Sophie was an economics major before she went to med school and became a medical doctor. She certainly possessed the smarts it takes to win, and she did. Sophie procured the Sole Survivor title on “Survivor: South Pacific.” She told EW that you have to have “intrinsic winner attributes” to win Survivor, but you also “need to be dealt the right hand.” She said she was pretty lucky. With her million-dollar prize, she paid down her student loan debt.
Sophie was invited back for Winners at War, but luck outwitted her strong strategic skills and went to Tony Vlachos instead. Finishing tenth, she was leading the pack until Tony blindsided her.
Amanda Kimmel
Besides "Survivor," Amanda Kimmel has competed in the "Miss USA" and "Miss Earth" beauty pageants. She kicked it off by winning the title for Miss Montana. On the show, she did not win any titles but placed runner-up twice.
In Micronesia, she came in second after a record 78 days as a castaway, and in China, she came in third with only one jury vote. "Heroes vs. Villains" found her finishing ninth. Amanda is an Xfinity Survivor Hall of Famer since 2012. Post-Survivor, she got into acting and appeared in films "All Together Now" and "Into the Blue 2."
David Wright
David landed two Survivor seasons. He hoped competing on the show would help him overcome insecurities and anxieties. He describes himself as “OCD, nervous, and paranoid.” Millennials vs. Gen X was his first shot. When he was voted out, he told EW he felt relieved. He wanted to win, but the personal growth was plenty.
“If I were to throw a million dollars on top of that, it would undermine it. In that way, I was glad I didn’t win the million.” David lives in Sherman Oaks and is a television writer.
Natalie White
Hailing from Arkansas, Natalie left her pharmaceutical sales job in the dust to take the Sole Survivor crown on "Survivor: Samoa." She took the $1 million prize too. Natalie demonstrated one particularly memorable survival moment when she clubbed a rat to death and offered it up as dinner to stunned castaway mates. She defeated runner-up Russel Hantz with a 7-2-0 vote. It wasn’t without controversy.
EW called it “the worst jury vote ever” and host Probst said that Hantz was the strongest player but lost due to “a jury of bitter people.” Natalie does speaking engagements and purchased a home in Oklahoma.
Sophie Clark
Sophie was an economics major before she went to med school and became a medical doctor. She certainly possessed the smarts it takes to win, and she did. Sophie procured the Sole Survivor title on "Survivor: South Pacific." She told EW that you have to have “intrinsic winner attributes” to win Survivor, but you also “need to be dealt the right hand.” She said she was pretty lucky. With her million-dollar prize, she paid down her student loan debt.
Sophie was invited back for Winners at War, but luck outwitted her strong strategic skills and went to Tony Vlachos instead. Finishing tenth, she was leading the pack until Tony blindsided her.
Sandra Diaz-Twine
This castaway broke the record when she won two Survivor seasons. Sandra was the Sole Survivor in both Pearl Island and Heroes vs. Villains. The champ also competed on "Survivor: Game Changers" and "Survivor: Winners at War." She’s legendary for her savvy charisma combined with a low-key personality. Day one on Survivor: Pearl Island in Panama, the Puerto Rican American gained tribe leadership points by using her Spanish-speaking skills to procure food for the group.
In "Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains", she gained an advantage by being liked better than notorious villains Parvati and Russel. Today she’s a secretary at a law firm.
Ozzy Lusth
Outdoors enthusiast Ozzy seemed like a Survivor natural. The Mexico-born manly man surfs, spearfishes, sails, and dives. He survived in the wilderness on his own for five months building shelters, forts, and traps. He was added to the Survival Hall of Fame in 2011. However, after four seasons, he failed to take home a Sole Survivor title. Having said that, he was the runner up on "Survivor: Cook Islands," which was his first appearance.
In "Survivor: Micronesia," Ozzy and Amanda Kimmel memorably hooked up. They continued dating but later broke it off. From 2011 to 2013, he dated Lindsay Lohan.
Russell Hantz
This contestant reached the Final Tribal Council twice, but never took the win. Russell played tough using any means possible, deception and trickery became synonymous with his name. In all, he starred in four Survivor seasons. Hantz was already a millionaire when he first joined the show in Samoa. He’s a Texas oil tycoon and he knows a little bit about cutthroat dealings.
Besides Samoa, he also played on "Heroes vs. Villains" and "Redemption Island" plus Australian "Survivor: Champions vs. Contenders." Unfortunately for this popular villain, the influence of the show on his personality ruined his marriage.
Tony Vlachos
Two-time winner and Survivor Hall of Famer Tony Vlachos dominated the game with an aggressive approach. He’s one of the best. Vlachos was the Sole Survivor in both "Survivor: Cagayan" and "Survivor: Winners at War." He is known for cleverly exploiting his leadership skills to manipulate his standing by spying and double-crossing contestants. The New Jersey police officer identifies with the ruthless nature of Russel Hantz.
