You probably recognize the face. Whether it was from a billboard in Cape Town or that intense second season of The Bachelor South Africa, Marc Buckner is one of those guys who just seems to stay in the public eye. But honestly, if you think he’s just a reality TV star who hands out roses, you’re missing the actual story.
By 2026, the landscape of celebrity has shifted. People don't just want a pretty face; they want someone who actually does stuff. Marc has managed to transition from a "TV hunk" into a serious businessman, a crypto advocate, and a fitness personality who spends more time with his dog than at red-carpet parties.
He’s 43 now. He isn’t chasing the same things he was at 25. He’s much more focused on property, wellness, and—as he often says—just being a "real human" on social media.
Who is Marc Buckner? The Man Beyond the Reality TV Label
Marc Brent Buckner was born in Durban and grew up in Hout Bay. He wasn't some rich kid who fell into fame. He started modeling at 16, and anyone in that industry will tell you it’s a grind. He spent years in Europe, basically living on a shoestring budget to make it.
That grit is what most people miss. They see the six-pack and the jawline, but they don't see the guy who had to figure out how to survive in foreign cities as a teenager.
He eventually became a household name in 2020. The Bachelor SA season two put him in front of millions. It was a weird time—global lockdowns were starting, and everyone was watching this guy try to find love on a screen. He picked Marisia van Wyk, and they had a whole "on-and-off" saga that kept the tabloids busy for a good two years.
But Marc’s relationship with fame is complicated. He’s been pretty vocal about how the show "destroyed the fantasy" of love for him. He doesn't want the Hollywood version anymore. He wants something authentic.
The Recent Rumors: What’s Really Going on With Timo Hagen?
If you've been on Instagram lately, you’ve definitely seen the "bromance" between Marc and German model Timo Hagen. They’re constantly together. Gym sessions, rugby matches, even those slightly provocative videos where they’re just hanging out in towels.
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Naturally, the internet did what the internet does. People started speculating. Is he dating him? Is he coming out?
Marc actually cleared this up recently on the Wickedly Well podcast. He was pretty blunt about it. "To make it simple: we’re not a gay couple," he said. He and Timo are just two guys who hit the gym together and realized that collaborating on content is way more fun than standing in front of a tripod alone.
It’s an interesting look at modern friendship. They motivate each other. They share the same "health-first" mindset. In a world where men often struggle to show close platonic bonds, Marc is just doing his thing and letting people talk.
From Fashion to Finance: How He Makes His Money
One thing Marc’s mom, Jenny, once mentioned is that Marc has been an investor since he was 12. Think about that. Most 12-year-olds are worried about video games, and he was already looking at how to grow his money.
He’s a "multiple property owner" and a currency trader. He’s not just relying on a modeling check.
- Crypto and Web3: He’s been a big proponent of Bitcoin and digital assets. He even hosted webinars for Binance to teach South Africans the basics of blockchain.
- Property Development: He’s deep into the Cape Town real estate scene. He recently focused on renovating his own home to gift to his mom—which is a pretty legendary move, honestly.
- Online Coaching: He took his years of fitness knowledge from New York and South Africa and turned it into a digital coaching business.
He’s also a massive DIY guy. He builds his own furniture. He grows his own vegetables. It’s this weird mix of "high-end international model" and "guy who lives in his trackpants and fixes his own sink."
The Health Journey: A Near-Death Wake-Up Call
A lot of people think his fitness is just vanity. It’s not. Marc was in a serious motorcycle accident years ago. It was the kind of crash where doctors tell you that you might never walk properly again.
That changed everything for him.
He didn't just go to PT; he became obsessed with nutrition, herbs, and supplements. He started researching how to heal the body from the inside out. If you see him posting about superfoods or organic animal products, it’s because he literally used those things to rebuild his life.
His daily routine is pretty locked in now.
- Morning: Nature. Always. Whether it’s a hike with his dog, LuSi, or a swim.
- Food: Holistic. 100% natural. He’s big on dates (the fruit, not the social activity, though he jokes about both).
- Mindset: He’s moved away from high-adrenaline stuff like kickboxing and downhill mountain biking toward a "slower pace."
What’s Next for Marc in 2026?
Marc isn't looking for the spotlight like he used to. He’s actually talked about wanting to retire from the "influencer" life eventually. His goal is to build a sustainable future through smart investments so he can just spend time with his family, his friends, and more dogs.
He’s currently single—at least officially. He’s said he isn’t ready to meet "the one" yet because he’s still working on being happy with himself. It sounds like a cliché, but when you’ve had your romantic life broadcast to an entire country, you probably need some time to decompress.
Actionable Takeaways from Marc’s Journey
If you’re looking at Marc Buckner as a blueprint, here’s what you can actually learn:
- Pivot Before You Have To: He didn't wait for modeling to dry up. He started investing in property and crypto early.
- Health is Wealth: His recovery from a major accident proves that consistency in nutrition and movement isn't just about looks—it's about survival.
- Ignore the Noise: Whether it’s rumors about his sexuality or critiques of his "Bachelor" days, he stays focused on his own lane.
- Family First: Renovating a house for your mom is a better status symbol than a fancy car.
Marc Buckner is basically the poster child for the "Modern South African Man" who is trying to balance traditional grit with new-age wellness. He’s complicated, he’s successful, and he’s definitely more than just a guy who once handed out roses.