Lyssa Rae Brittain is the name of an American woman entrepreneur who is better recognized for being the third wife of TV personality Duane Chapman. Duane Chapman is known for his work in the reality series Dog the Bounty Hunter.
Early Life
She is a businesswoman, but perhaps better known for being the ex-husband several times in his business endeavors, and is often referred to as Big Lyssa so she is the wife of reality television personality Duane “Dog” Chapman.
Lyssa’s childhood was not easy. In her memoir, “Walking on Eggshells: Discovering Strength and Courage Amid Chaos,” she revealed that her father was an alcoholic who often physically abused her and her siblings. She also said that her mother was emotionally absent and frequently left them with their father.
Lyssa Rae Brittain was born to Garry Smith and Beth Chapman in the United States. Her mother later married Duane Chapman, which is how she got her famous last name. She has two siblings, Leland Chapman, and Duane Lee Chapman Jr., who is also well-known for their appearances on their father’s reality TV series.
Lyssa Rae Brittain Profile
- Full name: Lyssa Rae Brittain
- Date of birth: July 15, 1954
- Place of birth: Denver, Colorado
- Nationality: American
- Famous for: being the third wife of TV personality Duane Chapman.
Marriage to Duane Chapman
Lyssa and Duane Chapman were married in 1982 and had three children together: Barbara Katie Chapman, Tucker Dee Chapman, and Lyssa Rae Chapman. However, their marriage was tumultuous, and they divorced in 1991.
In her memoir, Lyssa revealed that Duane was physically abusive toward her during their marriage. She also discussed his infidelity and drug use. Despite their rocky relationship, the two continued to work together on their bounty hunting team and on the reality TV series, “Dog the Bounty Hunter.”
Duane Chapman’s Show Dog the Bounty Hunter
“Dog the Bounty Hunter” was a reality television series that aired on A&E from 2004 to 2012. The show followed the life and work of Duane “Dog” Chapman, a bounty hunter based in Hawaii, and his family, including his wife Beth Chapman, and his children Duane Lee Chapman Jr., Leland Chapman, and Lyssa Chapman.
Each episode of the show followed Chapman and his team as they tracked down fugitives who had skipped bail. The show was known for its high-stakes chases and dramatic confrontations, as well as for Chapman’s distinctive look and catchphrases, such as “I’m the Dog, and you’re the kitty.”
“Dog the Bounty Hunter” was a hit with viewers and helped to make Chapman and his family household names. The show also spawned several spin-offs, including “Dog and Beth: On the Hunt,” which aired on CMT from 2013 to 2015.
However, the show was not without controversy. In 2007, Chapman was caught on tape using racial slurs, which led to the suspension of the show. The suspension was later lifted, and the show continued to air until 2012. Beth Chapman passed away in 2019 after battling throat cancer, which led to the cancellation of a planned revival of “Dog the Bounty Hunter.”
Career
After her divorce from Duane, Lyssa became a bail bondswoman and worked with him on his bounty-hunting team. She quickly became known for her tough demeanor and no-nonsense attitude. Her skills as a bounty hunter were showcased on “Dog the Bounty Hunter,” which aired on A&E from 2004 to 2012.
Lyssa was known for her tenacity and ability to track down fugitives. She was also a skilled negotiator and often diffused tense situations. Her work as a bounty hunter brought her fame and recognition, and she became a household name in the United States.
In addition to her work as a bounty hunter, Lyssa has also written a memoir, “Walking on Eggshells: Discovering Strength and Courage Amid Chaos,” which was published in 2011. In the book, she discusses her difficult childhood, her marriage to Duane, and her experiences with domestic abuse.
Lyssa Rae Brittain Personal Life
After her divorce from Duane, Lyssa was married twice. Her first marriage was to Brahman “Bo” Galanti, whom she married in 1994. The couple had a daughter together, Abbie Mae Chapman before they divorced in 2003.
Lyssa’s second marriage was to Richard Kurt Clem, whom she married in 2009. The two were together for several years before they divorced in 2011. Since then, Lyssa has been focused on her personal life and has largely stayed out of the public eye.
In 2019, Lyssa’s half-sister, Bonnie Jo Chapman, died tragically at the age of 20 in a car accident. Lyssa and her family were devastated by the loss, and she took to social media to express her grief.
Lyssa currently resides in Colorado and is reportedly retired from bounty hunting. She has been spending time with her family and enjoying a quieter life out of the spotlight.
6 Facts On Lyssa Rae Brittain That Might Surprise You!
- Following her divorce from Chapman, Brittain Sr. struggled with substance abuse and addiction.
- Brittain Sr. was arrested multiple times over the years, including for drug possession and theft.
- Lyssa became a born-again Christian in the 2000s and worked to turn her life around.
- Brittain Sr. passed away in 2013 at the age of 59 from throat cancer.
- Brittain Sr.’s daughter, Barbara Katie Chapman, tragically passed away in a car accident in 2006 at the age of 23.
- Despite the challenges she faced in her life, Brittain Sr. was remembered by her loved ones as a kind and loving person who was devoted to her family.
