Basic Information
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Libby Ann Gaskin (also known as Libby Gaskin Esch) |
| Nationality | American |
| Home Base | Jasper, Alabama, U.S. |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse | Eric Scott “Butterbean” Esch (m. December 1984) |
| Children | Brandon, Caleb, and Grace |
| Known For | Longtime partner of fighter and entertainer Eric “Butterbean” Esch; co-running a family restaurant |
| Occupation/Role | Homemaker, hospitality and operations lead in family business |
| Primary Business | Mr. Bean’s BBQ (Jasper, Alabama) |
| Business Opening | 2018 |
| Public Presence | Low-profile; occasional appearances alongside family |
| Estimated Age | Late 50s as of 2025 (unconfirmed) |
A Life Built on Support, Community, and Family
The portrait that emerges of Libby Gaskin is one of constancy—a steady hand behind a whirlwind public life. Reports place her early years in Alabama, where she cultivated the resilience and practicality that would define her adult life. She avoids the limelight, yet the gravity of her presence is unmistakable: she’s the anchor point of a family that has navigated decades of arenas, cameras, and crowds.
Her marriage to Eric “Butterbean” Esch in December 1984 became the axis around which the rest of the story turned. From local Toughman Contests to international rings, from fight nights to fan conventions, Libby’s role has been the reliable home base—organizing, stabilizing, and nurturing a family that grew to include three children and, eventually, a community-facing business. The milestones are public; the daily work that made them possible is hers.
Marriage to a Heavyweight of Popular Culture
Eric Esch’s career stretches across boxing, kickboxing, mixed martial arts, and professional wrestling. For more than 40 years, Libby has been by his side. As Eric’s bouts stacked up—wins, losses, knockouts, and comebacks—Libby’s contributions were quieter but no less decisive: holding the family together, handling logistics, and balancing the realities of a high-profile, travel-heavy livelihood.
Through the 1990s and 2000s, as Eric became a crossover figure—appearing on television, in films, and at events—Libby’s preference for privacy helped preserve a stable home base. The family ultimately settled in Jasper, Alabama, where life outside the ring could be just that: life.
The Children: Brandon, Caleb, and Grace
All three children have been part of the family’s shared journey, each carving a path that reflects both independence and unity.
- Brandon, the eldest, stepped into mixed martial arts between 2008 and 2010, echoing his father’s competitive spirit.
- Caleb also pursued MMA, racking up his own ring experience.
- Grace gravitated toward hospitality and service, taking on a leadership role at the family restaurant.
Family Snapshot
| Name | Relationship | Notable Involvement | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brandon Esch | Son | Competed in MMA (approx. 2008–2010) | Often referenced as the eldest |
| Caleb Esch | Son | Competed in MMA | Known for pursuing his own fights |
| Grace Esch | Daughter | Bartender/Front-of-house management at Mr. Bean’s BBQ | Works closely with Libby |
The family dynamic is practical and tight-knit—more of a crew than an entourage. Their shared business underscores that bond, giving them a common table around which life and work converge.
Mr. Bean’s BBQ: The Family’s Community Table
In 2018, the Esch-Gaskin family opened Mr. Bean’s BBQ in Jasper. If fight venues were the stage of yesteryear, the restaurant is the modern-day gathering place—warm, communal, and hands-on. Libby’s role sits at the heart of operations: customer service, staff oversight, and day-to-day management that keeps the doors open and the smoke rolling.
It’s the kind of business that thrives when the people behind it show up—every day, on time, with pride. That’s Libby’s imprint. Regulars come for the barbecue; they stay for the atmosphere. A daughter behind the bar, a mother at the helm, a father greeting guests—this is the family enterprise in full view.
Health, Comebacks, and a Public Reintroduction
From 2022 into 2024, Eric’s health journey—marked by major weight loss and renewed mobility—put the couple back in the public conversation. By 2024, he had lost more than 200 lbs and was moving with a vigor not seen in years. Libby’s presence during this period was steady and supportive, reflected in rare public appearances at events and conventions.
In early 2025, Eric announced a return to the ring—this time to pro wrestling—signaling a new chapter fueled by resilience. Libby, true to form, appeared only occasionally, often in the background, focused on family and business while cheering him on.
Timeline Highlights
| Year/Period | Event |
|---|---|
| Mid-1960s | Estimated birth window for Libby (unconfirmed) |
| Early 1980s | Libby and Eric meet and begin dating in Alabama |
| December 1984 | Marriage in Alabama |
| Late 1980s–1990s | Birth of three children; Libby supports family amid Eric’s early fighting career |
| 1994–2013 | Eric’s active years across boxing, kickboxing, MMA, and pro wrestling; Libby anchors the household |
| 2018 | Mr. Bean’s BBQ opens in Jasper, Alabama |
| 2022–2024 | Eric undertakes significant health transformation; mobility returns |
| 2024 | Family makes occasional public appearances; community engagement grows |
| 2025 | Eric announces return to wrestling; family remains business-focused |
A Financial Picture (Estimates)
Public estimates suggest that the family’s financial stability is a composite of fight purses, media appearances, and the restaurant’s ongoing operations. Rough figures often cited place Eric’s net worth around the mid–six figures, while Libby’s contribution through the business is frequently described as a stabilizing engine, with some estimates suggesting a seven-figure valuation tied to her role and the restaurant’s performance. These numbers are best read as approximations rather than audited certainties.
Work Ethic and Roles Behind the Scenes
Before the restaurant, Libby worked in service roles, gaining the kind of experience that translates directly into a successful hospitality venture: patience under pressure, attention to detail, and a knack for reading the room. At Mr. Bean’s BBQ, those skills became the blueprint for consistent service and strong community ties.
Her leadership style is unpretentious—more coach than boss, more collaborator than director. In a world where fame often eclipses function, Libby’s day-to-day diligence is the quiet machinery that keeps the enterprise humming.
Public Presence, By Choice and By Proximity
Libby keeps a low profile online and off. When she appears publicly, it’s usually alongside family at community events or fan gatherings. That choice—limited exposure, intentional privacy—has preserved the family’s balance over four decades. If Eric is the marquee name, Libby is the north star: steady, reliable, guiding without demanding attention.
FAQ
Who is Libby Gaskin?
She is the longtime spouse of Eric “Butterbean” Esch and a key figure in managing their family and business in Jasper, Alabama.
How old is she?
Her exact birth date isn’t public; estimates place her in her late 50s as of 2025.
When did she marry Eric “Butterbean” Esch?
They married in December 1984 and have been together for over 40 years.
Where does the family live?
They reside in Jasper, Alabama, where they also operate their restaurant.
What is Mr. Bean’s BBQ?
It’s the family’s barbecue restaurant, opened in 2018, with Libby overseeing operations and customer experience.
Do their children work with them?
Yes, especially their daughter Grace, who helps manage front-of-house, while the sons have histories in mixed martial arts.
Is Libby active on social media?
She keeps a low public profile, with only occasional mentions tied to family events and appearances.
