Bernt Bodal at a Glance
Bernt Bodal’s Net Worth and Life: From Musician to Seafood Mogul
Bernt Bodal is a prominent figure in the business world, known for his significant contributions to the seafood industry and his marriage to a star of “The Real Housewives of Orange County.” This article delves into Bernt Bodal’s net worth, career, personal life, and real estate holdings, providing a comprehensive look at the man behind the headlines.
Early Life and Musical Pursuits
Bernt Bodal was born in Oslo, Norway, and spent his formative years in a small town just outside the capital. Before making his mark in the business world, Bodal pursued a career in music. He was a musician with a passion for rock and roll, releasing three albums with his band, Host. His musical journey led him to perform alongside several well-known artists, including Sammy Hagar and Roger Daltrey. This early chapter of his life showcases a different facet of his personality and hints at his diverse interests.
Following his parents’ move to the United States to work in the fishing industry, Bodal also transitioned his focus. He started his career in the United States as a fisherman for a fish processing company in Massachusetts.
American Seafoods and Business Ventures
Bodal’s business acumen came to the forefront in 1999 when he, along with a group of investors, acquired American Seafoods. He took the helm as CEO in 2000 and remained in that position until 2017. Under his leadership, American Seafoods experienced substantial growth, with annual revenues reaching $600 million. As the majority shareholder, Bodal’s financial success is largely tied to the performance of this major seafood company. He retired from the day-to-day operations of the business in May 2018, but his influence on the company continues.
Bodal’s business operations also led to an appearance on the reality television series “Undercover Boss” in 2012. The show featured him working alongside his employees on one of his fishing boats, offering viewers a behind-the-scenes look at his leadership style and the inner workings of American Seafoods.

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Personal Life, Real Estate, and ‘Real Housewives’ Fame
Bernt Bodal’s personal life gained public attention through his marriage to Elizabeth Lyn Vargas. They were married for 17 years and together for a total of 20 years. The relationship became a subject of media interest when Elizabeth joined the cast of “The Real Housewives of Orange County” in 2020. The couple separated in 2017, and their divorce proceedings took three years to finalize.
During their marriage, Bernt and Elizabeth invested in several properties, including a home in La Quinta, California. In 2008, they purchased a property in La Quinta for $3.5 million. The couple built a luxurious 10,500-square-foot mansion on the site in 2014, featuring 6 bedrooms and 9 bathrooms. This exclusive community is known for its high-profile residents, as Sylvester Stallone and members of the Kardashian family also own homes nearby.
After their separation, Bernt and Elizabeth listed their La Quinta home for sale in 2017. Initially listed for $11.9 million, the property eventually sold in July 2020 for $8.5 million, after multiple price reductions, reflecting market adjustments and the complexities of their divorce.
In addition to the La Quinta property, Bernt and Elizabeth owned a mansion in Woodway, Washington. They purchased the 11,600-square-foot estate in 2003 for $4.5 million. The French Chateau-style home included a movie theater, a greenhouse, a guest house, a tennis court, and a large lawn suitable for a helicopter. The couple sold this property in June 2016 for $8 million, showcasing their successful real estate investments.
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Conclusion
Bernt Bodal’s story is one of diverse interests and substantial achievements. From his early days as a musician to his rise as a CEO in the seafood industry, Bodal has demonstrated both talent and business acumen. His personal life, including his marriage to Elizabeth Lyn Vargas and their real estate ventures, has further added to his public profile. Bernt Bodal’s net worth of $200 million reflects his successful career and his strategic investments, cementing his place among the notable figures in both the business and entertainment worlds.