By John Powell – GlobalTV.com

There have been 751 contestants who have played the Survivor: USA game over the franchise’s 26 year history and 50 seasons. Along the way, Survivor has lost some of its most vibrant personalities and competitive players.

Lyon, finished fourth and was the first contestant to lose a fire-making tiebreaker challenge at the final four. She was diagnosed with cancer the same year she competed on Survivor and became an advocate for breast cancer awareness. She died of cancer in 2010.

Original Survivor Bio

Born in Nevada, Jennifer Lyon grew up in Washington and Oregon. She spent one year in Spain as a foreign exchange student and two years in London working as a nanny. While in Oregon, she attended Portland State University for approximately one year. She then attended Western Oregon State College before transferring to Oregon State University, where she received a Bachelor of Science degree in nutrition and food management. She is currently pursuing her master’s degree in the school of family consumer sciences at California State University, Northridge.

Lyon continues to work as a nanny in the Los Angeles area and is a photographer part time. She has previously worked as a nutrition counselor, preschool teacher and photographer’s assistant. She describes herself as good-natured, easy-going and opinionated. She enjoys hiking, soccer and photography. She is very proud of learning Spanish while participating in the foreign exchange program when she was 18 years old.

During his time with the Pagong Tribe he was a divisive force with some appreciating his solid work ethic while he ticked off others with his stubborness and bossiness. One of the last straws was when he washed his clothes in the camp’s fresh water. He finished in 15th place, second last. He passed away of brain cancer.

Upon his passing Jeff Probst told People Magazine: “B.B. was one of the original cast members who launched Survivor back in 2000. He was a powerful presence on the show and that zest for epic adventure was at the heart of everything he did. I was very saddened to hear of his passing.”

Borneo winner Richard Hatch said: “B.B. was a good man with whom I shared a memorable experience. My thoughts and condolences go out to his family.”

Borneo castaway Joel Klug said: “After the show, we spent some time doing events together,” says fellow contestant Joel Klug. “He was the man. He enjoyed life. He knew good scotch from bad scotch. He was a mover and shaker type of guy And he was tough: we were on the equator and it was like 100 degrees. He worked hard to build a shelter. He was an impressive guy, and an influence on me.”

Original Survivor Bio:

Originally from South Dakota, B.B. studied Civil Engineering at Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kansas, before becoming a general contractor and real estate developer. His talents eventually allowed him to own and operate a successful construction and development company. Also active in politics, Andersen was appointed by President Reagan to the Advisory Board of the Defense Intelligence Agency where he then served for 11 ½ years. It was also known that he declined several ambassadorships that were offered him during the Bush administration.

An adventure-seeker by nature, B.B. has toured through Mexico, the western United States and the Great Lakes on his motorcycle. An avid sailor, he had a 53′ ketch built in La Rochelle, France and sailed it from the Bay of Biscay into the Mediterranean Sea where he eventually moored it in Hyères, France. In 1993, he sailed from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida across the Atlantic to Lisbon, Portugal and the Canary Islands. While skiing remains his favorite sport, he is also a certified scuba diver. Additionally, he has logged over 8,500 hours of flight time as a private pilot and holds multi-engine, commercial and instrument ratings.

B.B. currently divides his time between Mission Hills, Kansas, and Vail, Colorado, with his wife and their daughter. He has four additional children who live and work around the country. Still active in real estate development, he is currently a member of World Presidents Organization, Kansas City Presidents Organization and the Vail Valley Foundation.

Caleb joined his fiancé at the time, Colton Cumbie, to play Blood vs. Water. He finished ninth. He died in a train derailment. He worked as a locomotive engineer/conductor on the Alabama Warrior Railway.

At the time Jeff Probst wrote: “The entire Survivor crew is together in Nicaragua, we are shocked and deeply saddened by the loss of Caleb. He was one of the most humble and likable contestants we’ve ever had the pleasure of working with on the show. A true gentleman. He will be missed by so many. We extend our most sincere condolences to his family and to his fiancé, Colton.”

Original Survivor bio:

Tribe Designation: Loved Ones
Relationship to Significant Castaway: Colton’s Fiancé
Current Residence: Collinsville, Ala.
Occupation: Post Office Manager/Farmer

Personal Claim to Fame: Shooting a 12 point buck on my first deer hunt.

