Ernie Hinojos: Naked and Afraid, Bio, Age, Wife, Ethnicity, Military, Net worth

March 14, 2025March 14, 2025

Ernie Hinojos: Army Veteran on Naked and Afraid

Ernesto Ernie Hinojos is taking on the wild in Naked and Afraid Season 18, which premiered on Discovery on March 9, 2025. A 30-year Army veteran and former police officer from Benton, Arkansas, Ernie’s a superfan turned survivalist, facing a 14-day challenge in the Yucatan Peninsula. This article dives into his story, from his military roots to his TV debut. Let’s meet Ernie!

Table of Contents

Profile Summary
Biography
Age and Birthday
Military Service
Ethnicity
Height
Family
Education
Job
Naked and Afraid Season 18
Net Worth
Instagram

Profile Summary

Full Name: Ernesto Hinojos
Nickname: Ernie Hinojos
Age: 50
Birthday: Not publicly available
Hometown: Benton, Arkansas
Current Residence: Benton, Arkansas
Job: Retired Army Nurse/Police Officer
Show: Naked and Afraid Season 18 (Discovery)
Premiere Date: March 9, 2025
Net Worth: Estimated $100,000 – $300,000
Instagram: @ernesto_adventure

Biography

Ernesto Ernie Hinojos calls Benton, Arkansas, home, a small town in Saline County where he’s built a life of service. He spent 30 years in the Army as a nurse, including time in Iraq, and later worked as a police officer in Little Rock and Bryant. Ernie got hooked on Naked and Afraid while watching with his sister during her recovery from surgery. What began as casual viewing turned into a passion. He took over a fan Facebook page and joined fan cruises. Now, he’s on Season 18, living his survivalist dream.

Ernie Hinojos Age and Birthday

Ernie is 50 years old as of March 14, 2025. His exact birthday isn’t public, but he’s proud to prove age doesn’t hold him back. “I’m not too old,” he’s said, defying skeptics after three decades in the Army.

Ernie Hinojos Military Service

Ernie served 30 years in the Army, retiring as a nurse with experience in intense places like Iraq. He’s handled medical crises and tough conditions, skills he’s now using on Naked and Afraid. His military background gives him an edge in the jungle.

Ernie Hinojos on Naked and Afraid — Ernie Hinojos on Naked and Afraid (Credit: Discovery/Naked and Afraid)

Ernie Hinojos Ethnicity

Hinojos has hinted at Hispanic roots, saying he wants to inspire Latinos. “I want Latinos to know you’re still in control of your life,” he’s noted, suggesting he may identify with that heritage.

Ernie Hinojos Height

Ernie’s height is estimated to be around 5’9” to 6’

Ernie Hinojos Family

Ernie’s married to Jessica, and they have two daughters who were stunned and excited when he got cast on Naked and Afraid season 18. “My wife couldn’t believe it. My kids were like, ‘Really?’” he’s shared. Jessica only grasped it when he left for filming, and now she’s telling everyone.

Education

Ernie likely trained as a nurse through the Army, though details aren’t public. His real-world experience in medicine and policing outweighs any classroom credentials for surviving the wild.

Job

Ernie retired from the Army, where he was a nurse, and from police work in Little Rock and Bryant. Now, he’s a Naked and Afraid fan turned contestant, using his past to conquer this new adventure.

Naked and Afraid Season 18

Ernie’s on Naked and Afraid Season 18, which premiered March 9, 2025, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Discovery. Paired with fitness trainer Amanda, he tackled a 14-day challenge in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula—a dry, harsh area with no rivers, tied to a meteor that might’ve killed dinosaurs. In the premiere on March 9, Ernie and Amanda battled water shortages and rough terrain, relying on his medical know-how and her optimism. A superfan, Ernie ran the True Fans of Naked & Afraid XL Facebook page and met past stars. He hosted a watch party at The Local Tavern in Benton on premiere night, welcoming all.
He’s praised Amanda, a “down-to-earth Christian lady,” for keeping him grounded. “This will be one of the best memories of my life,” Ernie said.

Ernie Hinojos is making his mark on Naked and Afraid Season 18. Catch him Wednesdays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Discovery, starting March 9, 2025, to see how he holds up!

Naked and Afraid Season 18 Cast

Apart from Ernie, the other cast members of the 18th season of Naked and Afraid are:

Ernie Hinojos Net Worth

Ernie has an estimated net worth of around $100,000 to $300,000, thanks to his Army pension and police career. He served for 30 years in the military.

Instagram

Ernie’s Instagram handle is @ernesto_adventure. He shared his excitement about being on Naked and Afraid show there, though he’s kept posts light so far. As Season 18 airs, expect more survival tales. Follow him for the latest!