Jeff Probst said, “I like Tony because he’s unlike any winner we’ve ever had.” Dubbed the “King of Survivor” by Vulture, Vlachos is the Survivor series top prize winner, taking home a total of $3 million.
Rupert Boneham
The beloved Rupert Boneham may not have won a title, but the four-time Survivor castaway still scored a $1 million prize. Viewers voted him “fan-favorite” in Pearl Islands. He is the sole winner of that prize. Everyone loved his tender heart and tie-dye spirit. He is also the only castaway to be stolen from the opposing team. Besides Pearl Islands, he played in "Survivor: All-Stars," Heroes vs. Villains, and Blood vs. Water. Rupert is a 2016 Survivor Hall of Famer.
He and his wife Laura finished 10th on "The Amazing Race" in 2018. Rupert donated part of his winnings to help at-risk teens in his town.
Aras Baskauskas
Aras is legendary for being one of the most well-liked and personable castaways ever. The philosophy major from UCI won in Panama with his strong leadership skills and adept social gameplay. Slipping on a rock nearly sabotaged his win. He landed on his back into shards of glass which required stitches, but luckily, not a medical evacuation.
Things did not go well for him in "Survivor: Blood vs. Water" as he was blindsided by his allies leaving him in 11th. He’s a former pro basketball player and a musician. These days he’s a professional yoga instructor in Santa Monica.
Wendell Holland
Wendell squeaked out a win on "Survivor: Ghost Island" with the closest margin in Survivor history. The Final Tribal Council ended in a tie. Laurel Johnson, who came in third, broke the tie, and Wendell was named Sole Survivor. Wendell dated Michele Fitzgerald, the Kaôh Rōng winner, but broke up before playing "Survivor: Winners at War." Some complained he was rude to her during that competition.
He was thrilled to be asked back for Winners at War but finished 13th. The Pennsylvania native is a furniture store owner. He put some of his winnings toward expanding his business and paying off student loans.
Tommy Sheehan
Tommy beat all the odds to clinch Sole Survivor in the 2019 "Survivor: Island of the Idols" competition. He did not win one Immunity Challenge and was targeted for sabotage but relying on his wits and forming tight bonds with tribemates, he pulled it off. After winning the million-dollar prize, Tommy kept the job he loves. The dedicated fourth-grade teacher who will jump up on desks or rap lessons to get the kids’ attention hails from a family of Survivor superfans.
His mom, the biggest of all, encouraged him to go on the show. His girlfriend was just as convinced he would win. The rest is history.
Robert “Bob” Crowley
Bob Crowley is the oldest Survivor contestant. The high school physics teacher was introduced to the show when his student Julie Berry competed on "Survivor: Vanuatu." He threw in his hat as a castaway and won it all in "Survivor: Gabon" when he was 57 years old. Since he has published a memoir in which CBS forbade him to mention the program.
These days he is retired and living in Maine with his wife. Each winter he hosts a survival challenge camp in Durham, Maine for one weekend as a charitable fundraising event.
Earl Cole
The second African American contestant to win Sole Survivor is Earl Cole. He was also the first unanimous jury winner. His feat is attributed to a winning personality and strong leadership skills. Earl was recruited for "Survivor: Fiji" just two days before production. Far from being a superfan, he joined the show in 2007 without ever having watched it. The marketing pro is an entertainment industry entrepreneur who is also a musical entertainer.
He was asked back to Survivor five times, but the popular castaway declined each time. He is also a philanthropist and runs a global charitable foundation.
Yul Kwon
With a theoretical computer science degree and a law degree from Yale, Yul is quite possibly the most intelligent Survivor contestant. The high school valedictorian masterfully achieved the Sole Survivor title at Cook Islands, in large part, by strategically wiring the Aitu Four alliance to snag the win. Yul also competed on "Survivor: Winners at War."
On Cook Islands, Yul endured his share of Asian jokes. He had the last laugh as People ranked him “Sexiest Men Alive.” Yul was Extra TV’s “Most Eligible Bachelors” until he married girlfriend Sophie Tan in April 2008. He’s worked for Facebook’s privacy team.
Aubry Bracco
Aubry is a 3-time Survivor contestant who took the challenge in "Kaôh Rōng, Game Changers," and "Edge of Extinction." As a Survivor superfan, she was thrilled to be asked back two times. Her strength as a strategic player worked well for her, but her social game held her back. After a total of 111 days played, Aubry failed to bring home a Survivor win.
The Brown University honors grad is a social media marketing expert. She started a podcast called “Odd with Aubry” in 2017.
