Patricia Krentcil, better known as “Tan Mom,” first made headlines in 2012 after being charged with child endangerment, sparking viral attention due to her extreme tanning habits. At the time, she reportedly visited tanning salons up to five times a week and was accused of taking her six-year-old daughter into a tanning booth, which led to public outrage and intense media scrutiny. Though she denied the claim and insisted her daughter’s sunburn came from playing outside, she was arrested but eventually cleared of all charges by a grand jury.
Patricia’s deep tan and overuse of tanning beds brought attention to a phenomenon called “tanorexia,” a compulsive need to tan that can distort one’s perception of skin tone. Health professionals described her case as extreme, citing serious risks such as skin damage, cancer, and psychological issues like body dysmorphic disorder. Her tanning obsession began in her early 20s and quickly became a regular part of her lifestyle.
Following the scandal, Patricia became the subject of widespread mockery and media attention, including parodies by celebrities and sketch shows. The negative spotlight took a toll on her and her family, prompting a move to Florida for a fresh start. Her children reportedly faced bullying at school, and Patricia admitted to struggling with drinking amid the chaos.
Despite being cleared legally, Patricia embraced the “Tan Mom” persona, seeking to capitalize on her fame by considering a film about her life, launching a tanning product line, and exploring modeling and media opportunities.
In 2019, her health took a serious turn when she was hospitalized with pneumonia, pancreatitis, and sepsis, and even went into cardiac arrest. She was placed on life support but eventually recovered.
Today, Patricia seems to be in a better place. She still tans, though less frequently, and continues to embrace her unique identity. Speaking to the media in 2021, she shared that she has learned to separate her public persona from her private life, viewing “Tan Mom” and Patricia Marie as two distinct versions of herself.