Inspiration in Life: My momma and dad. They built a small five acre farm into a large cattle/chicken operation and have helped me more than I deserve or could ever return. They are very hard working and focused people and they have taught me how to be a man.

Hobbies: Riding horses, working with my dogs and hunting/fishing.

Pet Peeves: People who don’t put down their cell phones.

3 Words to Describe You: Hard-working, hard-headed and outdoorsman.

If You Could Have 3 Things on The Island What Would They Be and Why? 1) My duck call. 2) My camouflage Alabama hat. 3) A gallon of sweet tea.

Survivor Contestant You Are Most Like: JT because we both farm, we are both tough and can do just about anything. We aren’t stupid just because we talk slow.

Reason for Being on Survivor: Showing America how farm boys from Alabama do things.

Why You Think You’ll “Survive” Survivor: I can definitely outlast anybody and I won’t have any enemies.

Why You Think You Will Be the Sole Survivor: I am very good at working with my hands, really good at figuring things out and problem solving.

What Does It Mean to You to Play Survivor with Your Loved One? Survivor made Colton realize a lot of things he didn’t know about himself. Some things were good and some were not so good. He grew so much from that experience and I wish I could have been there to experience it with him. When we learned it was a possibility that we could play Survivor together, I jumped at the chance because as much as he grew as a person from the first time playing, I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that our relationship could withstand anything and it would only be strengthened through Survivor. However, on a selfish level, I wanted to help show America what love looks like because it doesn’t matter whether it is between two men, two women, or a man and woman. Love is love and I love Colton.

One of the first to be sent to Exile Island but he overplayed his hand on the island. He finished tenth. He died suddenly and the cause of his death is unrevealed, unknown.

Jeff Probst wrote at the time: “I just heard the very sad news about the sudden loss of Dan Kay of Survivor: Gabon. The Survivor family sends our love to Dan’s family.”

Original Survivor Bio:

Hometown: Boston, Massachusetts
Occupation: Lawyer

Dan Kay has come a long way from his blue-collar roots in Boston. Born and raised in Walpole, Massachusetts, he was very involved in athletics, especially football, skiing and track. While in high school, Dan played on a varsity football team, which had a long tradition of winning, a tradition that has helped shape his strong work-ethic. He graduated from The University of Massachusetts, Amherst with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science & English and later would earn his law degree from Syracuse University College of Law where he was also a member of the Moot Court Honor Society.

Charismatic, hard working and goal oriented, most of Dan’s traits were formed from the influence provided by his parents and a select few coaches and teachers. As a young boy, his father became disabled, leaving his mother to care for his family and, eventually, his ill grandmother, all while working as a full-time nurse. In addition, Dan credits his mother’s work ethic and unselfish attitude for his strong desire to overcome any obstacles in his career and personal life.

Dan has practiced law in Boston for five years, which helped him to purchase several investment properties. However, dedicating so much of his time to his practice left him depressed and feeling less than fulfilled with his life. Prior to leaving for Survivor, he sold off a number of investments and spent time away from his job, in an effort to focus more on himself and his friends and family. He believes this recent awareness, along with having an increased appreciation for the people in his life rather than material possessions, will help him succeed not only in his personal life, but on Survivor.

Attractive, athletic, single and a lawyer, Dan is set to make a big impression on his competitors. Dan’s hobbies include skiing, running, biking, weight training and cooking. Currently, he is training to compete in his first triathlon.

The WWE wrestler, superstar was physically ill when she stepped foot on the island and her personal feud with Dave Cruser led her to being voted out second. Although a popular superstar, Massaro had a rough time with the company including rape accusations which she claimed was covered up by the company and military authorities in Kuwait. She also was part of the lawsuit against WWE alleging they failed to care for repetitive head injuries suffered by their talent. She ended her own life years later.

Original Survivor Bio:

Growing up in Long Island, New York, with a father, brother and uncle who competed in amateur wresting, Ashley Massaro was well-prepared to make it in the World Wresting Entertainment. A former gymnast, she competed in Miss Hawaiian Tropic pageants and was crowned Miss Hawaiian Tropic USA in 2002 and Miss Hawaiian Tropic Canada in 2005. She currently works as a model and a professional wrestler with the WWE. She came to the WWE as a contestant in the 2005 RAW Diva Search. After beating out seven other finalists, she received a one-year contract with the World Wrestling Entertainment.

