Oak Island Crew’s NET WORTH Just LEAKED!

Who is financing The Curse of Oak Island? And how exactly is the show and the digging paid for? And how much does each crew member make? To find out, I delve deep into the numbers and decided to make this detailed video for your satisfaction. I even checked some of the non-crew members’ finances as well, and it shook me. So, come along with me as I uncover the financial information that opens up new chapters in the story of wealth and discovery.

Initially, the cast consisted of a core group including Rick, Marty, and Alex Legina, Dan and Dave Blankenship, Craig Tester, Jack Begley, Dan Hensky, Charles Barkhouse, and Peter Fornetti. And with time, the Oak Island team has expanded. Some specialists who were brought to the island for specific purposes, such as Terry Mat, Larair Nan, and Gary Drayton, have joined the team as full-time members.

The cast is being paid on a per-season deal, so they aren’t legally bound to be present in each single episode. Their deal is the typical reality show deal, so they rake up some serious thousands each per season. On the other hand, they also work up product placement deals, which helps out as well.

So, let’s start off with Rick Legina. Rick was born on January 25th, 1952 in Kingsford, Michigan, USA. Renowned for his role in the reality TV series The Curse of Oak Island, where he leads a team in search of hidden treasures and solving the island’s mysteries, his net worth is estimated to be around $10 million, largely accumulated through his television career and investments related to Oak Island.

Before his television fame, Rick was involved in the energy business. He co-founded Terra Energy Limited, a successful energy company in Michigan, which contributed significantly to his early financial success. But before joining the show, his net worth was substantial, estimated to be in the range of several million dollars. However, his true passion for Oak Island and its mysteries led him to invest a significant portion of his wealth into various expeditions and excavations on the island.

Growing up in a humble household, he developed an interest in history and mysteries from an early age. After completing his education, Rick pursued a career in the energy industry where he found considerable success alongside his brother Marty Legina. But from here onwards, the story took a sharp turn.

Their interest in Oak Island was sparked by a 1965 Reader’s Digest article. It detailed the island’s intriguing history and the potential treasures hidden beneath its surface. Rick and Marty became captivated by the mystery and embarked on a journey to uncover its secrets.

In 2014, Rick and his brother Marty became the central figures in the History Channel’s The Curse of Oak Island. The show follows their quest as they employ modern technology and historical research to uncover the island’s secrets. If you ask me, I think Rick’s determination and leadership have been instrumental in driving the team forward, regardless of numerous setbacks and challenges.

Over the years, The Curse of Oak Island has become one of the History Channel’s most popular shows, attracting millions of viewers worldwide. Besides the financial risks involved, Rick’s dedication to solving Oak Island’s mysteries has remained unwavering. His net worth may have fluctuated over the years due to the uncertainties of treasure hunting and television production, but his passion for unraveling the island’s secrets continues to drive him forward, making him a beloved figure among fans of the show.

Now coming over to the support system of Rick, his brother Marty Legina, an American reality television personality, entrepreneur, and engineer, has a net worth of $100 million. He was born on August 26th, 1955 in Kingsford, Michigan, the son of George Jacob and Anna Legina. Marty is probably best known for starring in the History Channel reality TV series The Curse of Oak Island, which premiered in 2014. He has also been an executive producer of the series and starred in the reality TV series The Curse of Oak Island: Drilling Down since 2016.

But the question is, how did he earn his actual fortune? Outside of being a reality TV star, Marty is also a very successful businessman, and that has allowed him to fund the entire Oak Island Tours operation and treasure hunt. Before becoming a TV star, he found success in the fields of natural gas and wind power extraction. Marty attended Michigan Tech University, after which he started working for Amokco as a petroleum engineer. He went on to get his juris doctor at the University of Michigan while working in the petroleum consulting business on the side.

His company, Terra Energy, was a pioneer in extracting natural gas from shale around the Midwest in the 1990s. With this company, he developed over $3 billion in natural gas resources and oil. Marty eventually sold Terra Energy to a company called CMS Energy for $58 million. But after this, his fortune took him to great heights. He then launched a new company called Heritage Sustainable to focus on wind power. Heritage is currently planning to build 60 wind turbines in Msaki, Michigan. This will make Marty the largest wind energy producer in the entire state of Michigan and one of the largest overall producers in the Midwest. On top of that, he believes he can eventually power 25% of Michigan’s power by wind and wants to replicate that process around the country.

Marty also owns a winery called Mari Vineyards. His family ties go way back to a wine-making family in Italy. So he launched his own winery in 1999. They were not successful at first, but by 2006 they were producing a flagship bottle called Row 7. Today, Mari Vineyards owns over 60 acres in Michigan, and his son Alex Legina manages the winery.

