MrBeast, known off-screen as James Stephen “Jimmy” Donaldson, has emerged as the most followed creator on YouTube, significantly impacting the platform since he began posting videos at the age of 13. From gaming playthroughs to estimating the net worth of fellow content creators, MrBeast’s content has evolved dramatically, leading him to become a self-made billionaire with a reported net worth of at least $1 billion, according to CelebrityNetWorth.com.
Integral to Jimmy’s thriving media empire is his fiancée, Thea Booysen, a 28-year-old South African content creator. The two often collaborate and share common interests, particularly in gaming. While Thea’s YouTube channel, where she is known as TheaBeasty, boasts nearly 40,000 followers, she has also made a name for herself in the esports community, co-owning a South African esports organization, Nixuh, since her career began in 2016.
Impressively, Thea has balanced her professional pursuits with academic achievements, holding three degrees. She earned a bachelor’s degree in law and honors in psychology from Stellenbosch University, followed by a master’s in human cognitive neuropsychology from the University of Edinburgh. Thea’s commitment to continuous learning resonates with Jimmy, who admires her love for education and self-improvement, as he shared during a recent appearance on the Lex Fridman Podcast.
The couple’s story began in 2022 when they fortuitously met in South Africa. Jimmy was originally there to film a video with fellow influencers, but after a COVID-19 outbreak forced them to change their plans, he found himself dining with one of Thea’s friends, where their paths crossed. Thea fondly recalls their connection, noting Jimmy’s engaging conversation as particularly attractive.
Beyond gaming and academics, Thea is also a published author. In 2022, she released her debut young adult novel, “The Marked Children,” which has received positive feedback on Goodreads. Thea expressed her pride in seeing her work evolve from digital documents to printed pages, emphasizing how fulfilling the journey has been.
Together, MrBeast and Thea Booysen represent a dynamic duo in both the gaming and content creation worlds, creating a blend of entertainment and intellect that resonates with their audience.