Massaro tours around the world and appears in front of thousands of people at arena shows approximately four times a week. She appears on “WWE Raw,” “Smackdown” and Pay-Per-View Weekly. She has done a tour of Iraq, Afghanistan and Kuwait, where she visited the troops with the WWE for the United Service Organizations (USO). She was on the cover of the April 2007, issue of Playboy. She has also appeared in FHM, Stuff, Maxim and the covers of Femme Fatale and FLEX magazines. She hosted several E! “Wild On” episodes and appeared on “Breaking Bonaduce” as his personal trainer. She has also guest-starred on CW’s “Smallville” and “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition,” and she brought her love of music to Fuse TV when she took part in a special edition of “The Sauce.” MTV’s “Celebrity Death Match” has also featured her in the claymation series. In her spare time, she visits numerous hospitals to boost morale, including the Bethesda War Veteran Hospital in Washington, DC.

Massaro received her Bachelor of Science degree in Communication with a minor in Business from State University of New York. She describes herself as spunky, quirky, optimistic, happy, resourceful, creative, adaptable and relentless. She is obsessed with all things music.

A former Navy SEAL who finished third during the very first season but was the second castaway eliminated during All-Stars. Although very much a conservative, Boesch struck up a close friendship with openly gay castmate, Richard Hatch. He died after a long battle with Alzheimer’s Disease.

“The Survivor family has lost a legend. Rudy Boesch passed at the age of 91. He played in the first season of Survivor at the age of 72. He is one is the most iconic and adored players of all time. And he served our country as a 45-year Navy SEAL. Rudy is a true American hero,” Jeff Probst tweeted at the time.

“Ours was an interesting bond, Dear Rudy! You and I helped open minds and undermine [prejudices]. While your time here has passed, you will remain loved and iconic, dear friend!” wrote Richard Hatch on Twitter.

A #Survivor icon. ❤️ An American hero. 🇺🇸 You will be deeply missed, Rudy. pic.twitter.com/inBuMZ7t90

— SURVIVOR (@survivorcbs) November 7, 2019

Original Survivor Bio:

Marital Status: Married
Occupation: Retired Navy SEAL
Hometown: Virginia Beach, VA
Survivor Quote: “I’m very excited and anxious to start the adventure and see who my new roommates are.”
Luxury Item: Toothbrush

Rudy joined the Navy in April of 1945 and immediately volunteered for “secret and hazardous duty” with the Amphibious Scouts and Raiders, highly classified naval commando units. In 1951, six years after Scout and Raider training at Fort Pierce, Florida, Rudy completed UDT (Underwater Demolition Teams) training in Little Creek, Virginia, and was assigned to UDT-2 (redesigned as UDT-21 in 1953). He remained in UDT-21 for the next 11 years. During this period, he completed numerous specialized schools and was deployed routinely to the Mediterranean and Caribbean areas with the Naval Amphibious Forces. Rudy became a proficient combat swimmer and expert in small-boat operations. In 1962, Rudy was one of the 50 hand-selected officers of the original SEAL (Sea-Air-Land) Team TWO, becoming one of their most distinguished members.

In 1967, Rudy was advanced to the rank of Master Chief Petty Officer and, between combat tours, served as the senior enlisted position of Command Master Chief. From 1968–1970, Rudy completed two combat deployments to Vietnam. Among his numerous awards, Rudy earned the Bronze Star Medal for heroic action during more than 45 combat operations. During and after his stint in Vietnam, Rudy was delegated the “Chief SEAL,” and set physical and operational standards at SEAL Team TWO.

In the late 1980’s, Rudy became the Naval Special Warfare Community “Bull Frog,” a distinguishing award presented to the SEAL serving the longest time on active duty. Instead of retiring, Rudy was selected as the Senior Enlisted Advisor to USSOCOM. In August of 1988, Rudy headed to Tampa, Florida and entered into the “inner circle” of the Special Operations Command to advise on all enlisted matters of the Joint command. For his extraordinary performance, Rudy was awarded the Defense Superior Service Medal—an award not often given to an enlisted man.

Master Chief Rudy retired from the U.S. Navy after completing over 45 years of continuous activity. He was honorably discharged on August 1, 1990. Rudy and Marge, his wife of 42 years, are now involved in extensive volunteer work. In 1992, Rudy captained a 38′ power boat during the “Americas Cup 1992” event. In 1996, he captained a support boat at the Summer Olympic Games. He continues as a Red Cross Volunteer and drives support vehicles and performs essential services during disaster-relief operations. He is also a volunteer for the Virginia Beach Police Department. Involved with many organizations, Rudy is a founding member of the UDT-SEAL Association and a founding member of the Association’s Board of Directors, having once served as their President. He is also on the Board of Directors of the Special Operations Fund.

Before joining Survivor, Cliff was a former NBA forward for 19 seasons. He played for the Portland Trail Blazers, the Phoenix Suns, Detroit Pistons, Golden State Warriors and New Jersey Nets. He was a member of the Brawn Tribe and finished 14th. He died of lymphoma.

Original Survivor bio:

Tribe Designation: Brawn Tribe
Current Residence: Buffalo, N.Y.
Occupation: Former NBA All-Star

Personal Claim to Fame: Playing 18 years in the NBA. (Played for the Portland Trail Blazers, Phoenix Suns, Detroit Pistons, Golden State Warriors and New Jersey Nets)

Inspiration in Life: Muhammad Ali, because of his strong belief system and what he stood for.

Hobbies: Golf, off roading/camping, and bowling.

Pet Peeves: People who chew their food with their mouth open.

3 Words to Describe You: Adventurous, funny and loyal.

If You Could Have 3 Things on The Island What Would They Be and Why? A rain coat to keep dry, soap so I can keep myself clean, and a Leatherman because it’s a multi-tool.

Survivor Contestant You Are Most Like: Boston Rob, because he had a good way of getting people to trust him.

Reason for Being on Survivor: The challenge of the show being so tough, and the million dollars.

Why You Think You’ll “Survive” Survivor: I know how to fish, cook, and have good athleticism.

Why You Think You Will Be the Sole Survivor: I think I would do well in challenges. I also have a good ability to make people feel comfortable with me.

She passed away after a long battle with cancer. She finished 13th and was a member of the doomed Ulong Tribe.

“People have to remember back in 2005 women weren’t cast on Survivor with dreads and tattoos,” Survivor: Palau contestant Coby Archa told People Magazine at the time. “She broke the casting barrier. Fans related to her story so much. And a lot of people wanted to see her play again for her strength…She wasn’t into the fame, just the experience of Survivor. She came, she played, and she went back to her life in New Orleans. She liked her life that way.”

Original Survivor bio:

Born and raised in Waukesha, Wisconsin, Angie Jakusz attended Mukwonago High School. She then spent time in San Francisco and New York before moving permanently to New Orleans.

Jakusz currently works as a bartender while creating her art (she paints watercolors and uses found objects in her creations). She previously worked as an ink lab technician and has also worked in a tattoo shop. She currently has 11 colored tattoos. She describes herself as vivacious, gracious and anomalous. Her favorite hobbies include painting, reading and heckling. Her hero is a co-worker who, after 20 years at the bar, decided to return to school to study marine biology.

She finished seventh and formed one of the strongest alliances of the season with Bret LaBelle and Chris Hammons. She died of cancer.

Her daughter wrote this tribute to her on social media: “Thank you for fighting as hard as you did for as long as you did. Thank you for being a best friend, a role model, a sister, and my mother all in one. Thank you for raising me to love Jesus, and show that love to others,” Kennedy wrote. “I love you to heaven and back a million times. I know one day we will meet again. Until then, I’ll spend every minute missing you, and trying to make you proud. Rest easy mom.”

Jeff Probst wrote: “ “She seemed to understand better than most, that life is for living, so say yes to life whenever possible.”

Original Survivor bio:

Current residence: Otsego, MN
Occupation: Youth pastor
Tribe designation: Takali (Gen-X)

Three words to describe you: Bossy, compassionate, and tenacious.

Hobbies: Repurposing and painting furniture, interior design, and thrift shopping because I love the thrill of the hunt for a good deal.

Pet peeves: Arrogant people and those who think they’re God’s gift to the human race. Catty women who make the snide comments, back-handed compliments, and make other girls in the room feel like they don’t measure up. Plus, people who are late drive me nuts.

What does it mean to be a Gen-Xer? For myself, being a Gen-Xer means being driven and hard working. We don’t expect things to be handed to us; we set goals and work hard for what we want in life. We also don’t think we deserve to win in every situation and actually look at failure as an opportunity to learn. On the other hand, Gen-Xers can be stuck in our ways and leery of new ideas. It would help a lot if we would learn to listen to the younger generation and run with some of their new ideas.

Personal claim to fame: Besides my four amazing kids, I’m most proud of being a breast cancer survivor. After five surgeries, eight rounds of chemotherapy, and 28 days of radiation—not to mention the horrible meds they put you on—I’m still here! It was important to me that my kids saw me as a “warrior,” rather than as a whiner. Of course, it was hard, but I wouldn’t let cancer take over my life. Because of my faith, I was able to kick cancer’s butt!

Inspiration in life: My inspiration comes from my relationship with the Lord. My faith has shaped my attitude in life and has given me the ability to be genuinely happy. Aside from my faith, my mom is my hero. She is the toughest lady. I get my tenacity and “never quit” attitude from her. I’ve watched her succeed despite her difficult upbringing, dealing with me and my brothers as teenagers, and enduring a bone-marrow transplant. No matter what happens, she keeps getting back up and going again!

If you could have three things on the island, what would they be and why? A deck of cards because I love playing games and it helps break down walls with people you don’t know; lip gloss because I always feel a little better about myself with a little color on my lips; and ’80s music because I love singing with friends and, no matter how off-key you all are, it’s always fun.

Survivor contestant you’re most like: I’d play the game most like Lisa Whelchel (Philippines). I see a lot of myself in her. Not only has she been through difficult times, but her faith stayed intact. We’re both moms and I see myself “mothering” some of the younger players, as she did. I see myself trying my best to play the game according to my faith, yet making sure I actually play the game. I know there will come a point I will have to deceive to get ahead; I plan to do it in the context of the game.

Reason for being on Survivor: My primary motivation is of course a $1 million! Second, I want to prove to myself that I can do it. As a fan of the show from the very first season, I’ve spent hours dreaming about being on the island, making alliances, finding Hidden Immunity Idols, and, most of all, walking away with the title of Sole Survivor!

Why do you think you’ll “survive” Survivor? I believe my strong personality will keep me going on the island. I know I’m good with people, especially young people because I work with them for a living, and this will help me gain allies on my tribe. My leadership skills will be useful in getting work done around camp.

Spelling his fellow players’ names wrong was one of Ralph’s trait but so too was his loyal and his big heart. He finish ninth. He passed away after suffering a heart attack.

Original Survivor bio:

Tribe Designation: Zapatera
Current Residence: Lebanon, Va.
Occupation: Farmer

Personal Claim to Fame: Being completely debt-free at age 44. No vehicle payments, no mortgage payments, plus I own two homes on the same farm.

Inspiration in Life: I’m inspired by my farm; I’ve been at it all my life. I’m always amazed at my animals – how they grow and survive. Being able to watch the circle of life go ’round and be a part of it is a very satisfying adventure that I never get tired of.

Hobbies: Hunting, hiking and traveling.

Pet Peeves: People who are lazy and don’t try to make anything of themselves.

3 Words to Describe You: Determined, strong-willed and stubborn.

Survivor Contestant You Are Most Like: I’m probably a combo of Big Tom and J.T.

Reason for being on Survivor: I’ve wanted to be on the show for years and knew one day I’d get my chance. I want to be a hometown hero for the folks back home!

Why you think you’ll “Survive” Survivor: I’m an outdoors mountain man. I know plants, trees and what most of their uses are. I can also build anything; start a fire anywhere and make people believe anything I say!

Why you think you will be the Sole Survivor: I will be the king at camp because I can build shelter, cook, find food and be the leader.

The runner-up fought to the bitter end despite rival Robb Zbacnik trying to choke him out during a challenge. He died after suffering a short illness.

His daughter wrote on social media: “”Clay Brooks Jordan, my sweetheart of a Dad, went to heaven to meet Jesus and be reunited with his beautiful bride!” she wrote. “Andy and I are so heartbroken, but we get comfort from knowing they are together and he is no longer in pain. We love you, Dad! You will forever be my HERO!”.

Original Survivor bio:

Marital Status: Married
Occupation: Restauranteur
Hometown: Monroe, LA
Luxury Item: Golf Club & Ball

Clay Jordan was born in Canyon, Texas, and raised in Levelland, Texas. He was one of four boys in a single mother household, and he considers his mother to be his hero because of her success in raising the family on her own. As a child, he spent considerable time camping and hunting on his grandparents’ ranch in White Deer, Texas. Clay met the love of his life when she was 13 and he was 14. They dated throughout junior high and continued to do so when they both attended Levelland High. After graduation, Clay began courses at South Plains College. When he was 20 years old, he married his childhood sweetheart and they moved to Odessa, Texas.

Clay currently owns and runs a restaurant. Patrons come by on a regular basis to get another serving of their most popular dish: their friendly service. He has previously worked as a cafeteria manager and a printer. In his youth, he also picked and chopped cotton. He enjoys golfing, video editing, production, photography and having fun.

Clay currently lives in Monroe, Louisiana, with his wife of 26 years, Linda, and their two children, Andrew (23) and Shanda (17). He is a member of Crime Stoppers, the Louisiana Restaurant Association and Frenchman’s Bend Country Club.

Roger passed away after struggling with Lewy Body Dementia. He rubbed his fellow Survivors the wrong way, some accused him of being a sexist. The female alliance eventually voted him. He finished tenth.

An obituary stated: “His constant drive and amazing physicality allowed him a lifelong pursuit of his love for backpacking in the high country of the Sierra Nevada’s, skiing the powdered bowls of California, Utah, Idaho, Montana, and Colorado mastering the powdered terrain, while helicopter skiing in the Ruby Mountains, and riding the dusty trails of Southern California on his mountain bike.”

Amazon winner Jenna Morasca wrote on social media: “Despite the differences we had in the game we are & always will be a family. He will be missed. My love goes out to his family during this heartbreaking time.”

Original Survivor bio:

Marital Status: Married
Occupation: Vice President of Estimating
Hometown: Valencia, CA
Luxury Item: Dog Tags

Roger Sexton was born and raised in Oakland, California, where he graduated from high school in 1964. He then enrolled at San Francisco State College. In 1966, he quit college and joined the U.S. Marine Corps and fought in Vietnam. After his tour with the U.S. Marine Corps, Sexton returned to the United States and worked full time as a construction laborer while attending night school. He then received a Bachelor of Science degree in industrial technology from California Polytechnical State University in San Luis Obispo. Sexton is currently a vice president of estimating at a major construction company.

Sexton enjoys snow skiing, mountain biking, adventure racing, backpacking, card games and seeing films. He describes himself as intense, confident and emotional. He is most proud of his two daughters, Amy (a 25 year-old fourth grade teacher) and Heather (who died in 1992 at the age of 16). He is a member of the National Offroad Biking Association, International Mountain Bike Association, USA Adventure Racing and the Sierra Club. Sexton is doing this because he wants to test himself against anyone of any age or gender to see if he can ultimately be the survivor.

He passed away due to an incurable brain disorder called progressive supranuclear palsy. His knee issues didn’t keep him from competing on Survivor as he battled through the pain. He finish fifth.

His obituary read: “Daniel was a charismatic, larger-than-life, outgoing bon vivant. He loved nothing more than spending time with his children and friends – new and old. On weekends he enjoyed softball in Bridgehampton with friends. Daniel will be remembered as a friend to all and a father to two.“

His son Michael wrote: “Dad, no matter the situation, you were always there for me. You were my first phone call. You were my travel buddy. Every weekend, we would take our trips. From skiing in Vermont, looking at homes in the Hamptons, a sunny weekend in Miami, or a Yankees’ playoff game, we were always together. I will miss you. I love you.”

Original Survivor bio:

Tribe: Espada
Current Residence: Watermill, N.Y.
Occupation: Real Estate Executive
Personal Claim to Fame: Raising two sons & my career.
Inspiration in Life: Ronald Reagan.
Hobbies: Weight-lifting, softball, skiing.
Pet Peeves: Existing politicians.
3 Words to Describe You: Aggressive, cunning, devious.
Survivor Contestant You Are Most Like: No one.
Reason for being on Survivor: My ego (and for fun).
Why you think you will be the Sole Survivor: Because I’ve been a Survivor my entire life and thrive on beating everyone else.

