Gold Rush Star Parker Schnabel Pledges Privacy Amidst TV Fame
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Gold Rush’s very own Parker Schnabel, age 31, is opening up about his decision to keep his personal life out of the public eye. Joining the show at just 16 when he took over his family’s mining business, Schnabel has been a familiar face on television screens for 15 years. As the series embarks on its 16th season, Schnabel shared with PEOPLE that he is changing his approach to sharing personal details with fans.
“I’m probably just going to keep my personal life [private],” Schnabel confides. “I think that’s probably for the best. Just keep my personal life out of the media and the show and from talking about it too much. I think that that’s not a very good thing that I’ve done in the past, and so I’m trying to keep my personal life private.”
Despite being a veteran on the Discovery Channel show, Schnabel realises that the limited portrayal of his life on-screen can lead to misconceptions. The intense focus on his work on the mining site during filming doesn’t offer a holistic view of who he really is as a person. “That used to bother me quite a bit, because I did start so young, and I think that the younger you are, the more you wrap up your identity with your work,” Schnabel reflects.
Over the years, Schnabel has learned to brush off the assumptions and judgments made about him based on his on-screen persona. He values the opinions of those who truly know him beyond the show. “Everybody that I am good friends with have made their own assumptions about who I am and how I act and whatnot and what’s important to me based on their interactions with me, not based on watching me on TV show,” he shares.
Dating in the midst of such a unique and demanding career has presented its challenges for Schnabel. Explaining his work to potential partners can sometimes be like describing a scene from Mad Max, he jokes. Despite the hurdles, Schnabel expresses his desire to start a family in the future. “I do hope to have a family and a life outside of TV eventually,” he reveals, adding that he anticipates the show will wrap up before he settles down to focus on family life.
Gold Rush enthusiasts can catch Parker Schnabel in action on Fridays at 8 p.m. ET on the Discovery Channel. For those who can’t get enough, the full series is available for streaming on HBO Max. Stay updated on the latest entertainment news and human interest stories by signing up for the free daily newsletter from PEOPLE.
In conclusion, the public persona Parker Schnabel presents on Gold Rush captures just a fraction of his true identity. As he navigates fame and privacy in the spotlight, Schnabel’s decision to shield his personal life reflects a deeper desire to maintain authenticity amidst the glitz and glamour of television stardom.