If you’ve spent any time on Instagram or TikTok lately, you’ve probably seen a fast-talking, high-energy woman making jokes about the absurdity of military life. That’s Ashley Gutermuth. She’s the comedian who won the "Seinfeld Challenge" on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and has somehow made picking up trash while running a daily mile look like a legit personality trait. But for all the jokes about base housing and the "Commissary experience," fans are always asking the same thing: who is Ashley Gutermuth married to?
It’s not just idle curiosity. Her marriage is basically a co-star in her comedy.
Ashley is married to William Gutermuth, a career Air Force reservist and pilot. Most fans just know him as "BG" or the guy whose voice occasionally pops up in the background of her videos while he's busy being 20 years older than her. Honestly, that age gap is one of her favorite topics to poke fun at, and it’s a big part of why people feel like they know him, even though he rarely shows his face on camera.
The Man Behind the "Military Spouse" Jokes
William Gutermuth isn't just a "military guy." He’s a Colonel in the Air Force Reserve with nearly three decades of service under his belt. When Ashley talks about him, she’s usually highlighting the weird contrast between her life as a touring stand-up comedian and his life in the cockpit or at the base.
They met while she was a student at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. At the time, she was working on sketches and trying to find her footing in comedy. He was a pilot. They were friends first, dated for a few years, and then tied the knot. It’s a pretty grounded origin story for a couple that now deals with the chaos of viral fame and 2.1 million followers.
- Rank: Colonel (Air Force Reserve)
- Role: Pilot and Air Reserve Technician
- The "Age Gap": He is exactly 20 years older than Ashley.
- Family Life: Ashley is also a stepmother to William’s son, Will.
One thing that surprises people is how much of their "normal" life involves actual military logistics. They’ve lived on bases from Pennsylvania to Georgia and New Jersey. Ashley often jokes that they choose to live on base even when they don’t have to, mostly so she can buy expired cream cheese at the Commissary or move the signs for the Generals' parking spaces. It’s that authentic "in the trenches" perspective that makes her comedy land so well with other military families.
Why the Age Gap is Such a Big Deal (In Her Act)
In 2024, her Edinburgh Fringe show, Ashley Gutermuth is Hard to Pronounce, got five-star reviews, and a lot of that material comes from her marriage. She leans into the "20 years older" thing constantly. She’s joked about her husband being deployed to a Marriott in Tampa while she’s dealing with the "hardships" of base housing.
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Basically, the dynamic works because they both seem to be in on the joke. While he stays out of the spotlight, he’s clearly her biggest supporter. He even helps pace her during her fitness tests—though Ashley has admitted that after her years-long daily running streak, she’s now the one lapping people on the track.
More Than Just Laughter: The Gutermuth Mission
While the question of who is Ashley Gutermuth married to usually starts with fans wanting to see the face behind the voice, the answer involves a lot of advocacy. Ashley and William have used their platform to talk about some pretty heavy stuff that isn't always funny.
For instance, they’ve been very vocal about military spouse unemployment and food insecurity. Ashley actually teamed up with other spouses to create a "no-strings-attached" grocery delivery system for families on base who were struggling to make ends meet. It’s a far cry from the lighthearted TikToks, but it shows that their marriage is a partnership in every sense of the word.
A Quick Reality Check on the "Private" Husband
If you're hunting for a photo of William, you won't find many. He’s an Air Force Colonel, so "internet famous" isn't exactly in the job description. In her videos, he’s usually a voice from the other room or a mention in a punchline. This "invisible husband" trope has actually become its own running gag. Fans love the mystery, and it allows Ashley to keep her private life somewhat protected while still being incredibly open about the experience of her marriage.
What’s Next for the Gutermuths?
William recently transitioned toward retirement after a long career. For years, Ashley followed him from base to base, dealing with the constant PCS (Permanent Change of Station) moves that make it nearly impossible for military spouses to have steady careers. Now, the roles are flipping a bit.
As Ashley’s career explodes—touring with Armed Forces Entertainment and hosting the Tango Alpha Lima podcast for the American Legion—William is the one providing the "unwavering support." There’s even been talk that once he fully hangs up the flight suit, he might just spend his time traveling the world following her for her gigs.
Actionable Takeaways for Fans
If you’re following Ashley for the comedy but want to support the causes she and her husband care about, here are a few things you can actually do:
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- Support Military Spouses: Look for businesses owned by military spouses. The unemployment rate in this community is notoriously high due to frequent moves.
- Check Out "Tango Alpha Lima": If you want more of Ashley’s take on military life without the 60-second video limit, her podcast with the American Legion is the place to go.
- Follow the Streak: Ashley has run at least a mile every day since January 26, 2015. You don't have to do that, but her "pick up trash while you run" (plogging) movement is an easy way to help your own community.
- Ignore the Trolls: Ashley often talks about the "dumpster fire" of social media comments regarding her marriage or her appearance. Her advice? Be compassionate because people who insult others are usually just unhappy themselves.
Ultimately, Ashley Gutermuth’s marriage to William isn't just a fact—it's the engine behind her brand of humor. It’s a mix of high-ranking military discipline and the chaotic energy of a woman who owns six Roombas and a "World's Best Grandpa" shirt she found in a ditch.