Beth Chapman, born Alice Elizabeth Smith, was a renowned reality TV personality and producer. She is remembered for her role in the reality TV series dubbed 'Dog the Bounty Hunter,' 'Dog and Beth: On the Hunt,' and 'Dog's Most Wanted.' So, what is the story behind this famous star?
Even with her fame and fortune, Alice Smith Chapman's life was full of many ups and downs. Below we unravel the life of the Bounty hunter star, highlighting her struggles, triumphs, and the legacy she left behind.
Beth Chapman Bio
Alice Elizabeth Smith was born in Denver, Colorado, into a family of five children to Garry L. Smith, who worked as a salesman at Brach's Candies. Her siblings include Tim, Randy, Melinda Lehmann, and Laurie Gallegos. Early in her career, Beth worked in various roles including as a waitress, nightclub singer, clerk, gymnast, and ice skater, before becoming the youngest certified bail bondsman in Colorado at just 22 years old.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Beth Chapman |
| Birth Name | Alice Elizabeth Smith |
| Date of Birth | October 29, 1967 |
| Place of Birth | Denver, Colorado |
| Profession | Reality TV Personality, Producer |
| Notable Shows | Dog the Bounty Hunter, Dog and Beth: On the Hunt, Dog's Most Wanted |
Alice Smith spent most of her early life in Colorado before relocating to Honolulu to be with her husband Duane Chapman, also known as 'Dog.' Before becoming Duane's wife, Beth was previously married to Keith A. Barmore in 1991, and together they had a daughter, Cecily Barmore (1993). Cecily was not Beth's only child, as she had given birth to Dominic Davis in 1985 when she was only 17 years old.
The Love Story of Dog and Beth Chapman
Alice first met Duane in 1988 while he was still married to his third spouse. At the time, Duane Chapman was a 35-year-old ex-convict, and Elizabeth was just 19. Duane pursued Beth for several years, and she finally agreed to be his girlfriend in 1995. Although they were together for over a decade, they did not tie the knot until May 20, 2006.
Age and Early Career
Beth Chapman was born on October 29, 1967, which means she celebrated her 51st birthday in 2018. Her journey into reality television began when her husband caught the attention of producers due to their unique bounty hunting business.
Rise to Fame in Dog the Bounty Hunter
In August 2004, the reality TV series 'Dog the Bounty Hunter' premiered, showcasing the lives of Beth and Duane as they chased and detained individuals in Hawaii and Colorado. The show lasted for eight successful seasons, ending in June 2012. Following this, the couple starred in a spinoff titled 'Dog and Beth: On the Hunt,' which aired for three seasons. This show followed them as they aided struggling bail bond agencies worldwide.
Their journey was not only about catching fugitives; it also highlighted the emotional and personal challenges they faced, including Beth's battle with cancer.
Beth Chapman's Transformation Journey
Throughout her career, Beth was often discussed for her body image, which led her to make significant lifestyle changes. In 2015, after her spinoff ended, she decided to lead a healthier lifestyle by adopting a nutritious meal plan filled with fresh fruits and vegetables paired with daily exercise. On August 7, 2016, she proudly shared a photo revealing her remarkable 50-pound weight loss.
Facing Cancer
Unfortunately, in September 2017, Beth was diagnosed with Stage II throat cancer. The causes of throat cancer can include smoking, alcohol consumption, and HPV, but the exact reason for Beth’s cancer remains unclear. She had previously been a smoker but had quit and was concerned about Duane's smoking habits.
Despite battling cancer, she remained optimistic and shared her journey with fans, showing them the importance of early detection and the fight against cancer.
Legacy and Impact
Beth Chapman passed away due to cancer-related complications on June 26, 2019, at Queen's Medical Center in Honolulu. Her passing was announced by Duane, who shared an emotional tribute, reflecting on their life together and her strength throughout her illness.
Her story serves as a poignant reminder of the significance of early diagnosis in cancer treatment. Beth's journey not only showcased her resilience but also raised awareness about throat cancer, encouraging many to seek medical help at the first signs of trouble.
Beth Chapman's Funeral
On July 13, 2019, Beth was laid to rest in an emotional funeral service held in Aurora, Colorado. The service began with a heartfelt performance by gospel artist Leah Shafer, who sang 'How Great Thou Art.' Many of Beth's loved ones, including her husband Duane and daughter Bonnie Chapman, shared beautiful memories and eulogies during the service.
The reality star was cremated, and some of her ashes were scattered in the sea, symbolizing her love for the ocean and her adventurous spirit. Beth Chapman's legacy lives on, inspiring others to live boldly and face challenges with courage.
