Atz Kilcher Biography
Atz Kilcher (born Attila Kuno “Atz”Kilcher) is an American Singer-Songwriter, TV Personality, and Author well-known for starring in the Discovery show “Alaska: The Last Frontier”. He stars along with his family, including his son Atz Lee.
Atz Kilcher Age
Kilcher was born on September 2, 1947, in Homer, Alaska, United States. He is therefore 75 years old as of 2022. He celebrates his birthday on the 2nd of September every year.
Atz Kilcher Height
Kilcher stands at an approximate height of 5 feet and 10 inches.
Atz Kilcher Family
Kilcher was born to his loving parents, Ruth (mother) and Yule (father). His dad formerly worked as an Alaska State Senator. His mom on the other side was a writer and poet, and she was actively involved in the Homer community. In the year 1969, Kilcher’s mother left her marriage and family and even relocated from Alaska. His father passed away in the year 1998, due to unknown reasons.
Atz Kilcher Siblings
Kilcher grew up alongside his 7 siblings; 1 brother and 6 sisters: Otto Kilcher (younger brother), Fay Graham, Mossy Kilcher, Wurtilla Hepp, Sunrise Sjoeberg, Stellavera Kilcher, and Catkin Kilcher. Otto (his brother) is a famous star on the Discovery Channel TV show and he is 71 years old as of 2023 having been born on 19 April 1952.
Growing up, Kilcher and his siblings used to homeschool and taught by their mom, until they became teenagers. They were homeschooled because the local elementary school they attended was too far and beyond walking distance for them as kids. Kilcher and his siblings were taught the traditional things by their parents – to fish, garden, fetch water and haul coal, and butcher animals. They were also taught how to play music and sing.
Atz Kilcher Wife
Kilcher is married to Bonnie Dupree. There is no information about their wedding. They have no kids yet of their own. However, they both have kids from their previous marriages. Bonnie has 2 kids, whose identities are unknown, from her previous husband, who passed away due to chronic disease.
Kilcher and Bonnie reside in a place surrounded by the vast Alaskan wilderness and they have learned to adapt and thrive by utilizing the natural resources available to them. They raise livestock, which provides them with a source of food and other essential materials. Additionally, they engage in farming to grow their own crops and sustain their dietary needs. Also, farming, fishing, and hunting play as an essential means of their survival.
Atz Kilcher Ex-Wives / Divorce
Lenedra Carroll
Kilcher was married to Lenedra Carroll, his first wife. The dates of their marriage are unknown but they divorced in the year 1982. The reason for their divorce is not known. Upon their divorce, Lenedra left Kilcher with their kids, and due to the pressure, anxiety, and trauma of raising the kids alone and mourning for his love, Kilcher turned to alcohol. His alcohol abuse brought a misunderstanding with his daughter Jewel. However, in his 60s, he stopped consuming alcohol and became “born again” in spiritual healing and he reconciled with his daughter.
Linda
After divorcing Lenedra, Kilcher had a relationship with his 2nd wife, Linda. While the details of Kilcher’s relationship with Linda remain unknown, it is apparent that their relationship came to an end at some point.
Atz Kilcher Children;
With Lenedra Carroll
Kilcher and his ex-wife Lenedra Carroll were blessed with 3 children: Atz Lee (son), Shane (son), and Jewel (daughter). Shane and Atz Lee are homesteaders. Shane is 52 years old as of 2023 having been born on 5 May 1971. Atz Lee is 46 years old as of 2023 having been born in the year 1977. Kilcher and Lenedra also had another baby, who unfortunately passed away in a crip after less than one year of birth.
Lenedra nearly lost her life when she was in labor with her daughter, Jewel Kilcher. Her docs didn’t remember to put her on oxygen, but fortunately, right on time, Kilcher noticed and stepped in and saved her.
With Linda
Kilcher and his 2nd wife Linda were blessed with one son, Nikos Kilcher who is 39 years old as of 2023 having been born on March 7, 1984. Nikos grew up on the Kilcher homestead, where he shared a home with his father, half-siblings, and other family members. Besides being a part of the Kilcher family’s unique lifestyle, Nikos is also a talented musician and a dedicated teacher. He has had the opportunity to showcase his musical abilities by performing alongside his father and his sister Jewel on multiple occasions.
In his personal life, Nikos is in marriage to Kate Kilcher, and together they have a daughter named Una. Nikos continues to embrace his musical and teaching endeavors while cherishing his familial connections and the rich experiences that come with being a part of the Kilcher family.
Atz Kilcher Daughter (Jewel)
Jewel is a famous singer-songwriter, actress, musician, and author, who has been nominated for several Grammy Awards and sold more than 30 million albums global-wide. She was raised by yodeling and singing as a duo with her father, Kilcher. Jewel is the 2ndborn of Kilcher’s kids and she is 49 years old as of 2023 having been born on May 23, 1974, in Payson, Utah. She was married to Ty Murray for 6 years then they divorced due to unknown reasons. The genres of her songs are country music, rock music, pop music, and folk music.
Atz Kilcher Net Worth
Kilcher has an estimated net worth of $5 Million which he has earned through his successful career as a Singer-Songwriter.
Atz Kilcher Education
Kilcher is a proud 1966 alumnus of Homer High School. He is also an alumnus of the University of Alaska Anchorage, where he graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree. Additionally, Kilcher is a grad of Brigham Young University where he obtained a Master’s Degree in psychology and social work. During Kilcher’s time in high school, she participated in the athlete clubs, where she competed in different games such as cross country, basketball, skiing, and wrestling.
Atz Kilcher Career
Kilcher’s military service in the Vietnam War deeply impacted his life. He witnessed the harsh realities of combat and experienced the loss of his fellow soldiers. This chapter of his life left an indelible mark on him and instilled in him a sense of resilience and a renewed appreciation for the preciousness of life.
