Originally posted on October 14, 2023 @ 11:06 am
Rick Ness is a gold miner and reality TV star who has been featured on the Discovery Channel’s show “Gold Rush” since 2011. He is known for his adventurous spirit, his loyalty to his crew, and his impressive beard. However, fans of the show have noticed some changes in Rick’s appearance over the years, especially in the latest season. What happened to Rick Ness’ face? Here are some possible explanations.
Rick Ness’s Physical Transformation
One of the most obvious changes in Rick’s face is his weight loss. Rick has admitted that he lost about 40 pounds in 2022, which he attributed to stress and depression. He also said that he was not eating well or taking care of himself during that time. Weight loss can affect the shape and structure of the face, making it look thinner and more gaunt.
Another factor that may have contributed to Rick’s physical transformation is aging. Rick is 42 years old as of 2023, and he has been exposed to harsh weather conditions, long working hours, and physical labor for many years. These factors can accelerate the aging process and cause wrinkles, sagging skin, and sun damage. Rick may also have changed his grooming habits, such as shaving his beard or trimming his hair, which can alter his facial appearance.
Speculations About Rick Ness’s Health
Some fans of “Gold Rush” have speculated that Rick’s face may have been affected by other factors besides weight loss and aging. One of the most common rumors is that Rick may have developed a drug addiction, which could explain his erratic behavior, his absence from the show, and his altered appearance. Some fans have compared Rick’s nose to that of comedian Artie Lange, who suffered from cocaine abuse and had his nose disfigured by a boxer punch. However, there is no evidence to support this claim, and Rick has never confirmed or denied it.
Another rumor that has circulated among fans is that Rick may have been involved in a brawl, which could have caused injuries to his face. Some fans have pointed out that Rick’s nose looks crooked or swollen, and that he may have bruises or scars on his face. However, this is also based on speculation and not on any factual information. Rick has not mentioned any fights or accidents that could have harmed his face.
Rick Ness’s Mental Health Struggles
While the exact cause of Rick’s facial changes remains unclear, one thing that is certain is that Rick has been struggling with mental health issues for a long time. Rick revealed that he was suffering from seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a type of depression that is related to changes in seasons. He said that he felt hopeless and unmotivated during the winter months and that he was unable to return to mining.
Rick also admitted that he was still grieving the loss of his mother, who died from brain cancer in 2018. He said that he was very close to her and that her death affected him deeply. He said that he felt guilty for not spending enough time with her and that he isolated himself from his friends and family.
Rick’s mental health struggles led him to take a year-long hiatus from “Gold Rush” in 2022. He said that he needed time to heal and recover from his emotional turmoil. He also said that he sold his mother’s house to fund his mining operation in 2023.
Rick Ness’s Return to “Gold Rush”
Despite his challenges, Rick decided to make a comeback in 2023. He returned to “Gold Rush” for season 14, with a new crew and a new goal. He said that he wanted to redeem himself and prove that he could still mine gold. He also said that he wanted to honor his mother’s memory and legacy.
Rick’s return was welcomed by many fans, who were happy to see him back on the show. They also expressed their support and sympathy for him and wished him success in his mining venture. However, some fans were still curious about his face and wondered if he had undergone any surgery or treatment to change it.
Rick has not addressed the rumors or questions about his face directly. He has only said that he is feeling better and healthier than before. He has also shown more confidence and optimism in his interviews and social media posts. He seems to be focused on mining gold and enjoying life.
Rick Ness’s face may have changed over the years, but his passion for gold mining remains the same. He is one of the most popular and charismatic stars of the “Gold Rush”, and he has overcome many obstacles and hardships in his career. His face may reflect his journey, but it does not define him.
