace,” Jim Tom.
Roy Grooms
Roy Grooms, a part-time cast member from Tennessee, died on February 21, 2018 at the age of 71. Roy appeared in about 19 Moonshiners episodes (some footage of him was shown in Seasons 3 and mostly 4), but he was a legitimate local legend who proudly embraced the moonshiner title. His daughter shared news of his passing on social media in 2018, although no specific cause of death was given. In Roy’s honor, his family and friends held a remembrance at an annual Hillbilly Jam festival he loved. Roy Grooms is remembered for his enthusiasm in promoting the moonshining heritage – he was active on Facebook until 2017, inviting folks to moonshine festivals and sharing his passion. He may not have been a primary cast member, but to those who knew him, Roy’s love for the craft was genuine and memorable.
Popcorn Sutton
Moonshiners frequently mentions the late Popcorn Sutton as an inspiration to its cast (Mark Ramsey and Digger were both trained by him). Popcorn Sutton was not actually a cast member of the show (he passed away in 2009, two years before Moonshiners premiered). However, he looms large in the moonshining world. For completeness: Popcorn Sutton (a legendary Appalachian moonshiner) died by suicide on March 16, 2009, at age 62, to avoid serving a federal prison sentence for illegal liquor production. The show is essentially a spiritual successor to his legacy, and many of the older cast members reference Popcorn’s methods and mentorship. While Popcorn Sutton’s death occurred off-screen and prior to the series, we acknowledge him due to his outsized influence on the Moonshiners narrative. The series pilot even showed a snippet from an earlier documentary featuring Popcorn, dedicating the show to his memory.
Moonshiners Cast Summary Table (Current, Former, Deceased)
Below is a summary table comparing the current cast, former cast who left, and those cast members who have passed away. It includes each person’s name, their general role or team on the show, the years they were on Moonshiners, and their status as of 2025:
