The Rise, Fall, and New Chapter of Todd Chrisley

From Real-Estate Hustler to Television Patriarch

Michael Todd Chrisley — known simply as Todd Chrisley — was born on April 6, 1969. 

Long before reality-TV fame, Chrisley built his early career in real estate and property development. He managed and invested in distressed assets under his company, establishing a reputation — and wealth — that underpinned his later public persona. 

That foundation led to the launch of Chrisley Knows Best in 2014, a show that chronicled Todd’s larger-than-life persona, his opulent lifestyle, and his role as patriarch of a sprawling family. The series, which ran until 2023, made the Chrisleys a household name — turning their private lives into public spectacle.

The Family, the Fame — and the Fallout

Chrisley’s personal life was closely entwined with his professional brand. Born to a humble family — raised in Westminster, South Carolina — Todd credited his mother’s tireless work ethic for shaping his ambition and drive. 

Over the years, Chrisley fathered five children. With his first wife, Teresa Terry, he had two children: his daughter Lindsie Chrisley Campbell (born 1989) and son Kyle Chrisley (born 1991). After their 1996 divorce, Todd married Julie Chrisley (née Hughes). Together, they had three children: Chase Chrisley (born 1996), Savannah Chrisley (born 1997), and Grayson Chrisley (born 2006).

That family, and their flamboyant lifestyle, became the show’s hallmark. From sprawling mansions to dramatic family dynamics, the Chrisleys captured viewers’ fascination — and criticism — in equal measure.

The Collapse: Legal Battles and Financial Ruin

Behind the glamour, cracks were forming. In August 2019, Todd and Julie were indicted on 12 counts, including bank fraud, wire fraud, tax evasion, and conspiracy. Prosecutors alleged they submitted falsified financial statements to secure more than $30 million in loans, funding their extravagant lifestyle while hiding income from the IRS.

In June 2022, after a nearly three-week trial in Atlanta, a jury found both guilty on all counts. Todd was later sentenced to 12 years in prison, and Julie received a 7-year sentence. The court also ordered restitution amounting to millions.

As a consequence of the convictions, their reality-TV empire crumbled. Production on Chrisley Knows Best ended, spin-offs were canceled, and their financial foundation — built on earnings from the show and real-estate — began to unravel. Their lavish assets, once a symbol of success, became markers of legal and financial jeopardy.

Debt, Pardon, and an Uncertain Financial Future

Once seen as a multimillionaire, Todd Chrisley’s financial situation took a dramatic turn. According to recent reporting, his net worth is now estimated at – US$18 million, meaning he is millions in debt. The negative valuation stems from unpaid taxes, legal fees, restitution orders, and asset losses.

Even before that, some sources had flagged significant financial troubles — citing a failed real-estate development deal that forced him into bankruptcy and major losses. 

The fall from once-luxurious living to deep in the red is a stark example of how legal judgments and financial miscalculations can dismantle even a high-earning public lifestyle. For many industry watchers, Chrisley’s trajectory is a cautionary tale about overleveraging fame and debt.

Love, Resilience, and a Rocky Return

Despite everything, one consistent thread was his relationship with Julie. The two married on May 25, 1996 — a union initially met with some hesitation from Julie. According to their daughter Savannah, Julie declined Todd’s first two proposals before finally saying yes. 

Their marriage weathered multiple storms. The family faced personal turmoil — including health challenges (Julie battled breast cancer in 2012) — and deep public scrutiny during the height of their fame. Yet, through it all, Todd often referred to Julie as his “best friend.”

In a major twist, on May 27, 2025, Donald J. Trump — then former President of the United States — granted full presidential pardons to both Todd and Julie. The pardon paved the way for their release, ending a chapter of incarceration and igniting speculation about what’s next for the couple. 

Following their pardon, Todd publicly expressed gratitude and reaffirmed his commitment to his family. He emphasized that no matter where life leads, as long as Julie is by his side, “that’s home.” 

What Todd Chrisley’s Story Reveals: Fame, Risk — and Legacy

Todd Chrisley’s journey is a dramatic narrative of ambition, spectacle, downfall — and potential redemption. His rise from real-estate entrepreneur to reality-TV royalty showcased how personality, family, and lifestyle could be leveraged into fame. But the same lavish lifestyle and public exposure masked deep financial and legal risks.

Today, with a net worth far below zero, Chrisley’s financial legacy seems less about wealth accumulation and more about caution: the perils of high debt, of mixing personal image with substantial risk, and of living beyond means.

Yet, the public pardon and return to freedom offer a chance for reinvention. Whether he can rebuild — financially or reputationally — remains to be seen. But Todd’s story will likely continue to serve as a dramatic case study of how quickly fortune can turn, even for those who once seemed untouchable.