Amber Portwood rose to fame as one of the original cast members of MTV’s 16 and Pregnant and Teen Mom, capturing public attention with her raw, unfiltered portrayal of young motherhood. Over the years, she has become a complex figure—both celebrated and criticized—for her openness about mental health, legal battles, and personal growth.

Quick Bio

Early Life and Family Background

Born on May 14, 1990, in Anderson, Indiana, Amber Portwood grew up in a household marked by emotional challenges. Her parents, Tonya and Shawn Edwin Portwood Sr., had a strained relationship, and Amber often spoke about feeling neglected during her early teens. She had two siblings—Shawn Jr., a U.S. Army veteran, and Candace, who tragically passed away in infancy. These early experiences shaped Amber’s emotional resilience and would later influence her public advocacy for mental health awareness.

Education and Teenage Years

Amber attended Anderson High School but dropped out after becoming pregnant as a teenager. Despite the setback, she later earned her GED, demonstrating her determination to improve her life. Her teenage years were turbulent, marked by early motherhood, strained relationships, and the beginning of her journey into the public eye.

Reality TV Debut: “16 and Pregnant”

In 2009, Amber Portwood made her television debut on MTV’s 16 and Pregnant, where her story of teen pregnancy with then-boyfriend Gary Shirley was documented. The episode resonated with viewers for its emotional intensity and the challenges Amber faced as a young mother. Her daughter, Leah Leann Shirley, was born on November 12, 2008, and the show’s success led to her casting in the spin-off series Teen Mom.

Teen Mom and Teen Mom OG

Amber became a central figure in Teen Mom, which chronicled her life as a young mother navigating relationships, parenting, and personal growth. The show later evolved into Teen Mom OG, where Amber continued to share her journey. Her candidness about her struggles—ranging from mental health to legal issues—made her one of the most talked-about personalities in the franchise. Despite criticism, her willingness to be vulnerable earned her a loyal fan base.

Relationships and Children

Amber’s personal life has been a focal point of her public narrative. She was engaged to Gary Shirley, with whom she shares daughter Leah. After their separation, Gary was granted full custody of Leah in 2011. Amber later became engaged to Matt Baier (2014–2017), a relationship that ended amid controversy. In 2017, she began dating Andrew Glennon, and they welcomed a son, James Andrew Glennon, in 2018. Their relationship ended in 2019 following a domestic violence incident. In 2024, Amber announced her engagement to Gary Wayt, though the relationship drew media attention after Wayt was briefly reported missing.

Age and Physical Appearance

As of 2025, Amber Portwood is 35 years old. She stands at approximately 5 feet 4 inches tall and has a curvy build. With her brown hair, expressive eyes, and distinctive style, Amber has maintained a consistent public image. Her appearance has evolved over the years, reflecting her personal growth and changing lifestyle.

Mental Health and Personal Struggles

Amber has been open about her diagnoses of bipolar disorder and borderline personality disorder. She has sought treatment multiple times and has used her platform to advocate for mental health awareness. Her memoir, So, You’re Crazy Too?, published in 2022, offers a raw look into her emotional battles and the stigma surrounding mental illness. Her transparency has helped normalize conversations around mental health, especially for young mothers and reality TV audiences.

Legal Issues and Public Controversies

Amber’s life has not been without controversy. In 2010, MTV aired footage of her physically assaulting Gary Shirley, leading to legal action and eventual imprisonment. She has faced multiple charges over the years, including domestic battery and probation violations. Her custody battles, particularly with Andrew Glennon over their son James, have also made headlines. Despite these challenges, Amber has consistently expressed a desire to grow and learn from her past.

Career Beyond Reality TV

Beyond her television career, Amber Portwood has explored other ventures. She appeared on Marriage Boot Camp in 2017 and authored two books: Never Too Late (2014), a memoir about her early life and recovery, and So, You’re Crazy Too? (2022), focused on mental health. These projects have allowed her to connect with audiences beyond reality TV and establish herself as a voice for personal transformation.

Recent Engagement and Personal Updates

In 2024, Amber announced her engagement to Gary Wayt, a relationship that quickly became the subject of media speculation after Wayt was reported missing in North Carolina. He was later found safe, but the incident added another layer of complexity to Amber’s already public life. Despite the scrutiny, she has continued to focus on her children, career, and personal healing.

Legacy and Public Perception

Amber Portwood remains a polarizing figure. To some, she is a cautionary tale of fame and its pitfalls; to others, she is a symbol of resilience and transparency. Her journey has sparked important conversations about mental health, domestic violence, and young motherhood. Whether admired or criticized, Amber’s impact on reality television and public discourse is undeniable.

Conclusion

From a teenage mother in Anderson, Indiana, to a nationally recognized reality star and mental health advocate, Amber Portwood has lived a life filled with highs and lows. Her story is one of struggle, growth, and unwavering honesty. As she continues to evolve, her legacy will likely remain a complex but powerful chapter in the world of reality television.

FAQs

Who is Amber Portwood?
Amber Portwood is an American reality TV personality best known for her appearances on MTV’s 16 and Pregnant and Teen Mom OG. She is also an author and mental health advocate.

How old is Amber Portwood?
She was born on May 14, 1990, making her 35 years old as of 2025.

How many children does Amber Portwood have?
Amber has two children: Leah Leann Shirley with ex-fiancé Gary Shirley, and James Andrew Glennon with former partner Andrew Glennon.

Is Amber Portwood currently engaged?
Yes, in 2024 she announced her engagement to Gary Wayt, though the relationship drew media attention after his brief disappearance.

What mental health conditions has Amber Portwood discussed publicly?
She has been open about living with bipolar disorder and borderline personality disorder, and has advocated for mental health awareness.

Has Amber Portwood written any books?
Yes, she authored Never Too Late and So, You’re Crazy Too?, both of which explore her personal struggles and growth.

What legal issues has Amber Portwood faced?
Amber has had multiple legal challenges, including domestic violence charges and custody disputes, which have been widely covered in the media.

Where does Amber Portwood live?
As of recent reports, she has been living in Indiana, though she has also spent time in temporary residences following personal transitions.

What is Amber Portwood’s net worth?
Her estimated net worth ranges from $10,000 to $1 million, reflecting her reality TV earnings and book sales

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