Amber Portwood is a reality TV star, author, and media personality best known for her appearance on MTV’s 16 and Pregnant and Teen Mom series. Since her debut in 2009, Amber has been one of the most talked-about figures in reality television, thanks to her high-profile relationships, legal troubles, and struggles with mental health.
Despite facing many personal and legal challenges, Amber has remained a key figure in reality TV, inspiring conversations about parenting, personal growth, and mental health awareness. She has also authored books, launched businesses, and advocated for mental health issues, making her one of the most recognizable names in the Teen Mom franchise.
This article explores Amber Portwood biography, age, career journey, net worth (2025), height, personal life, and more.
Amber Portwood: Personal Details Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Amber Leann Portwood |
| Date of Birth | May 14, 1990 |
| Age (as of 2025) | 35 years old |
| Birthplace | Anderson, Indiana, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Caucasian |
| Zodiac Sign | Taurus |
| Profession | Reality TV Star, Author, Entrepreneur |
| Height | 5 feet 4 inches (163 cm) |
| Weight | Approx. 65 kg (143 lbs) |
| Hair Color | Dark Brown |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Marital Status | Single |
| Children | 2 (Leah Leann Shirley & James Andrew Glennon) |
| Net Worth (2025) | Estimated at $1.5 million |
| @AmberLPortwood |
Early Life & Background
Amber Portwood was born on May 14, 1990, in Anderson, Indiana. She had a difficult upbringing, and her early years were marked by family struggles and personal challenges.
During her teenage years, Amber became pregnant with her first child, Leah, while in a relationship with Gary Shirley. At the time, she was just 16 years old, which led to her being cast in MTV’s 16 and Pregnant in 2009.
Amber’s early life was heavily documented on reality TV, showing her struggles with young motherhood, relationship issues, and financial instability.
Career Journey
Rise to Fame: 16 and Pregnant (2009)
Amber Portwood first gained national attention when she appeared in MTV’s documentary-style show 16 and Pregnant in 2009. The series followed teenage mothers as they navigated the realities of early motherhood, relationships, and financial struggles.
Amber’s season of the show focused on:
- Her on-again, off-again relationship with Gary Shirley.
- Her struggles with mental health and anger management.
- The birth of her daughter, Leah Leann Shirley.
Amber’s storyline was one of the most dramatic, leading to her being selected for the spinoff show Teen Mom.
Success with Teen Mom (2009–2012, 2015–2023)
Following her success on 16 and Pregnant, Amber became a main cast member on MTV’s Teen Mom, which followed the lives of young mothers from the original series.
Throughout her years on Teen Mom, Amber’s storyline revolved around:
- Her turbulent relationship with Gary Shirley.
- Her struggles with substance abuse and legal issues.
- Her time in prison (2012–2013) and personal recovery journey.
- Her relationship with Andrew Glennon and the birth of her second child, James.
Amber remained a central figure in the Teen Mom franchise until 2023, when she took a step back from television to focus on her mental health and legal battles.
Legal Issues & Personal Struggles
Amber’s legal troubles have been widely publicized, including:
- 2010 – Arrested for domestic violence against Gary Shirley, caught on camera during Teen Mom.
- 2012 – Sentenced to five years in prison for drug-related charges but was released early in 2013.
- 2019 – Arrested for domestic violence against Andrew Glennon, resulting in a custody battle for their son, James.
Despite these setbacks, Amber has continued to work on herself, often speaking openly about mental health and personal struggles.
Author & Business Ventures
Amber has also built a career beyond reality TV, including:
1. Book Releases
Amber has written two books:
- “Never Too Late” (2014) – A memoir about her struggles, addiction, and personal growth.
- “So, You’re Crazy Too?” (2022) – A book discussing mental health and personal struggles with bipolar disorder and borderline personality disorder.
2. Podcast & Mental Health Advocacy
Amber has used her platform to advocate for mental health awareness, discussing topics like:
- Depression & anxiety.
- Anger management.
- Substance abuse recovery.
She has made guest appearances on talk shows and podcasts to share her personal journey and encourage others to seek help.
Amber Portwood’s Net Worth (2025)
As of 2025, Amber Portwood estimated net worth is around $1.5 million.
Sources of Income
- Reality TV Salary – Earned a significant amount from Teen Mom (approx. $250,000 per season).
- Book Sales – Income from her published books.
- Brand Deals & Sponsorships – Occasional endorsement deals and partnerships.
- Business Ventures – Personal projects, podcasts, and guest appearances.
Amber’s financial journey has had its ups and downs, but she continues to work on stabilizing her career.
Personal Life & Relationships
Amber Portwood personal life has been highly publicized, with several high-profile relationships:
- Gary Shirley (2007–2011) – Father of her daughter, Leah Shirley.
- Matt Baier (2014–2017) – Former fiancé; their relationship ended due to financial issues and trust problems.
- Andrew Glennon (2017–2019) – Father of her son, James Andrew Glennon. Their relationship ended after Amber was arrested for domestic violence, leading to a custody battle.
As of 2025, Amber is reportedly single and focusing on herself and her children.
Amber Portwood’s Physical Appearance
Amber Portwood has undergone various transformations throughout her career.
- Height: 5 feet 4 inches (163 cm)
- Weight: Approx. 65 kg (143 lbs)
- Hair Color: Dark Brown
- Eye Color: Brown
She has been open about weight loss struggles and body confidence, inspiring fans to embrace self-love and wellness.
Fun Facts About Amber Portwood
- She served 17 months in prison before being released early for good behavior.
- She has openly discussed her diagnosis of bipolar disorder and BPD.
- Despite her struggles, she remains a devoted mother to Leah and James.
- She loves tattoos and has multiple inked designs.
- She dreams of expanding her career beyond reality TV into business and writing.
What’s Next for Amber Portwood in 2025?
Amber Portwood is expected to:
- Continue focusing on mental health advocacy.
- Work on new writing projects and business ventures.
- Stay involved in the Teen Mom franchise through guest appearances.
With resilience and self-growth, Amber remains one of the most talked-about figures in reality TV history.
Conclusion
Amber Portwood journey from a teen mother on reality TV to an advocate for mental health and personal growth has been filled with ups and downs. Despite facing legal troubles, public scrutiny, and personal struggles, she has continued to work on herself and remain a dedicated mother. Her career has evolved beyond Teen Mom, with book releases, business ventures, and advocacy work. As of 2025, Amber is focused on self-improvement, family, and new opportunities. Her story serves as a reminder that personal growth is possible, no matter the challenges. Fans eagerly await what’s next for her.