Over the years, Thomas Ravenel has made quite a notorious name for himself. From his documented substance use to confirmed cases of physical assault and allegations of rape, the Southern Charm alum is certainly no stranger to run-ins with the law.
Nowadays, whenever anyone mentions Thomas Ravenel, the first thing that comes to mind is the political, legal, and romantic controversies that riddled his entire career.
However, what many don’t know is that behind the scenes, before the wave of scandals and history of assault, Thomas was once married to a Mary Ryan Ravenel. Learn everything about Thomas Ravenel’s first wife below.
Who Is Mary Ryan?
Mary Ryan Ravenal is best known for her brief marriage to Thomas Ravenel, the former South Carolina state treasurer and booted cast member of Southern Charm.
However, despite the public scrutiny that haunted her ex-husband’s entire career, Mary Ryan opted to maintain a private life. A choice that kept her from the headlines and spared her from the media’s prying eyes.
Mary Ryan was born and raised in the same state as Thomas, though her exact date of birth is unknown. And the Southern Charm alum, likely out of respect, rarely shares information about her former wife, so little is known about her upbringing or family.
We do know what Mary Ryan is passionate about: teaching. She’s a special education teacher. She attended Charleston College for her bachelor’s and later, the University of South Carolina for her master’s degree.
Brief Marriage to Ryan Ravenel
The circumstances surrounding Mary Ryan and Thomas’ brief marriage and divorce remain unclear. But you can likely guess what happened between the two, which is typical enough for many celebrity marriages.
Mary Ryan met Thomas sometime in the early ‘90s and, in all likelihood, dated for a few years. They tied the knot in 1995 in front of their friends and family. The union, however, only lasted for more than a year before Thomas called it quits in 1996.
While both parties remained tight-lipped on the cause of the split, some speculate that Thomas’s strained public life may have contributed. By 1998, Mary Ryan and Thomas Ravenel were officially divorced.

Image source: Google
A Quiet Life Away From the Spotlight
After her divorce from the former South Carolina state treasurer, Mary Ryan, who was never comfortable with media attention, stepped away from public life for good.
Now, the former Mrs. Ravenel is focused on fulfilling her life’s calling: teaching and helping children with special needs. The school she teaches at isn’t public knowledge, though for someone who prefers a private life, that’s probably for the best.
Did Mary Ryan and Thomas Ravenel Have Kids?
Mary Ryan’s marriage to Thomas Ravenel notably ended without the couple having children. This, however, allowed her to pursue her teaching career independent of her ex-husband’s scandal-ridden political journey.
Thomas Ravenel, on the other hand, has been through several complicated relationships and near-marriages. The former TV star and politician currently has three children with his co-star and model, Kathryn Dennis, and ex-fiancée Heather Mascoe.
Final Thoughts
Thomas Ravenel’s divorce from his first wife, Mary Ryan, marked the beginning of a controversial public life, plagued by disturbing scandals and legal troubles.
While ending a marriage is always a harrowing experience, one might even say she was fortunate enough to leave as quickly as she did. But, hey, that’s for you to decide.
That’s everything about Mary Ryan Ravenel for now. Follow us for more celebrity scoops and updates!
Featured image source: Google