One of the contestants who truly embodied Survivor’s adventurous and carefree spirit. He finished fourth on San Juan del Sur and also fifth during Cambodia. He also died of cancer.

Kelley Wentworth Tweeted not only one of Keith’s famous moments but one of Survivor’s as well.

Keith – a man with the purest heart, who brought humor into moments where it was needed most. I’m grateful I had the opportunity to meet Keith & share memories together on the beaches of Nicaragua & Cambodia. My heart is with the entire Nale family. This is a devastating loss 💔 pic.twitter.com/FHPnrmKx5a

— Kelley Wentworth (@kelleywentworth) April 19, 2023

Jeremy Collins, the winner of Cambodia wrote: “My condolences to the Big D, Wes, Austin and entire Nale family. You will be missed Keith but your legacy will live on. Rest in power my firefighter/survivor brother.”

Original Survivor bio:

Tribe Designation: TBD
Relationship to Significant Castaway: Wes’s father
Current Residence: Shreveport, La.
Occupation: Fire captain
Personal Claim to Fame: My wife and kids.
Inspiration in Life: My dad because he is a great man. He’s 77 years old and retired but I still take him hunting and fishing.
Hobbies: Hunting, fishing and golfing.
Pet Peeves: Loafers.
3 Words to Describe You: Easy going, fun loving and hard working.

If You Could Have 3 Things on The Island What Would They Be? 1) 39 Cigars. 2) Easy chair. 3) My truck.
Survivor Contestant You Are Most Like: Rudy because I’m older and wiser.

Reason for Being on Survivor: Winning the million dollars and spending time with Wes.

Why You Think You’ll “Survive” Survivor: I’m a great swimmer, hunter, fisher and I’m a hard worker.

Why You Think You Will Be the Sole Survivor: I will have a good social game, I’ll be good at challenges and I work well with others.

What Does It Mean to You to Play Survivor with Your Loved One? We are both very competitive with others and with each other. I am looking forward to sharing and living out this experience with my son. Can’t wait to show him the old man still has it!!

Don’t let the motherly figure fool you. Kim was a fighter who finished in second place during the show’s third ever season.

Africa’s eventual winner, Ethan Zohn, honoured Johnson writing: “Rest in peace Kim Johnson. It was a blessing to call you my friend and a privilege to experience the final tribal council with you. I will forever have that planters punch in your honor.”

Johnson died of cancer. Zohn himself battled CD20-positive Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in the past.

Jeff Probst wrote: “Kim was a pioneer on Survivor and we are deeply sorry to learn of her passing. She still holds the record for the oldest woman to ever win an immunity challenge, earned her place in the final two and even received votes to win the game. I remember even then at just 56, how inspiring she was to other ‘older’ people because she showed that age was merely a number and that if you were willing to risk failing you might just amaze yourself. She definitely left her mark on the game and on all of us who were lucky enough to work on that season and tell her story.”

Original Survivor bio:

Marital Status: Married 37 years
Occupation: Retired Elementary School Teacher
Hometown: Oyster Bay, New York
Luxury Item: Paints and Brush

Born in Cleveland, Ohio, Kim Johnson grew up in Annapolis, Maryland and has lived in New York for the past twenty years, currently on Long Island’s Oyster Bay. She attended Dickinson College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, and Monmouth University in Long Branch, New Jersey, where she received a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education.

Though now retired as an elementary school teacher, Johnson has since worked as the League/Tournament Coordinator for an indoor tennis club and was the owner of a sportswear clothing boutique.

In her free time, Johnson enjoys exercising (running, tennis and free weights), camping, hiking, fishing, sailing, golfing, horseback riding, thoroughbred horse racing and playing games of any kind. She describes herself as nutty, logical and determined. She is extremely proud of her family; she is especially proud of being the grandmother of two, with another one on the way. She is fluent in sign language, and has volunteered her services over the years for the blind and deaf.

Kim Johnson is a lifetime member of Pi Beta Pi Sorority, the U.S. Tennis Association and the U.S. Platform Tennis Association. She has been married to Ted for 37 years and has three children, Wendy, Kerry and Ted, Jr.

