Austen Kroll has carved a distinctive niche in the reality television landscape as a charismatic and often polarizing figure on the hit Bravo series Southern Charm. Born on June 16, 1987, in Charleston, South Carolina, Kroll grew up in the heart of the Lowcountry, an upbringing that would deeply influence his personal brand and professional pursuits. He is the son of Jim Kroll, a prominent local businessman who owns a successful beverage distribution company, which provided Austen with a comfortable and well-connected foundation in the city’s social circles. He attended the College of Charleston, where he earned a degree in business, and later pursued a master's degree in business administration, equipping him with the acumen that would later fuel his entrepreneurial ventures.

Before his television fame, Kroll worked in corporate sales and marketing, but his path to the small screen began when he was introduced to the cast of Southern Charm through his long-time friendship with Shep Rose. He joined the series as a recurring cast member in its third season in 2016 and was quickly promoted to a full-time role, where his dynamic and often tumultuous relationships became central storylines. His on-again, off-again romance with castmate Chelsea Meissner and his intense, frequently contentious rivalry with Craig Conover and Madison LeCroy endeared him to audiences for his unfiltered honesty and emotional vulnerability, even as his personal decisions often sparked heated debate among viewers. Kroll’s ability to remain authentic in the face of drama solidified his status as a fan favorite, and he has remained a core member of the ensemble through multiple seasons, navigating the shifting alliances and personal growth of the group.

Beyond the reality show, Kroll has leveraged his platform to build a thriving business career. In 2019, he launched his own craft beer brand, King Charles Ale, which pays homage to Charleston’s royal namesake and quickly gained a loyal following in the local market. His entrepreneurial spirit extends to other ventures, including co-owning a bar and restaurant in the city, and he has become a recognizable fixture in Charleston’s hospitality scene. Kroll has also made appearances on other Bravo properties, including Winter House, where his romantic entanglements with Lindsay Hubbard and Ciara Miller further expanded his reality TV footprint and showcased his ability to thrive in ensemble settings beyond his home series. These crossovers have allowed him to connect with a broader audience while maintaining his roots in the Southern charm lifestyle.

In his personal life, Kroll has been open about his struggles with anxiety and the pressures of public scrutiny, often using his platform to discuss mental health in a candid manner. He has remained close with his family, frequently featuring his father on the show, and his loyalty to his Charleston roots is a defining aspect of his identity. As of late, Kroll continues to appear on Southern Charm, where recent seasons have chronicled his efforts to mature, build lasting relationships, and focus on his business ventures. His journey from a local businessman to a nationally recognized reality star is a testament to his resilience and charisma, and he remains an integral part of the Bravo universe, captivating audiences with his blend of Southern charm, unfiltered candor, and relentless drive to succeed.