Retired Professional Wrestler Jesse Ventura Credits His Wife As The Emotional and Technological Backbone Of Their Enduring Marriage

Jesse Ventura’s wife, Theresa Larson, has been his partner in life and politics for nearly 50 years.

Jesse built one of America’s most diverse and unconventional career paths, transitioning successfully across multiple high-profile industries.

He began his professional journey after Navy service as a heel wrestler from 1975 to 1986, adopting the ring name “Jesse ‘The Body’ Ventura” and becoming a prominent figure in the World Wrestling Federation.

His wrestling success opened doors to Hollywood, where he appeared in notable action films including “Predator” and “The Running Man,” establishing himself as a recognizable actor.

Ventura shocked the political establishment in 1998 when he won Minnesota’s gubernatorial race as a Reform Party candidate, defeating both Democratic and Republican nominees in a major upset.

As the 38th governor from 1999 to 2003, he implemented significant reforms, including property tax changes, the state’s first sales tax rebate, income tax cuts, and construction of the METRO Blue Line light rail system.

After leaving office, he became a visiting fellow at Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government.

His post-political career includes hosting television shows on RT America and Ora TV, writing several books, and remaining active in third-party politics while repeatedly considering independent presidential runs.

Throughout each career phase, Ventura maintained his outspoken, unconventional approach that attracted both supporters and critics.

Jesse Ventura’s Wife Has Changed His Life

Theresa Larson Masters married Jesse Ventura on July 18, 1975, just three days after his 24th birthday, beginning a partnership that spans five decades as of 2025.

Their marriage represents one of the most enduring relationships in entertainment and politics, surviving Jesse’s demanding careers across multiple industries.

The couple built their family with two children: Tyrel, born in 1979, who followed his father’s entertainment path as a television director and producer, and Jade, born in 1984, who maintains a more private lifestyle.

Jesse frequently acknowledges Terry’s indispensable role in their partnership, describing their relationship in deeply emotional terms.

During a revealing interview, he explained,

He emphasizes that losing his wife would feel like “losing a limb,” highlighting the depth of their interdependence.

Terry handles all the technological aspects of Jesse’s life that he deliberately avoids, including internet management, email communication, and digital correspondence.

Jesse humorously notes that his life mission involves never owning a cell phone, and Terry’s technological support makes this possible.

The Ventura family splits their time between two dramatically different places, reflecting their desire for comfort and adventure.

They maintain a residence in White Bear Lake, Minnesota, staying connected to Jesse’s political roots and family heritage.

Their second home sits in Los Cabos, Baja California Sur, Mexico, where they live completely off the grid.

Jesse describes their Mexican lifestyle:

Terry’s health journey became a pivotal moment in their marriage and Jesse’s advocacy work.

Approximately a decade ago, she began experiencing chronic seizures that proved unresponsive to four different seizure medications.

Desperate for relief, the couple explored cannabis treatment, planning a trip to Colorado, where medical marijuana was legal.

Jesse recounts that after three drops of THC tincture under Terry’s tongue, her seizures stopped completely.

This transformative experience drove Jesse to become a passionate cannabis legalization advocate.

Jesse shared Terry’s story during Minnesota Senate testimony in 2023, declaring,

Her health crisis and recovery through cannabis treatment led directly to Jesse’s launch of Jesse Ventura Farms, a hemp-derived THC edibles brand.

Terry actively supports this venture, appearing at launch events and advocacy functions alongside her husband.

In Case You Didn’t Know

• Jesse Ventura served in the United States Navy from 1969 to 1975 as part of Underwater Demolition Team 12, graduating from BUD/S class 58 in December 1970 during the Vietnam War era.
• Near the end of his Navy service, Ventura was a “full-patch” member of the Mongols Motorcycle Club in San Diego, where he held the third-in-command position in his chapter and went by the nickname “Superman.”
• During his professional wrestling career, Ventura used anabolic steroids and later made public service announcements warning young people about the potential dangers and health risks of steroid abuse after retiring from competition.