Fans will always remember Sonja as a ray of sunshine no matter how bad things got on that first season of Survivor. She was the first person to ever be voted out and that her luxury item was a ukulele. She passed away following a lengthy illness. She had battled cancer in the past and being a breast cancer survivor was part of her story on the show.

Jeff Probst wrote: “Sonya was one of the kindest people to ever play Survivor. Every interaction I had with her over the years was lovely. She would always greet you with a smile on her face and joy in her heart. I’m honored that our paths got to cross.”

Hollywood star and Survivor Liz Wilcox wrote: “I had the pleasure of meeting her on Christmas,” she continued. “She had so much spunk + love for Survivor and what the show brought to her life. I hope you’re singing + playing your heart out somewhere beautiful, Sonja.”

Original Survivor bio:

Name: Sonja Christopher
Age: 63
Marital Status: Single
Occupation: Musician
Hometown: Walnut Creek, CA
Survivor Quote: “I think this will be one of the greatest adventures of my life. I can imagine that every skill I’ve ever learned—as well as ones I’ll have to develop on the island—will be called into play. I can hardly wait!”
Luxury Item: Ukulele

Sonja was born and raised in Olympia, Washington. Her studies at Whitman College in Walla Walla, Washington, the University of Oslo in Norway, the University of Washington in Seattle and the University of California, Berkeley, produced a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology, along with a teaching credential.

Before retiring, Sonja worked as an investment counselor, tennis teacher and elementary school teacher. She currently works part-time as a music therapist, playing the banjo as she leads sing-alongs at Alzheimer’s centers. She also enjoys performing in local community theater. Her favorite sport is swimming, although it used to be tennis, which she played competitively for a number of years. She also enjoys playing Bridge.

In December of 1997, Sonja was diagnosed with invasive breast cancer. She underwent pre-surgical chemotherapy, followed by lumpectomy and radiation and has resumed a full, healthy life.

Sonja describes herself as courageous, open and fun-loving. In describing her perfect day, Sonja would wake up feeling good and counting her blessings. She would enjoy a cup of coffee while reading the paper before heading out to exercise (walk, bike, swimming or yoga). Afterwards, she would connect with a friend by phone or over lunch before or after performing at a nursing home. At some point in her day, she would discover a new interest, “be there” for someone in need, have a new idea or fix something around the house and find that all the desk work which requires a good deal of her time would miraculously get done by itself. Capping off her perfect day would be an evening at the theatre or movies with a dear friend, after which she would crawl into bed with a good book.

Sonja currently resides in Walnut Creek, California, about 45 minutes from her son, Dan. She is on the Board of Directors at her the Unitarian Universalist Church and was instrumental as a fundraiser in the building of the Regional Center for the Arts. She is also is a member of the Diable Light Opera Company and Contra Costa Musical Theatre, and also participates in local video and computer clubs.

Her social game had every snookered until it became too much of a threat. She finished sixth though.

Jeff Probst wrote a tribute to her: “”What stood out to me about Jane is that she didn’t let age be a barrier to adventure. She dove headfirst into Survivor with grit and heart. Jane embodied the spirit of Survivor and leaves a legacy that I hope will continue to inspire others to apply for the adventure of a lifetime.”

Donathan Hurley wrote: “Lord, I sure did get my heart broken when I opened up Facebook after work! One of my favorite Survivor family members, as I call them all, has passed away. I loved Jane so much!!! This lady was a firecracker! Always ready to have a good time and a good laugh! RIP Jane.”

Original Survivor bio:

Name: Jane Bright (56)
Tribe: Espada
Current Residence: Jackson Springs, N.C.
Occupation: Dog Trainer
Personal Claim to Fame: Winning best in show!
Hobbies: Snow/water skiing and showing dogs.
Pet Peeves: Lazy people.
3 Words To Describe You: Crazy, daring and honest.

Survivor Contestant You Are Most Like: Rupert because he was loveable, but I still think I’m smarter.
Reason for being on Survivor: To win America over.

Why you think you will be the Sole Survivor: Everybody likes me and respects me. Plus, I’d be an underdog to them.

Survivor 50 debuts February 25 at 8:00 PM ET on Global TV.