Chuck Potthast, the beloved father of “90 Day Fiancé” star Elizabeth Castravet who became a familiar face on the hit TLC reality series, has died at age 64. His daughter announced the heartbreaking news on Instagram on Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025, revealing that her father had passed away two weeks earlier.
“Two weeks ago, tragedy struck our family and it has left us completely shattered,” Elizabeth, 34, wrote in an emotional post accompanying a family photo. “My sweet, loving, and caring dad went to heaven. We’re trying to figure out how to navigate our lives and move forward without him.”
The reality television personality had been diagnosed with glioblastoma, an aggressive and incurable form of brain cancer. This diagnosis came years after Potthast had previously battled bladder cancer in 2016, which he openly discussed during a 2022 episode of “90 Day Diaries.” The earlier cancer diagnosis resulted in the loss of his bladder, requiring him to use a urine pouch.
Potthast’s health struggles continued into the fall of 2025. On Sept. 14, he shared a health update from his hospital bed following an unexpectedly complex surgery. What was initially planned as a three to four-hour procedure to repair hernias from his previous cancer operations turned into an eight-hour ordeal when surgeons discovered his stomach wall had completely collapsed. Despite the serious nature of the surgery, Potthast maintained his characteristic sense of humor, joking about having a flat stomach and thanking supporters for their prayers.
Elizabeth’s sister Becky Potthast, who also appeared on the TLC franchise, posted her own tribute to their father. She described feeling disoriented by the loss, writing that her world had become distorted into a place she didn’t understand and acknowledging that the pain was still more than she could bear. Both sisters requested privacy for their families during this difficult time.
Chuck Potthast first appeared on “90 Day Fiancé” when Elizabeth joined the show’s Season 5 in 2017. The series documented Elizabeth’s relationship with Andrei Castravet, whom she had met through a dating app before meeting in person in Dublin, Ireland. The couple married in 2017 and went on to have two children together: daughter Eleanor, now 6, and son Winston, now 3.
Throughout the family’s time on the TLC franchise, Chuck became known as a supportive and loving father who often stepped in to help Elizabeth and Andrei as they navigated the challenges of building their life together. He frequently provided financial assistance as Andrei adapted to life in the United States and worked to establish himself professionally.
The show also documented tensions within the Potthast family, including Elizabeth’s estrangement from several of her siblings. During these difficult family moments, Chuck played the role of peacemaker. He openly referenced his health struggles while urging his fractured family to seek therapy, telling them, “The Lord didn’t save my life to see my family fractured like this.” He made clear his desire to see the family reunited, stating directly that he wanted the situation fixed.
Elizabeth had previously discussed the family dynamics in interviews, acknowledging that she was only speaking with her father and sister Becky while maintaining distance from her other siblings. This separation appeared to have brought some relief to Elizabeth’s marriage, as reduced family involvement reportedly led to less conflict between her and Andrei.
The outpouring of grief from fans following the announcement highlighted the impact Chuck had on viewers of the long-running reality series. Many took to social media and the comments section of his final Instagram post from Oct. 3, which featured images from a family boating trip in Florida, to share their condolences. Fans praised him as a supportive father and described him as one of the most genuine personalities to appear on the “90 Day Fiancé” franchise.
Reality television has become a platform where viewers form deep connections with the people they watch navigate life’s challenges on screen. For many fans, Chuck Potthast represented a stabilizing presence within the often-dramatic world of the show, offering wisdom and support to his daughter while trying to maintain family unity despite ongoing conflicts.
The “90 Day Fiancé” franchise has followed numerous families through years of relationship milestones, cultural adjustments, and personal struggles. Chuck’s journey with cancer, his role as a grandfather to Eleanor and Winston, and his efforts to keep his family together became part of the larger narrative that kept viewers invested in the Castravet family’s story.
As Elizabeth and her family navigate life without Chuck, they face the challenge of moving forward while honoring his memory and the values he represented. His final public message emphasized gratitude for the support he received during his health battles, reflecting the positive outlook he maintained even during difficult circumstances.
