If you’ve been watching Swamp People since the early days, then you definitely remember Liz Choate, better known as Liz Cavalier or affectionately, the “Gator Queen.” She was a fan favorite for her no-nonsense attitude, sharp hunting skills, and hilarious banter with her longtime hunting partner, Troy Landry (aka the “King of the Swamp”). The duo brought energy, heart, and some serious gator-chasing action to the screen.
But like many reality shows, Swamp People eventually shook things up. Over time, the producers started cycling out familiar faces, and Liz was one of the big names cut after Season 6. Fans of the original cast were left scratching their heads and missing their queen.
Liz’s presence on the show wasn’t just about her, it was a family affair. She originally went by her ex-husband’s last name, Cavalier, and their daughter, Jessica, even joined her on Swamp People from Seasons 4 to 6. The mother-daughter duo added a refreshing dynamic to the show.
One thing you might not know: Liz hated being called Elizabeth. The only person she ever let call her that was her father, Charles Dupre, a seasoned gator hunter in his own right, and the one who taught her everything she knew about the swamp life. Charles, with his intense screen presence and Cajun pride, also had a decent run on the show, appearing in Seasons 2 through 6.
At first, Liz and Troy hunted together in Pierre Part, but later she relocated with her family and second husband, Justin Choate, to Pecan Island, where they continued the family’s gator-hunting legacy. Things were going strong until suddenly she was gone from the show.
Turns out, Liz’s departure wasn’t a solo exit. The production company, Original Media, did a big cast overhaul after Season 6, letting go of multiple legacy cast members, including Junior Edwards (from the Edwards family). Liz didn’t keep quiet about it either. She took to Facebook to vent, saying she had no clue why they were cut and that the fans the ones who had supported them from day one, were the ones who’d lose the most.
That post didn’t sit well with the producers. They reportedly asked her to take it down, and her candid reaction may have burned some bridges behind the scenes.
So, that’s how Liz’s run on Swamp People came to an end, not with a farewell episode or proper send-off, but with a sudden exit and a bit of drama. It was a disappointing end to what had been a legendary reality TV presence. But Liz wasn’t entirely gone. She made a surprising return to the show six years later, proving that the Gator Queen might leave the swamp, but the swamp never really leaves her.
Liz Cavalier returned to ‘Swamp People’ season 12
When the Swamp People producers told Liz to take down her Facebook post, she didn’t just ignore them, she clapped back with a loud and proud “KISS MY A$$.” Classic Liz. She wasn’t about to back down or pretend everything was fine. That fiery attitude? It’s part of what made fans love her in the first place. She stood firm, proudly waving the flag for Louisiana culture and refusing to let anyone erase the legacy she had built in the swamp.
But here’s the twist — nearly six years after her exit, Liz made a surprising return to Swamp People in Season 12, which aired in 2021. She came back for a full season, bringing her total number of episodes to 94. It was like a welcome blast from the past for longtime fans. Still, her comeback was short-lived. She didn’t stick around for Season 13 or beyond, and while it’s not officially confirmed, the short stint might’ve been due to a one-season contract or maybe even pay that wasn’t up to par, though, of course, that’s just speculation.
Since that brief return, Liz hasn’t come back to the show or made any public statements about doing so in the future. But that doesn’t mean she’s disappeared. Far from it. She’s still very much in touch with her fans through Facebook, where she regularly shares stories, updates, and throwbacks from her gator-hunting days. And every September, like clockwork, she heads out into the swamp to keep her tradition alive, proving that hunting isn’t just something she did for TV; it’s who she is.
Her social media posts show she’s still proud of her Cajun roots and deeply connected to the Louisiana lifestyle. And if you peek at her daughter Jessica’s bio, you’ll see the hunting blood runs deep in the family: “Gator hunter, Duck hunting, Hog Hunting, Deer Hunter, Nutria Hunter, Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Loving Life.” Clearly, the Cavalier-Choate women are still living that wild swamp life, cameras or no cameras.
What is Liz Cavalier doing now?
Even though Liz isn’t on Swamp People anymore, that doesn’t mean she’s hit the brakes. Not by a long shot. When she’s not out in the swamp hunting, she’s keeping busy with a creative little side hustle. On Facebook, she often shares photos of her handmade crafts, like floral wreaths that sometimes come with cute little birdhouses. It’s clear she pours a lot of heart into them, and it gives her fans a cozy peek into what her life looks like these days. Grounded, proud, and deeply connected to her roots, just like always.
Her comment section? It’s basically a love letter from fans. Nearly every post has someone saying they miss seeing her on TV or begging her to make a comeback. And honestly, who can blame them? Liz was, and still is, a fan favourite.
Right now, Liz lives on Pecan Island with her husband, Justin Choate, and his kids, Destin and Daimon, you might remember them from their brief appearance in Swamp People Season 4. That was back when Liz was running her hunting team, separate from Troy. Her daughter Jessica was also part of the crew during those seasons. While Jessica had her ups and downs over the years, she seems to be in a much better place now. Her Instagram shows a happy, active, and thriving version of herself, always smiling and living life to the fullest.
As for Liz and her family, even though the cameras are gone, their lifestyle hasn’t changed much. Hunting still plays a big part in their daily life, and they seem to be doing just fine, steady, strong, and still living that proud Cajun life.