John Pringle didn't exactly fit the mold of your typical Bravo reality star. When he first appeared on our screens during Season 7 of Southern Charm, he looked like he’d just rolled off a surfboard and into a tailored blazer. He was the "new guy" with a very old name. While the show usually thrives on guys who act like they’re perpetually twenty-two, Pringle felt different.
Basically, he was an adult. He had a real job in commodities trading. He had two sons. And honestly, he seemed way more interested in his kids than in whatever drama was brewing between Austen Kroll and Madison LeCroy.
Who Is John Pringle from Southern Charm?
If you're wondering how a guy who spent years in California ended up in the middle of a Charleston social circle, it comes down to old friendships. He went to the University of Georgia with Shep Rose. That’s the "in." But his roots go way deeper than a college frat.
Pringle is a seventh-generation Charlestonian. His family tree is practically a map of the city’s history. We aren't talking about "new money" here. The Pringle name is tied to some of the most historic properties in the Lowcountry, including the Robert Pringle House built back in 1774.
✨ Don't miss: Tangiers Las Vegas Casino: What Most People Get Wrong
He didn't just show up for the cameras. He moved back to Charleston after a "brutal" divorce from his ex-wife, Heidi. It was a classic "starting over" story. He was living on Sullivan’s Island, trying to figure out if he could balance a high-pressure finance career with the demands of being a reality TV personality.
The Finance Career vs. The Reality Fame
One of the most surprising things about John Pringle Southern Charm fans noticed was that he actually worked. Most of the cast members have vague "entrepreneurial" ventures or family allowances. Pringle? He was a commodities trader.
Specifically, he started as an intern on the NYMEX trading floor when he was 20. By the time he hit the screen, he was executing massive trades in crude oil and natural gas.
- Real Job: Energy Trader (NYMEX veteran)
- Education: University of Georgia (Go Dawgs)
- The "Other" Career: He’s actually a musician with a full-length album titled Strange Points of View.
He was often seen on the show with a guitar in hand, usually looking a bit more comfortable with a melody than a microphone-fueled confrontation at a dinner party.
What Happened With the Madison LeCroy Drama?
When Pringle first joined, the producers clearly wanted a spark. Patricia Altschul, the show's unofficial matriarch, practically pushed him toward Madison LeCroy. At the time, Madison was in the middle of her "will-they-won't-they" (mostly won't) saga with Austen Kroll.
Pringle went on a few dates. He played baseball with her son. But it didn't take long for him to realize he was being used.
💡 You might also like: Why the Scary Movie Cast Still Hits Different 25 Years Later
He later admitted in interviews that he felt like a "pawn" in Madison’s game to make Austen jealous. He wasn't bitter about it, though. In a very "Pringle" move, he just kind of stepped back. He told Entertainment Tonight that he realized Madison was a "master player of relationship chess" and he just didn't want to play.
The Real Reason John Pringle Left Southern Charm
By the time Season 8 rolled around, Pringle’s screen time started to dwindle. He was demoted to a "friend of" the cast, appearing in the background of parties but rarely having his own storyline.
Why? Because he’s a dad.
His sons, Asher and Quinn, lived in California with their mom. Pringle spent the better part of two years flying back and forth across the country. He was open about the guilt of being 3,000 miles away. On the show, we saw him trying to parent via FaceTime and during summer visits that felt, well, chaotic.
💡 You might also like: Tell Me Why The Kid LAROI Still Hits Different in 2026
Fans on Reddit and social media were divided. Some called him out for moving away for a TV show, while others empathized with a guy trying to rebuild his life after a divorce. Ultimately, the distance was too much.
He moved back to San Diego. He chose his kids over the "Bravolebrity" lifestyle. In the world of reality TV, where people will do almost anything to stay relevant, Pringle’s exit was surprisingly noble. He went back to the West Coast to be a present father.
Where Is He Now in 2026?
John Pringle has mostly stayed out of the spotlight since leaving the show. He isn't chasing the influencer life. You won't see him posting "FitTea" ads or trying to get on The Traitors.
- Back in California: He is primarily based in the San Diego area.
- Focusing on Finance: He continues to work in the energy and commodities sector.
- Music: He still plays, though it remains more of a passion project than a commercial pursuit.
- Co-parenting: He and Heidi appear to have a solid relationship, focusing on raising their boys.
Key Takeaways for Fans
- The Pringle Chip Myth: No, he is not related to the snack brand. His family wealth is old-school Charleston real estate and legal history, not dehydrated potatoes.
- Authenticity: He was one of the few cast members who didn't seem to "act" for the cameras. If he looked tired or uninterested in the drama, it’s because he probably was.
- Legacy: While his time on Southern Charm was short, he served as a bridge between the old-school Charleston "blue bloods" and the newer, more modern cast members.
If you’re looking to follow his journey, your best bet is Instagram. He occasionally posts updates of his sons or his music, but he’s largely returned to being a "normal" guy with a very cool history.
To stay updated on the current Southern Charm cast, you can check out the latest production news on Bravo TV or follow the cast's social media for filming updates. If you're interested in the historical side of the Pringle family, the South Carolina Historical Society holds several records regarding their 200-year legacy in the state.