Ever tried to pin down exactly how old your favorite reality star is? It’s usually a rabbit hole of conflicting birthdays and "estimated" birth years that don’t quite add up. If you’ve been following the whirlwind romance between General Hospital veteran Steve Burton and his now-wife, you’ve probably asked: how old is Michelle Lundstrom?
People are curious. I get it. When a soap opera legend who has been in the public eye for decades marries someone new, the internet naturally wants to know the "who, what, and how old." But Michelle isn't just a "wife of" figure. She’s a powerhouse in her own right, a culinary creator who stood her ground in the high-pressure world of Netflix competition shows.
The Short Answer: How Old is Michelle Lundstrom?
Let's get the numbers out of the way. As of early 2026, Michelle Lundstrom is 44 years old. She was born in 1981. This makes her roughly 11 years younger than her husband, Steve Burton, who is 55. Honestly, in the world of celebrity age gaps, a decade is practically nothing. They seem to operate on the same wavelength, which is probably why they moved so fast from "dating" to "married in a Laguna Beach ceremony" within about a year.
Age is a funny thing in reality TV. When Michelle appeared on Barbecue Showdown (the show formerly known as The American Barbecue Showdown), she wasn't some wide-eyed kid. She was a mother of two daughters, bringing a lifetime of Italian-American family traditions from Long Island to the grill.
Why People Get This Wrong
The confusion usually stems from her "sudden" appearance in the spotlight. Most fans first met her during Season 2 of Barbecue Showdown in 2023. At that time, she was 42. Because she has such high energy and a vibrant social media presence, people often guess she's much younger. On the flip side, because she has a 14-year-old daughter (Hannah) and a 12-year-old daughter (Lilah), some fans assume she's older.
She's right in that sweet spot of having a full life of experience before hitting the "big time" on Netflix.
From Long Island to the National Spotlight
Michelle didn't just wake up one day and decide to be a BBQ expert. It’s in her blood. Growing up in a New York Italian-American household, food was the language of the home. She’s often talked about how her father was the one who sparked her interest in the grill. He had his own secret sauce—literally—and that’s a legacy she’s carried into her own career.
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She's a New Yorker through and through. Even though she’s since traded the Big Apple for the Nashville scene and eventually California to be with Steve, you can still hear that East Coast grit when she talks about her craft.
The Barbecue Showdown Era
When she joined the Netflix cast, she was billed as a "home cook" from Long Island. That’s a bit of an understatement. While she wasn't a professional pitmaster running a commercial smokehouse, her technical knowledge was immense.
She lasted until the sixth episode. That's a serious run. Most people would crumble under the pressure of smoking a whole hog or dealing with the "mystery challenges" the judges throw at them. Michelle didn't. She became a fan favorite not just for her sauces, but for her personality.
The Steve Burton Connection
The search for how old is Michelle Lundstrom skyrocketed when news broke that she was dating Steve Burton. This was shortly after Steve’s high-profile split from his wife of 23 years.
They went public at the Daytime Emmys in June 2024. By January 2025, they were engaged. By May 2025, they were married.
It was a whirlwind.
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Some skeptics on social media were quick to point out the age difference, but if you look at their lives, it makes sense. Both are parents. Both have navigated the complexities of public life and previous marriages. They aren't kids playing house; they are two adults in their 40s and 50s who seem to have found a genuine partnership.
A Blended Family Dynamic
Michelle’s age plays into how she handles her family life. She isn't a "new" mom. She’s been through the toddler years and is now navigating the teenage years with her daughters.
- Hannah: Born in 2011 (now 14).
- Lilah: Born in 2014 (now 12).
Steve also has three children from his previous marriage. Managing a blended family with five kids is no joke. It requires a level of maturity that usually only comes with being in your 40s. Michelle has been vocal on Instagram about the "chaos" and the "beauty" of bringing their two worlds together.
What She’s Doing Now
Michelle hasn't let her marriage or her age slow down her personal brand. In fact, she’s leaned harder into her "Money Michelle" persona.
She’s a prolific content creator. If you follow her on TikTok or Instagram, you’ll see her posting recipes almost daily. It’s not just BBQ anymore. She does everything from stuffed mushrooms (her mom’s recipe) to complex Italian dishes.
She also uses her platform to talk about something many women her age struggle with: starting over. She’s been very open about the fact that her life looks completely different now than it did five years ago.
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Why the "Age" Question Matters
In the grand scheme of things, does it matter that she’s 44?
Maybe not. But for many fans, Michelle represents a specific kind of success story. She didn't become "famous" until her 40s. She didn't find the "love of her life" (as she calls Steve) until her 40s.
In a culture that is obsessed with 20-something influencers, Michelle Lundstrom is a reminder that you can pivot, find new love, and launch a media career well after your 30th birthday.
Actionable Takeaways for Fans
If you're following Michelle's journey or trying to emulate her success in the culinary space, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Don't wait for "perfect": Michelle entered a national cooking competition as a "home cook." She didn't have a culinary degree. She had a passion and a grill.
- Authenticity over polish: Her videos aren't always perfectly lit. Sometimes she forgets to measure ingredients (just like her mom). That’s why people like her.
- The "Second Act" is real: Whether it's a new career or a new marriage, Michelle’s story shows that the 40s can be the most transformative decade of your life.
If you’re still wondering about the specifics of her life, your best bet is to check her Instagram. She’s incredibly transparent with her followers, often doing Q&A sessions where she talks about everything from her skincare routine to how she handles the "step-mom" life.
Michelle Lundstrom is 44, but honestly, she’s just getting started.
Next Steps:
If you want to keep up with Michelle's latest recipes, her Instagram handle is @themoneymichelle. You can also catch her episodes on Season 2 of Barbecue Showdown on Netflix to see the skills that originally put her on the map.