Richard Hatch
Richard Hatch is the first-ever Sole Survivor taking it all at the 2000 Survivor: Borneo challenge. His cunning play set him apart as a villain. He was nominated “Best Villain” but came in second to Jonny Fairplay. Later, he settled for the fourteenth place in All-Stars. In 2010, Richard was named a Survivor Hall of Famer. The real estate agent and corporate trainer and consultant also competed on "Celebrity Apprentice" and "The Biggest Loser."
Ironically, the reality show contestant’s $1 million prizes resulted in a jail sentence. He served 51 months for not paying taxes on his winnings.
Jenna Morasca
Jenna Morasca’s 2003 Sole Survivor title on "Survivor: The Amazon" led to modeling at Playboy and a pro wrestling career at Total Nonstop Action Wrestling. She also hosted Survivor Live for the duration of its run. Jenna met Ethan Zohn after her Amazon win and they began dating. Together, they competed on "The Amazing Race," Food Network’s "Dinner: Impossible" and "Celebrity Apprentice."
They called it quits after 10 years. Jenna tried it again in "Survivor: All-Stars" but left the show early to be with her mom who was dying of cancer. Her mom died eight days after she got home.
Mike Holloway
Proud Texan Mike Holloway is a former oil driller and a rare one-time competitor. Once is all it took. Mike won the Sole Survivor title on "Survivor: Worlds Apart." It was a close game. Although he accumulated enough votes to be sent home, winning an impressive five Immunity Challenges and using the Hidden Immunity Idol locked in his victory.
He’s the first champ to avoid being voted off by using the Idol. Today he works in commercial real estate and operates a T-shirt company with a friend.
Vecepia Towery
In 2002, Vecepia became the first African American to win "Survivor." The former Air Force cadet used a low-key strategy that found her the Sole Survivor at the end of "Survivor: Marquesas." She won in a close jury vote of 4-3. She was invited back for All-Stars but didn’t make the cut.
She’s considered a formidable opponent but a bit of a “snoozer” when it comes to casting, according to Probst. Vecepia was featured on TLC’s "A Baby Story" following the pregnancy and birth of her son Jordan.
Todd Herzog
In 2007, superfan Todd won the "Survival: China" competition. He knew since he was 15 that he wanted to be on the show. In "China," he demonstrated shrewd strategic deception. Admitting he lied to his teammates to take the lead went over well with the jury who liked his honest admission. After the show, Instinct magazine featured Todd on the cover as the “Million Dollar Man.” He worked as a flight attendant before "Survivor." He became engaged to partner Jesse Hermansen.
Todd was honored by the anti-bullying group, National Don’t H8 organization, with the 2017 title, “King of Don’t H8.”
Danni Boatwright
This former beauty pageant queen from Kansas showed up for two seasons of "Survivor." In the 11th season, "Survivor: Guatemala," Danni took home the million-dollar prize money, but thirteen seasons later at "Survivor: Winners at War," she floundered and was voted off third. A career in modeling and entertainment find Danni a spokesperson for various products and a co-host of a Sunday sports radio show called “Sports Rap.”
Danni also runs her own sports shop. She married a country singer first and a former NFL player second. Kansas City Chiefs center, Casey Wiegmann, is her current husband. They have two sons.
Adam Klein
Adam is the Sole Survivor of "Survivor: Millennials vs. Gen X." The avowed superfan harnessed strong strategic and social skills to win a unanimous victory at the Final Tribal Council. He returned for "Survivor: Winners at War" finishing 12th. This contestant is a true Millennial. He says Millennials believe, “at this moment, anything is possible.” He also said, “My dream is to win Survivor and I’m going to make it happen!” He did.
Adam is a homeless shelter manager in San Francisco. Soon after his beloved mom, his inspiration, his best friend, and supporter died of cancer, he started a non-profit cancer research fundraiser called YouCaring.
J.T. Thomas
J.T. Thomas is legendary for being the first Sole Survivor to achieve a Perfect Game. The lovable country boy from Alabama pulled off the feat in Survivor: Tocantins where he received zero votes against him with loyal co-contestants helping him win. The cattle rancher returned to Survivor two more times, but he wouldn’t match the $1,000,000 prize.
Devoted to family, he spent the money on cars for his sisters and he also helped pay college tuition for his sisters’ kids. Before investing his loot, the generous J.T. also shared some of it with his parents.
Michele Fitzgerald
Michele strategically tapped her social acumen to be named Sole Survivor with a 5-2-0 vote on Survivor: Kaôh Rōng. Scoring a critical Final Immunity Challenge edged her over the top. Returning to "Survivor: Winners at War," the Jersey girl came in third as the second runner up with grit and sheer determination. In all, Michele won a record 13 challenges, tying with Natalie.
Michele was one of the youngest Survivor contestants and she used the winnings to pay for her car. She has a BA in communications and currently, she works as a travel agent.
