What Happened to ‘Deadliest Catch’s Wild Bill Wichrowski? Why He’s Not on Season 21
Wild Bill Wichrowski has been a staple on Deadliest Catch for years. However, the longtime captain received some scary health news at the end of Season 19, and it’s taken a toll on his future with the show.
Ahead of Season 21, a representative for Discovery said that Wichrowski will not be appearing in the new episodes, per TribLive. So, what’s the deal? Scroll down for everything we know about Wichrowski’s health and more.
What happened to Wild Bill Wichrowski?
At the end of Season 19 of Deadliest Catch in 2023, Wichrowski announced that he had been diagnosed with prostate cancer. Although he wasn’t featured in all of Season 20, he did keep fans updated on his health and treatment when he did appear on the show in 2024.
“I was hoping that the fact that I kept going, it would show people that if you have this, you can keep working,” he shared. “You can keep your life moving. I wasn’t going to stop unless I had to.”
In a February 2025 update, Wichrowski said he “seem[ed] to be cancer free.” He shared the news via Facebook, writing, “Lots of folks asking about cancer treatment progress. Recap, Radioactive seeds and hormone treatment. Happy to say numbers Are great. Not complaining purely for information. The hormone thing is necessary but for me not w/o issues. Testerone [sic] drops to near zero by design. You can google results of that. I seem to be cancer free now.”
He gave another update the following month. “Thanks so much for all the good wishes,” he wrote in the comments section of one of his posts. “My numbers are good cancer wise.”
Why isn’t Wild Bill Wichrowski on Deadliest Catch Season 21?
While the reason for Wichrowski’s absence has not been confirmed, it’s likely so that he can continue focusing on his health.
Is Wild Bill Wichrowski married?
View this post on Instagram
Yes, Wichrowski is married to his wife Karen Gillis. She has been by his side amid his cancer battle, as he noted on Facebook in July 2024, “She keeps me inline. Put up with a lot last few months.”
Wichrowski also has three children: Sons Zack and Jake, as well as daughter Delia.
Deadliest Catch, Season 21, Fridays, 8/7c, Discovery Channel
Conversation18 Comments
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Hey Bill I've been a Deadliest catch fan 14 years, my wife I love the Show. I had prostate cancer August 2019 and I decided to have mine removed. I had 33 hits of radiation and went through killing my testosterones.I was 66 years old when I started all this and 72 now. This February I had a AMS 800 Artificial Urinary Sphincter implanted in me for my incontinence. I have been 6 years Cancer free. Gene
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Wild Bill. U are one of my favorite
Take care of health and your family life. Miss you very much. Thankfully your getting back to good health. GOD BLESS U AND FAMILY
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My Thoughts and Prayers are with you Bill , waiting for you to return to the show...👏🫶💯
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My prayers are with you. I know it must be tearing you up inside not to be out there dropping those cages & bringing them back up with crab. Your health & well being are foremost. Your battle will be difficult & there is no fun in battling this disease. With God's blessing you're a far better man for taking on this battle on. And, if anyone can beat it.. it's you because your a fighter. Besides no one out there can compare to Captain "Wild" Bill. Looking to see you in the future.
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Good to hear your numbers are good. Keep it going. My father in law had the seeding done and he lived to 95.
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We really miss you our prayers are with you.
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We miss you Bill and we’re praying for continued healing. Hope you come back on the show, you are missed!
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Prayers for you and family . Praying all is well for you . Thanks for all the good times watching you on the show . Love you , God Bless
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I was a commercial fisherman in the Atlantic for 8 years there was nothing fake about the titan episode I could tell by the other fisherman's reaction i would say the non believers never stepped food off land.
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My husband is living, and working, with prostate cancer also. It is possible to live with cancer. Gentlemen, please get a PSA blood test. Early detection is your friend.
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Can't stand him. The way he treated his son was despicable.
I remember him slapping some poor sleeping deck hand. Vile.
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we miss you, Bill and hope for your return
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Du bist der Beste!!!
Alles Gute und viel Erfolg beim
FISCHEN!!!
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You are missed! Stay strong and healthy please
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Hurry back to "Deadliest" Bill. I really miss not seeing ya.
Having served at USCG Kodiak Air Station years ago, I have a great respect for you guys.
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Take care of you first, Bill. You are missed on the DC. You look healthy and happy. Stay gold!
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I just love this man, sexy and hood looking, lucky wife. Lol he will be missed was great part of the show one of my favorite a long with Jake of course and the two brothers from the cornielous and Mindy. I really like how she stands up to her dad and with her friend Jake. Great cast wish them all all the best!
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You are missed bill, hope you are doing well and feeling good.
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