After returning from the war, Kilcher set out on a path of self-discovery and artistic expression. He embraced his passion for music and began writing and performing his own songs. His heartfelt lyrics and soulful melodies resonated with audiences, and he quickly gained recognition as a talented singer-songwriter.
In addition to his music career, Kilcher ventured into the world of television. He became a TV star, captivating viewers with his authenticity and the portrayal of his unique lifestyle on the show “Alaska: The Last Frontier”. Through the small screen, he shared his experiences as a homesteader, showcasing the challenges and triumphs of living off the land in Alaska.
Kilcher’s creative pursuits didn’t stop there. He also explored the realm of writing, penning books that offered insights into his life, his family, and his personal journey. Through his written words, he shared his wisdom, reflections, and the lessons he learned along the way.
Singing Career
Kilcher has gained recognition and has become a prominent figure in Alaska’s entertainment scene. Utilizing his musical talents, he writes and performs songs that authentically reflect his life experiences. One of his notable skills is his yodeling, which adds a unique and captivating element to his performances.
A particularly special aspect of Kilcher’s musical career is his collaboration with his daughter, Jewel, during her early years. Together, they embarked on musical journeys across the state of Alaska, captivating audiences with their heartfelt songs and mesmerizing yodeling. Their performances not only showcased their incredible musical abilities but also demonstrated the strong bond between father and daughter.
Atz Kilcher Alaska: The Last Frontier
Kilcher is well-known for his appearance in Discovery Channel’s reality TV series, “Alaska: The Last Frontier”. Kilcher stars alongside his brother Otto, as well as his other family members from the Kilcher clan. “Alaska: The Last Frontier” series concentrates on the Kilcher homestead that was established over 8 decades ago outside of Homer, Alaska on Kachemak Bay. The series has premiered 11 seasons as of November 2022.
Below are some of the other cast members (the members of the Kilcher clan) of the show “Alaska: The Last Frontier”;
- Otto Kilcher
- Eivin Kilcher
- Jane Kilcher
- Atz Lee Kilcher
Atz Kilcher Homestead
The Kilcher Homestead holds a significant place in the Kilcher family’s history and serves as a testament to their enduring connection to the land. It all began when Yule Kilcher, the father of Kilcher (the patriarch of the family), made the bold decision to move to Alaska in the year 1940. He was granted 160 acres of federal land to establish the homestead, a place where the Kilchers would work and thrive.
During Yule’s frequent absences as a state senator, Ruth, his wife, and their children took on the responsibility of working the homestead. They embraced the challenges of a self-sufficient lifestyle, tending to the livestock, embracing the wild beauty of the Alaskan wilderness, and farming the land. Through their collective efforts, the homestead expanded over time to encompass more than 600 acres of land.
Recognizing the importance of preserving their legacy and ensuring the homestead remained intact for future generations, Yule established the Kilcher Family Trust in the 1990s. This strategic move prevented the division of the homestead among the children and ensured its continuity as a shared inheritance. The trust safeguards the land and allows the Kilchers to continue working the land they hold dear.
Today, the Kilcher Homestead stands as a living testament to their heritage. It has become a place of cultural significance and is open to the public through guided tours. Visitors have the opportunity to explore the original cabin, which has been transformed into a museum showcasing the tools and equipment used by the Kilchers in their farming endeavors. During the tours, one of the Kilcher siblings provides firsthand accounts and stories of their upbringing on the homestead, offering a unique and personal glimpse into their way of life.
The Kilcher Homestead serves as a cherished gathering place for the Kilcher family, a reminder of their shared history, and a symbol of their dedication to preserving their Alaskan roots.
Atz Kilcher Health / Cancer
In an episode titled “Atz Kilcher Sr.” of the television series “Alaska: The Last Frontier,” Kilcher faced a series of medical concerns that led him to seek answers about his health. Initially, there were worries about a potential COVID-19 infection, followed by an urgent hernia surgery. Presently, he is experiencing abdominal discomfort, prompting the need for further tests, including an endoscopy.
As Kilcher made his way to the clinic for the scan, he offered himself words of encouragement. Determined, he repeated to himself, “I can do it, be strong.” Reflecting on his thoughts, Kilcher acknowledged the immediate concern for a possible cancer diagnosis but also recognized the realities of aging and the vulnerability that comes with it. He acknowledged that dealing with unknowns is part of the human condition and expressed confidence that he and his loved ones will navigate whatever challenges arise.
Later in the episode, the camera crew from “Alaska: The Last Frontier” captured the moment when Kilcher emerged from his doctor’s appointment. He shared his experience of being injected with dye and undergoing a scan, resembling an MRI. Kilcher eagerly awaited the results and scheduled a follow-up appointment with his doctor in a couple of days. With a resilient outlook, he emphasized taking things one day at a time.
The episode concluded as Kilcher returned to the doctor’s office to receive the long-awaited test results. Viewers were eagerly left anticipating the outcome.
Atz Kilcher Book / Memoir
Kilcher has authored his story-filled memoir, “Son of a Midnight Land: A Memoir in Stories”, which was published in the year 2018. In his memoir, Atz Kilcher documents various aspects of his life, providing insights into his upbringing on the family homestead, his experiences in the Vietnam War, and his career as a social worker.
He also delves into the challenges he faced while growing up, particularly in dealing with the intense and unpredictable moods of his father, Yule Kilcher. Throughout the narrative, Atz reflects on the valuable lessons he learned from working alongside his father and how those experiences have shaped him into the person he is today.
Atz Kilcher Social Media Platforms
He is active on his social media accounts and often posts on his Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. He has over 60.5K followers on Instagram.