As we are discussing the Legina family, let’s talk about Marty’s son, Alex Legina. Born in 1987 in Traverse, Michigan, USA, the same place where he was born, Alex attended the Michigan College of Engineering, where he received a degree in mechanical engineering. Upon completing his degree, he went home to apply his skills to his father’s business. Despite having a successful father, he made a lot of money. According to the press, Alex’s overall net worth is about $50 million. Currently, Alex is a reality TV star, engineer, and a successful businessman.

On Oak Island, he plays his trade alongside his father Marty and his uncle Rick, who hold a controlling interest in the island tour company. Besides this, Alex’s engineering experience makes him an invaluable member of the excavation crew as they work with highly sophisticated technology in quest of treasures.

We learned long before he arrived on the island that Alex Legina worked as an engineer after finishing his studies. But recently, social media has been heated with concerns regarding whether Alex is alive or dead. Well, excavation is a difficult task. It’s amazing how often mining accidents make the news. When you add in all of the possible dangers that come with working on Oak Island, it’s a recipe for disaster for anyone who isn’t careful. Sinkholes and crumbling caves have been cited as hazards on this particular island as a result of intensive drilling. Six persons are said to have died on the island as a result of the excavation work. Alex, on the other hand, is not one of them. These reports were most likely the result of Alex being a member of the excavation crew. As a result, he is exposed to all of the hazards that come with the profession.

Now, let’s talk about a treasure seeker that has been on the show for nearly 50 years. Dan Blankenship, a central figure in the Oak Island saga, was born in 1923 in Nova Scotia, Canada. Before his Oak Island pursuits, Blankenship led a diverse life. After serving in the US Army during World War II, he returned to civilian life with a thirst for adventure and exploration. His interests were wide-ranging, but it was his fascination with Oak Island that truly captured his imagination.

Even if he was unable to find the treasure, it is believed that Dan Blankenship’s net worth is about $1 million, which is enough to take care of his family. Dan’s educational background is not extensively documented, but it’s believed he received a standard education for his time. In 1960, he relocated to the island, driven by a desire to uncover its mysteries. His dedication to the quest for treasure became his life’s work.

Dan Blankenship’s social network revolved around fellow treasure hunters, Oak Island residents, and enthusiasts of the island’s history. His reputation as a determined and knowledgeable explorer earned him respect within this community. Blankenship’s family, particularly his wife Jane, stood by him throughout his Oak Island endeavors. Their support was invaluable as he dedicated himself to unraveling the island’s mysteries.

Before Oak Island consumed his attention, Dan Blankenship led a relatively ordinary life, working various jobs and pursuing his interests. However, his passion for exploration and the enigma of Oak Island transformed him into a legendary figure in the world of treasure hunting. His legacy on Oak Island is profound. His decades-long dedication, perseverance, and expertise played a pivotal role in shaping the island’s modern exploration efforts.

Before his death in March 2019, Dan was Rick and Marty’s partner and the man who knew the most about Oak Island’s legends and its tightly guarded secrets. He spent over 50 years searching, drilling, and digging on the island, amassing an untold fortune.

Regarding his involvement with the Legina brothers, it’s important to note that the Legina brothers formed a partnership with Dan Blankenship to pursue the treasure hunt on Oak Island. While the specifics of financial arrangements between them are not publicly disclosed, it’s widely known that Blankenship played a significant role in providing historical knowledge and expertise about the island to the Legina brothers.

Dan’s legacy is now in the safe hands of his son, Dave Blankenship, an American television producer best known for The Curse of Oak Island. David’s net worth is estimated at $1 million, primarily from his profession as a producer in reality TV shows and media. He leads a very low-key personal life, with little known about his private affairs, no social media presence, and avoidance of mainstream media.

In the 1960s, he and his father began exploring for riches. Dave also worked as a set designer and art director for several television productions, including Purge 3, The Code (2015), Live with Kelly (2009–2011), Head Games, The Walking Dead (2015), Sleepy Hollow (2014–2015), Army Wives (2009–2012), and Ghost Hunters (2011).

Approximately 30 years ago, Dave Blankenship suffered a catastrophic workplace accident, leaving him with limited mobility in his left extremities. He’s still able to walk but shows visible signs of the injury. On Oak Island, he’s an important member of the exploration team.

As part of the Triton Alliance, his father and two other business partners bought the island in 1967. Their real estate property underwent excavations and drilling in several promising areas, eventually inspiring the television show.

