Chuck Potthast, the father of “90 Day Fiancé” star Elizabeth Castravet who became a familiar face to viewers of the TLC reality series, has died. He was 64.
Elizabeth Castravet announced her father’s death on Instagram on Sunday, Nov. 23, revealing that he had passed away two weeks prior. The post, which included a family photo, described how tragedy had struck the family and left them completely shattered. She shared that her sweet, loving and caring father had gone to heaven, and the family was trying to figure out how to navigate their lives and move forward without him.
The family requested privacy during what Castravet described as an extremely difficult time. Initially it had been reported that his death followed a battle with glioblastoma, an aggressive and incurable form of brain cancer. However, Castravet explicitly denied this claim and called reports about cancer being the cause of death “completely FALSE.”
Potthast’s daughter Becky, who also appeared on the TLC show, shared her own tribute to their late father on social media. “Two weeks ago on this day my world became distorted into a place I don’t understand,” she said. “My father Chuck went home to be with The Lord. The pain is still more than I can bare so this is all I can write.”
Potthast first appeared on “90 Day Fiancé” in 2017 during season five when Elizabeth joined the series with her fiancé, Andrei Castravet. The show documented the couple’s relationship journey, including their online courtship before meeting in person in Dublin. Elizabeth and Andrei married in 2017 and have since welcomed two children: daughter Eleanor, 6, and son Winston, 3.
Throughout his appearances on the show, Potthast became known as a supportive father who helped Elizabeth and Andrei as they navigated their relationship and Andrei’s adaptation to life in the United States. His role extended beyond supporting his daughter’s marriage, as he often provided both financial and emotional assistance to the couple.
Potthast’s health struggles had been documented on the series. In a 2022 episode of “90 Day Diaries,” he opened up about being diagnosed with bladder cancer in 2016. The diagnosis resulted in the removal of his bladder, leaving him with a urine pouch. His willingness to share his medical journey with viewers provided a glimpse into the personal challenges he faced beyond the family drama that typically dominated the show’s narrative.
The reality star’s health battles resurfaced prominently when the show delved into Elizabeth’s estrangement from her three sisters and three brothers. During these episodes, Potthast became emotional about the family fractures, telling his daughter that the Lord didn’t save his life to see his family divided. He urged the family to attend therapy, expressing his desire to see their relationships repaired.
On Sept. 14, Potthast shared what would be his final health update from his hospital bed. He explained that what was supposed to be a three to four-hour surgery to fix hernias from his previous cancer operations had become significantly more complicated. Once surgeons began the procedure, they discovered his stomach wall had completely collapsed and needed repair. The surgery ended up lasting eight hours.
Despite the serious nature of the procedure, Potthast maintained his sense of humor in the video update. He joked about one unexpected benefit of the lengthy operation, noting that he now had a flat stomach. He thanked everyone for their prayers and support, saying it really helped him get through the ordeal.
When asked about her relationship with her siblings, Elizabeth told Us Weekly that she had her own family and was only speaking with her dad and Becky, and sometimes her mom. The family tensions became a recurring theme on the show, with Potthast positioned as the patriarch, hoping to bring his children back together.
Throughout his time on “90 Day Fiancé,” Potthast appeared in multiple seasons and spinoffs of the franchise. His presence on the show extended beyond typical parental appearances, as he became intertwined in the storylines involving not just Elizabeth and Andrei but the broader family dynamics that played out on screen. His genuine concern for his family’s well-being and his efforts to promote reconciliation among his children resonated with viewers who followed the family’s journey.
The news of Potthast’s death prompted an outpouring of condolences from fans of the show on social media. Many viewers remembered him as a supportive and loving father whose appearances on the series showcased his dedication to his family despite the conflicts that sometimes arose.
Potthast is survived by his daughters Elizabeth and Becky, his other children, and his grandchildren Eleanor and Winston, among other family members. The family has asked for privacy as they navigate life without him and process their grief during this difficult period.