The Shocking True Story And Full Cast Of 'Mormon Mom Gone Wrong: The Ruby Franke Story'

The dark side of family vlogging was brutally exposed, and now a major network has turned the shocking saga into a movie. Released on October 26, 2024, Lifetime’s *Mormon Mom Gone Wrong: The Ruby Franke Story* delves into the disturbing true events behind the viral YouTube channel "8 Passengers" and the subsequent conviction of its star, Ruby Franke, for aggravated child abuse. This article provides the complete, up-to-date cast list, the latest 2025 status of the real-life figures, and the chilling details that inspired the film, giving you a comprehensive look at one of the most talked-about true crime stories in recent memory. The film, directed by Kevin Fair and written by Alyson Evans and Steve Kornacki, focuses on the transformation of the seemingly perfect YouTube mother Ruby Franke, whose descent into extremism, guided by her controversial mentor Jodi Hildebrandt, led to severe neglect and abuse of her two youngest children. The movie captures the dramatic fall from grace of a woman who once monetized her family's life, only to end up behind bars.

The Full Cast and Key Roles: Bringing the Disturbing True Story to Life

The Lifetime movie production meticulously cast actors to portray the key figures in the *Ruby Franke* saga, focusing heavily on the central dynamic between Ruby and her 'counselor,' Jodi Hildebrandt.

• Emilie Ullerup as Ruby Franke: Ullerup, known for her roles in *Chesapeake Shores* and *Sanctuary*, takes on the challenging role of the former vlogger and convicted child abuser, Ruby Franke. The portrayal captures the meticulous, outwardly devout persona that masked the severe abuse occurring behind closed doors.
• Heather Locklear as Jodi Hildebrandt: In a highly anticipated role, veteran actress Heather Locklear portrays Jodi Hildebrandt, the "mental health counselor" and life coach who became Ruby Franke's business partner and spiritual guide. Hildebrandt was a co-defendant in the child abuse case and received the same sentence as Franke.
• Josh Blacker as Kevin Franke: Blacker plays Kevin Franke, Ruby’s estranged husband and co-creator of the "8 Passengers" YouTube channel. The film explores his detachment and the breakdown of his marriage as Ruby fell deeper into Hildebrandt’s sphere of influence.
• Savannah Miller as Shari Franke: Miller steps into the shoes of Shari Franke, Ruby’s oldest daughter. Shari was one of the first family members to publicly distance herself from her mother and played a crucial, though indirect, role in exposing the abuse by speaking out online.
• Nolen Dubuc as Chad Franke: Dubuc portrays Chad Franke, one of the Franke children whose public statements and vlogs hinted at the underlying issues within the family long before the arrests.
• Vivica A. Fox (Role Unspecified): The movie also features the notable presence of actress Vivica A. Fox, a frequent star in Lifetime productions. While her specific character is not widely publicized, her involvement adds a layer of star power to the dramatic retelling.

The Chilling True Story: From YouTube Fame to Aggravated Child Abuse Conviction

The true story behind *Mormon Mom Gone Wrong* is a cautionary tale about the dangers of performative parenting and the dark side of the family vlogging industry. Ruby Franke rose to fame through her YouTube channel, "8 Passengers," which boasted over 2.5 million subscribers at its peak. The channel presented a seemingly idyllic, conservative Mormon family life in Utah, but over time, viewers began to notice increasingly strict and punitive parenting methods, leading to widespread concern and criticism.

The Rise and Fall of '8 Passengers'

The "8 Passengers" channel, which ran from 2015 to 2022, documented the lives of Ruby, Kevin, and their six children. The content was often controversial, with Ruby's parenting decisions—such as withholding food or punishing a child by making them sleep on a beanbag chair for months—drawing intense scrutiny from the online community. The turning point came when Ruby Franke partnered with Jodi Hildebrandt, a controversial life coach who ran the counseling service "ConneXions." Franke began to adopt Hildebrandt's extreme, isolationist, and often abusive methods, which she publicly shared on their joint YouTube channel. This partnership marked a clear shift from strict parenting to what authorities would later define as severe child abuse.

The Arrest and Conviction Timeline

The horrifying details of the abuse came to light on August 30, 2023, when Ruby's 12-year-old son, R.F., escaped from Hildebrandt's home in Ivins, Utah, and ran to a neighbor's house asking for food and water. The child was severely emaciated and had open wounds from being bound with rope. Authorities discovered R.F.'s 10-year-old sister, E.F., in a similar state of malnutrition and injury at the home. * August 30, 2023: Ruby Franke and Jodi Hildebrandt are arrested on suspicion of aggravated child abuse. * December 18, 2023: Both Ruby Franke and Jodi Hildebrandt plead guilty to four counts of second-degree felony aggravated child abuse. * February 20, 2024: Franke and Hildebrandt are each sentenced to four concurrent prison terms of one to 15 years. The exact time served will be determined by the Utah Board of Pardons and Parole. The court proceedings revealed shocking details of the abuse, including forced labor, denial of food and water, isolation, and physical restraint, all justified by Franke and Hildebrandt as necessary "principles" to teach the children.

Where Are Ruby Franke and the Franke Family Now in 2025?

The story doesn't end with the movie's portrayal; the real-life consequences continue to unfold for everyone involved.

Ruby Franke and Jodi Hildebrandt: Life in Prison

As of 2025, both Ruby Franke and Jodi Hildebrandt are serving their sentences in separate correctional facilities in Utah. Their sentences are structured as indeterminate terms, meaning they will serve a minimum of four years (one year for each count) and a maximum of 60 years, depending on the parole board's decision. Franke’s earliest possible release date remains years away, and she is currently adjusting to life behind bars. The case has become a stark symbol of the failure of the family vlogging model and the dangers of religious extremism when combined with psychological manipulation.

Kevin Franke and the Children

Kevin Franke, who was separated from Ruby at the time of the arrest, has filed for divorce. The two youngest children, R.F. and E.F., along with the other minor children, were taken into the care of the Division of Child and Family Services (DCFS) and are now reportedly in a safer environment, focusing on their recovery and healing. The oldest children, particularly Shari Franke, have been vocal about the abuse and have taken steps to ensure their younger siblings are protected. Shari, who had already distanced herself from her mother, expressed relief and sadness following the arrests and has been a leading voice for the victims. The family is now navigating the complex process of healing and rebuilding their lives outside of the public eye, a stark contrast to the performative life they were forced to live for years on the "8 Passengers" YouTube channel. The Lifetime movie serves as a powerful reminder of the hidden trauma beneath the surface of seemingly perfect online families.