Cheeny Plante, born Charlene Plante, captured national attention after her appearance on Naked and Afraid: Last One Standing and Naked and Afraid: Solo, but it was her 2025 return that solidified her status as a survival TV personality to watch. Her story draws parallels with Discovery Channel veteran Jeff Zausch, who similarly transitioned from wilderness survivalist to television star through sheer grit and real-world field experience.
A former U.S. Air Force Senior Airman and certified SERE (Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape) instructor—one of only a dozen women qualified—she first captured viewers’ interest in 2022 when she starred on Naked and Afraid.
In 2025, her candid interviews and moments of resilience on social media have rekindled public fascination, prompting trending clips on Instagram and renewed press coverage from outlets like TV Guide.
Cheeny Plante’s Early Life, Family & Education in Sanford, Maine
Charlene “Cheeny” Plante was born around 1990 in Sanford, Maine. She remains private about her exact date of birth, age, ethnicity, religion, and nationality, typical for public figures who value privacy. Raised in Maine by parents who have largely remained out of the public eye, Cheeny grew up with a close-knit family ethos. She graduated from Sanford High School in 2008 before enlisting in the Air Force, where her SERE instructor role set her apart.
Much like Laura Zerra, another wilderness-trained woman known for her raw survival instincts, Cheeny’s formative years were grounded in self-reliance and environmental adaptability.
As a SERE instructor, she taught survival techniques under extreme conditions, an achievement she has mentioned frequently in TV interviews. After military service, she returned to Maine, took up house painting and lobstering, and pursued certification as a Maine Guide.
Is Cheeny Plante Married? Personal Life, Relationships & Instagram Presence
In 2025, Cheeny Plante appears to remain single and dedicated to her personal growth. She has not publicly shared information about partners, spouses, or children. So, it is difficult to whether she is married or not.
Cheeny has focused on building her career, balancing the demands of TV appearances and survival guiding with living off-grid in Maine.
She manages to maintain this private dynamic even while engaging with fans openly on platforms like Instagram, where she shares glimpses of her training and outdoor life. This low-profile approach is shared by Candice Mishler, a fellow survivalist who also opts to keep personal relationships away from the media spotlight.
Cheeny Plante’s Career: From SERE Instructor to Naked and Afraid Survivor
Cheeny Plante’s professional journey began in 2008 with her enlistment in the U.S. Air Force. Rising to Senior Airman and earning a rare SERE instructor role, she taught critical mental and physical survival skills. She first broke into reality television in April 2022 on the Discovery Channel’s Naked and Afraid, where she survived 21 days in the wild, allowed just one tool and minimal support.
She joins a small group of elite outdoor experts-turned-media figures, such as Hazen Audel, who also earned public respect through real survival knowledge rather than dramatics.
By August 2021, she filmed for Last One Standing (aired in 2025), forming strong bonds and sparking social media buzz. Critics and fan forums, including Reddit, debated her group dynamics, both praising her hands-on efforts to catch food and build shelter and critiquing her as reserved or assertive at times. On Reddit’s r/nakedandafraid, one user summarized:
“Also, did you know she passed SERE training? Thought I’d mention it in case you didn’t hear her say it 15 times.
In interviews and on-screen appearances, she quoted her training and expressed determination to pursue guiding as a Maine Guide. Her candid reflections on survival mentality and teamwork have been published on Instagram and streamed interview channels, reenergizing her public profile.
Cheeny Plante's Net Worth in 2025: Income from Survival Shows & Guiding
As of 2025, Cheeny Plante’s estimated net worth is in the mid-six-figure range, based on public records and standard salaries for reality TV participants. Her income stems from Naked and Afraid appearance fees, SERE workshops, speaking engagements, guiding services, painting, and lobstering. She also benefits from sponsored outdoor gear, though exact figures remain private. She recently completed Maine Guide certification and plans to offer survival courses, which could significantly add to her revenue streams.
Plante leads a self-reliant outdoor lifestyle—living in Maine, guiding survival trips, and maintaining physical fitness. She is known for advocating resilience and preparedness, and although she doesn’t yet report large charitable donations, she engages in community-based training and youth mentorship.
Quick Facts About Cheeny Plante: Age, Military Rank, Home State & More
Cheeny Plante, originally from Sanford, Maine, rose to fame via her military background as a SERE instructor and her appearances on the Discovery Channel’s Naked and Afraid series. She embraces her rugged upbringing and values independence, drawing audiences who admire genuine survival expertise. Though often media-shy about personal details, Cheeny consistently emphasizes authenticity, resilience, and a grounded approach to fame and guiding.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cheeny Plante
Who Is Cheeny Plante?
Meet the Naked and Afraid Star in 2025 Cheeny Plante—born Charlene Plante—is a U.S. Air Force veteran, elite SERE (Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape) instructor, and rising television personality best known for her appearances on Naked and Afraid: Solo and Last One Standing.
Where is Cheeny Plante from?
Cheeny Plante hails from Sanford, Maine. After her military service, she returned to Maine, where she lives off-grid and works as a certified Maine Guide and survivalist.
What is Cheeny Plante’s educational background?
Cheeny graduated from Sanford High School in 2008 before enlisting in the U.S. Air Force, where she completed elite SERE instructor qualification—rare for women at the time.
How did Cheeny Plante join Naked and Afraid?
Producers discovered her via social media in 2018 due to her military credentials. She filmed in August 2021 after finding a compatible partner and appeared in the show’s April 2022 season.
What is Cheeny Plante doing now?
As of 2025, she is writing herself as a certified Maine Guide, running survival workshops, and participating in media interviews. Her return to TV sparked renewed interest, and she continues to build her outdoor training business.
Does Cheeny Plante have a Wikipedia page?
As of 2025, Cheeny Plante does not have an official Wikipedia page. However, her growing presence on reality television and in survival training circles has sparked increased public interest and media coverage.