Now, let’s talk about Marty Legina’s business partner, Craig Tester. He is famous for being a producer and a crew member of the show. Craig was born in Glendale, California, and got his degree in engineering at Delta Upsilon College. In college, he was roommates with Marty Legina.

When he was younger, Craig loved wrestling and even participated in competitions. Eventually, he leveraged his mechanical engineering expertise in the oil business alongside Legina, where he made a fortune. Craig has an estimated net worth of around $5 million. His main source of wealth is his businesses, although the TV show added to his net worth.

Craig is married to Rebecca Tester, and they have two children. They also had a son, Drake, who unfortunately passed away in 2017. The average salary for a film/TV producer is $70,000, and with the success of Oak Island, Craig likely added significantly to his net worth.

Next, let’s talk about his stepson, Jack Begley. Jack is of Caucasian descent and Christian. He has a $3 million net worth, primarily from The Curse of Oak Island. His biological father is not Craig; Jack’s mother later married Craig. Jack finished high school and joined the TV show instead of continuing further studies. He weighs 75 kg, is 5’7″, enjoys non-vegetarian meals, and works out regularly.

Jack has built a career as an actor, producer, and businessman. He is dedicated to the show and performs difficult jobs despite not being the most academically inclined member. Jack is unmarried and keeps his private life out of the spotlight.

Now, let’s discuss Oak Island historian and tour guide Charles Barkhouse. Charles grew up in Nova Scotia and on Oak Island, where his grandmother lived. His grandmother’s friends gifted him antiques, including a painting and a wing chair, and he received a book that further piqued his interest in Oak Island.

Charles has a net worth above $5 million. He studied history in college and pursued a career as a historian. He serves as an Oak Island expert, tour guide, and museum curator, discussing artifacts, treasures, and discoveries on the show. There are fan theories about him being a Templar or Freemason. Charles once described himself as both on social media, though the profiles are no longer active.

Rick and Marty’s nephew, Peter Fornetti, is a 27-year-old media personality and assistant producer of the show. His net worth is estimated between $300,000 and $1 million. He attended Kingsford High School, graduated in 2014, and is dating Rosie Walsh. Peter participates as assistant producer and prefers to avoid mainstream media.

Another researcher is Paul Troutman, son of legendary treasure hunter James Troutman. Paul appeared from the second season onward and has a net worth of $500,000. He holds American nationality and became interested in Oak Island after his father moved to Nova Scotia.

Craig Tester’s son, Drake Tester, appeared on the show in 2013 but tragically passed away on March 26, 2017, at age 16 due to a seizure disorder. At the time of his death, his net worth was $100,000.

Next is land surveyor Fred Nolan, who came to Oak Island in 1958. Born July 5, 1927, in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Nolan worked in film as a camera assistant and later a camera operator. He has been nominated for two Emmys and a Canadian Screen Award. His net worth is $1 million.

Heavy equipment operator Billy Ghart started most heavy digging in season 4. He founded William A. Ghart Property Improvement 20 years ago, providing landscaping and trucking services. His estimated net worth is $2–10 million.

Metal detecting expert Gary Drayton, born May 30, 1961, in Lincolnshire, England, is a treasure hunting instructor and TV personality. He has found numerous artifacts and precious metals. He is married with two daughters and has a net worth around $3 million. His most notable find is a 300-year-old emerald treasure ring valued at $500,000.

The show’s director Kevin Burns, born June 18, 1955, in Skenctity, USA, is a prolific screenwriter and producer. His net worth is $3–5 million. He has executive produced over 800 hours of television programming.

Critically, the show has mixed reception: IMDb rating 6.9/10, Rotten Tomatoes critics 41%, audience 70%.

The cast reportedly earns around $100,000 per episode. With more than 20 episodes per season, Rick and Marty Legina likely earn about $2 million each season.

The Oak Island team has made significant discoveries: hidden gold near the Money Pit, wooden tunnels from the 15th century, elevated silver and gold levels, medieval iron spikes, and intricate underground passageways. Artifacts from the Victorian era, hand-forged iron nails, and other relics suggest previous treasure hunts dating back to 1795.

Their current excavation focuses on the B4C shaft, believed to be key to uncovering the treasure chamber or nearby vault. Recent discoveries include paved stone floors, ancient wooden tunnels, a historic stone road, and iron fasteners predating the Money Pit.

Despite setbacks like reaching bedrock at 130 ft, the team persists. Each new discovery deepens Oak Island’s mystery and strengthens the hope of revealing a substantial historical treasure. The team’s dedication, ingenuity, and rigorous analysis continue to push the boundaries of exploration on the island.