Thomas Ravenel Net Worth, Biography, Family, and Life Story

Few reality TV stars have generated as much intrigue as Thomas Ravenel. His journey is an unusual blend of wealth, politics, television stardom, and scandal. Best recognized for his appearances on Bravo’s Southern Charm, Ravenel has experienced both privilege and personal struggles in full public view. From his inherited fortune to his controversial relationships and his son’s health challenges, Ravenel’s life offers no shortage of dramatic twists. This article provides an in-depth look at Thomas Ravenel’s net worth, background, family tree, and the many facets that make him one of Charleston’s most fascinating personalities.

Who Exactly Is Thomas Ravenel?

Born on August 11, 1962, in Charleston, South Carolina, Thomas Jonathan Jackson Ravenel grew up in one of the state’s most well-known families. His father, Arthur Ravenel Jr., was a respected political leader who left his mark on South Carolina through decades of public service, even lending his name to Charleston’s Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge.

Thomas was the youngest of six children, a background that helped shape his competitive and ambitious personality. After completing high school, he attended The Citadel, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. Later, he pursued an MBA in Finance and Real Estate at the University of South Carolina, equipping him with the tools to enter the world of property development.

He founded Ravenel Development Corporation, a business specializing in commercial real estate projects. His early successes brought him financial recognition, but Ravenel’s ambitions didn’t stop there. He decided to step into politics and, in 2006, was elected Treasurer of South Carolina. Unfortunately, his tenure ended abruptly due to federal charges, and he resigned after only a few months.

Thomas Ravenel Net Worth

In 2025, Ravenel’s net worth is widely estimated to be around $6 million. His financial standing is the result of multiple income streams:

• Family Wealth: The Ravenels are an old Charleston family with political influence and inherited wealth, which Thomas benefited from.

• Real Estate: His company, Ravenel Development Corporation, generated significant profits through commercial property deals.

• Television Career: As a cast member of Southern Charm, he earned about $25,000 per episode, plus additional compensation for reunion specials and appearances.

• Investments: Beyond real estate and television, Ravenel also engaged in smaller business ventures and financial investments.

Though his wealth has taken hits due to costly legal battles and custody disputes, his long-term assets—especially in real estate—continue to anchor his financial portfolio.

Age and Birthday of Thomas Ravenel

Thomas Ravenel was born on August 11, 1962, which means he turned 62 years old in 2025. His birthday is often noted by fans and tabloids alike, particularly as it reminds people of the decades he has spent under public scrutiny, from politics to reality television.

Ravenel Family Lineage

The Ravenel surname holds significant influence and prestige throughout South Carolina.

• Father: Arthur Ravenel Jr., a political figure who served in the U.S. House of Representatives and the South Carolina Senate. He is remembered for his lasting contributions to Charleston’s infrastructure.

• Siblings: Thomas is the youngest of six children, raised in a household steeped in politics, business, and tradition.

• Children: Ravenel has three children. His first two—Kensington Calhoun (daughter) and St. Julien Rembert “Saint” (son)—were born during his on-again, off-again relationship with Kathryn Dennis. In 2020, he welcomed a third child, Jonathan, with Heather Mascoe.

The Ravenel family remains one of the most established names in Charleston, both politically and socially.

Mary Ryan Ravenel

The Ravenel family extends beyond politics and television. Mary Ryan Ravenel is among the many family members tied to this distinguished lineage. While she has not been as publicly prominent as Thomas or his father, her name continues to be associated with Charleston’s old social circles, philanthropy, and southern heritage.

Thomas Ravenel’s Son and His Diagnosis

One of the more personal and difficult aspects of Ravenel’s life is the health of his son, St. Julien “Saint” Ravenel. Thomas revealed that his son was diagnosed with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS), a condition he attributed to Kathryn Dennis’s alleged substance use during pregnancy.

The diagnosis has reportedly contributed to developmental and behavioral challenges for Saint. Therapy and medical intervention have been a part of his ongoing care, with both parents legally obligated to ensure his needs are met. Their lengthy custody battles often highlighted Saint’s condition, making it a central topic in public discussions of Ravenel’s family life.

TV Shows Featuring Thomas Ravenel

Ravenel became a household name through his appearance on Bravo’s hit reality series Southern Charm.

• Southern Charm (2014–2018): Thomas was part of the original cast, and his storyline often revolved around his stormy relationship with Kathryn Dennis. The show showcased his life as a wealthy Charleston aristocrat but also exposed his personal controversies.

• Exit from the Show: In 2018, Ravenel left Southern Charm following legal troubles, including assault allegations. His departure marked a dramatic shift in the show’s tone, though fans still discuss him frequently when talking about earlier seasons.

Even after his exit, Ravenel’s name remains synonymous with the series and its reputation for southern glamour mixed with chaos.

Thomas Ravenel and Ashley Jacobs

Another chapter of Ravenel’s life that drew attention was his romance with Ashley Jacobs, a nurse from California who became a fixture on Southern Charm. Their relationship was filled with tension, particularly between Ashley and Kathryn Dennis.

Ashley often clashed with Kathryn in explosive scenes, earning her the role of the “villain” on the show. The relationship with Thomas, though passionate, eventually fell apart. Still, it remains one of the most memorable storylines in the show’s history and a defining period in Ravenel’s public life.

Controversies and Legal Struggles

Thomas Ravenel’s life has been marked by serious controversies:

• 2007 Cocaine Charges: His career as South Carolina Treasurer ended abruptly when he was indicted on federal cocaine distribution charges.

• Assault Accusations: In 2018, he was accused of sexual assault by a former nanny, leading to legal proceedings and further damaging his public image. He pled guilty to a related charge in 2019.

• Custody Battles: His turbulent relationship with Kathryn Dennis resulted in long, highly publicized custody disputes over their children.

These controversies overshadowed his business and political achievements, but they also cemented his status as one of the most polarizing figures in Charleston.

Legacy of the Ravenel Family

Despite his personal troubles, the Ravenel family’s influence in South Carolina cannot be denied. The Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge, one of the state’s most significant infrastructure projects, is a lasting reminder of the family’s contributions.

Thomas’s role in Southern Charm and his financial success, combined with his controversies, make him a figure who will continue to spark debate for years to come. His life illustrates the double-edged sword of fame: financial success and notoriety on one side, but scandal and legal troubles on the other.

Conclusion

Thomas Ravenel represents a rare mix of southern tradition, wealth, and reality TV scandal. His estimated net worth of $6 million, storied family tree, career in real estate, and infamous relationships have kept him in the spotlight for decades. From the birth of his children to his son’s diagnosis and his romance with Ashley Jacobs, Ravenel’s personal story has played out publicly in front of millions.

Today, as he navigates life in his early sixties, Ravenel continues to divide public opinion. Whether remembered as a wealthy developer, a reality TV star, or a controversial figure, his impact is undeniable.

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