You know that moment when you're three episodes deep into The Curse of Oak Island, and you suddenly realize you have no idea how old the Lagina brothers actually are? It hits you mid-scene, as Marty is barking orders about another borehole and Rick is staring into the pit with that thousand-yard gaze. You shout at your screen, "Wait, are these guys boomers or what?" I’ve been there. So let’s settle this once and for all, because the internet is shockingly vague about it.
The Short Answer
Rick Lagina was born on January 26, 1952. That makes him 72 years old as of early 2025. His younger brother Marty Lagina was born on March 16, 1955, which puts him at 69. Yes, that’s a three-year gap—and yes, Rick is the elder statesman of the treasure hunt. Not bad for two guys who spend their summers digging in Nova Scotia mud.
Why This Surprises Everyone
Here’s the thing: Rick looks like he could be 80 in some lighting and 60 in others. It’s the hat, the beard, the slow, deliberate way he talks about Templar knights. Meanwhile, Marty has that slick, "I own a vineyard" energy that makes him seem younger—until you see him crawling through a 200-foot shaft. Irony alert: Marty is the one who’s technically closer to 70, yet he’s the one running around like a man half his age. Rick? He’s the brooding philosopher of the operation.
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The "How Did They Get Here?" Backstory
Born in Kingsford, Michigan, these brothers grew up reading about Oak Island in Reader’s Digest—yep, a magazine. That childhood obsession turned into a full-blown dark money pit habit. Rick, a former postal worker (you can feel that in his patience), and Marty, a petroleum engineer who made a fortune in natural gas, teamed up to buy a stake in the island in 2006. Side note: Marty’s net worth is estimated at around $100 million, so he’s not exactly missing a mortgage payment to fund this. Rick? He’s the heart, not the wallet.
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What Their Ages Mean for the Show
Watching two men in their late 60s and early 70s physically destroy themselves on camera is both inspiring and mildly concerning. Rick has had multiple back surgeries and still insists on rappelling down shafts. Marty jokes about "retiring" every season, but then finds a lead cross and suddenly he’s 25 again. The real question: will they ever find the treasure before their knees give out? I’m not being mean—I’m just saying, the Money Pit has been digging for 230 years. They’ve been at it for 19 seasons now. That’s a retirement plan for most people, not a hobby.
A Quick Timeline for the Skeptics
If you want to do the math yourself: Rick turned 71 in January 2024, so he’s currently 72. Marty turned 69 in March 2024. Plenty of forums argue about exact birth dates, but the Lagina family website (yes, that’s a thing) confirms both. Fun fact: Their father was a World War II veteran who died when they were young—which might explain their relentless drive. Or maybe it’s just the thrill of finding a rusty nail from 1790.
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What Does the Future Hold for These Two?
At their ages, every season feels like a victory lap. Rick has hinted he’ll keep digging until he "can’t stand up." Marty, ever the pragmatist, has diversified into winemaking (his Mari Vineyards in Michigan is legit). So even if the treasure is a myth, they’ve already won: they’ve made a TV empire out of hope. Here’s my guess: Rick will outlive us all through sheer stubbornness, and Marty will sell T-shirts that say "I Survived the Money Pit."
So the next time you’re watching them argue over a wooden tunnel that leads to nothing, remember: Rick is 72, Marty is 69, and they’re both living the dream—one that started with a magazine article and a wild idea. Curious about how they stay in shape for this? Same. Probably pure adrenaline and Canadian air.