Heidi Strobel
Heidi Strobel is well-remembered for stripping naked with Jenna Morasca for Oreo cookies on "Survivor: The Amazon." Both landed Playboy spreads after taking the challenge. Heidi suffered serious ailments living on the island. A spider bite caused her temporary paralysis and parasites led to kidney failure. She finished the competition in 5th place. In better news, she met and married baseball player Cole Hamels they have four children and used to live on a lake ranch in Missouri.
The couple donated the property to a nonprofit called Camp Barnabas for a camp for people with chronic diseases and other needs.
Judson “Fabio” Birza Jud
“Fabio” Bizra won the Survivor: Nicaragua crown. His tribe members gave him the nickname “Fabio” for his striking good looks. At 21, he was the youngest player to ever win Sole Survivor. Known as the resident goofball, he kept fellow castaways and audiences laughing and built his standing at the Final Tribal Council. He won by a close margin, 5-4-0. Fabio was a professional model pre-Survivor and has done some acting since.
He’s a drummer in a band called Space Funk Odyssey and considered doing some stand-up post- Survivor. He bought a farm for his dad and a condo for himself with his winnings.
Kelley Wentworth
Viewers loved Kelley. When she got voted off of the San Juan del Sur competition after a detrimental tribe switch sabotaged her lead, fans voted her back. She got a second chance on "Survivor: Cambodia" where she tried a more aggressive approach. Edge of Extinction was her final shot, but she was eliminated ahead of the Final Tribal Council. Kelley originally auditioned for "The Amazing Race" with her father, Dale Wentworth.
Instead, Survivor producers snatched the pair to their side for "Survivor: San Juan del Sur." The two battled it out on separate teams until the fatal switch that sent her to her father’s team.
Cirie Fields
Four-time Survivor contender Cirie Fields was one of the most-liked and most successful castaways. In real life, she is a nurse and mother of three, but on the islands, she brandished other skills like resilience, analytics, and a deft social savviness. She joined Survivor for the prizes and contended on "Survivor: Panama, Micronesia, Heroes vs. Villains," and "Game Changers."
Cirie scored a GMC Yukon being voted “most popular” by viewers. Upon being voted out of "Game Changers," her very last shot at the title, she sobbed explaining that she had to miss her son’s graduation to play. Producers brought the boy to the island as a heartwarming surprise.
Parvati Shallow
Survivor Hall of Famer Parvati Shallow is one of the show’s greatest and most beloved players. She was recognized by the show’s producers while trying out for "The Amazing Race." That show turned her away, but she landed "Survivor: Cook Islands." She won it all in Micronesia and held her own in both Heroes vs. Villains and Winners at War. Host Jeff Probst named Parvati one of his top four female Survivor champs.
With the $1 million winnings, she invested in a Santa Monica wellness center. She also hosted "Survivor Live" and starred in "Around the World for Free." Shallow married fellow Survivor John Fincher.
Denise Stapley
Denise won the 25th season of Survivor and later returned for "Survivor: Winners at War." On "Survivor: the Philippines," she attained the Sole Survivor title at 41, making her the oldest female to win. She landed Probst’s top four female champs. Her profession as a sex therapist generated social points as she counseled fellow castaways, and her skills as a counselor helped navigate conflicts. But it was a tough fight after having lost every Immunity Challenge and Tribal Council.
Denise is a “Goofy jungle mama to one, crazy wife to another, & sex therapist on a mission,” according to her Twitter bio.
Ethan Zohn
Former professional soccer player and outdoor enthusiast Ethan Zohn is the Sole Survivor of "Survivor: Africa." The congenial competitor also took the Survivor challenge on All-Stars and Winners at War. A jury vote of 5-2 at the Final Tribal Council secured his first-place standing in Africa. Zohn competed in a variety of reality TV forums including "Fear Factor" and "Kill Reality."
Ethan is also a motivational speaker. From 2009 to 2013 he battled a rare type of Hodgkin’s lymphoma. He finally overcame the disease after receiving stem cell transplants from his brother.
Nick Wilson
When Nick landed in Fiji for the 37th Survivor season it seemed like his lazy attitude was going to get him voted off. A second chance at David vs. Goliath flipped his attitude and he came out with the win at the Final Tribal Council. When asked, Nick said he spent some of his winnings on a truck.
“I’ve never had this much money before, and I never dreamed I would,” he said in an interview. Nick became a public defender in his hometown and is proud of his role in giving back to his community.
Rob Mariano
No one knows the Survivor challenge like Rob Mariano. He was on the show a record five seasons and took the $1 million prize during his fourth run at Redemption Island, outwitting rival-villain Russel Hantz. Aka “Boston Rob,” his good looks, Boston Red Sox cap, and sly maneuvers set him apart as a legendary Survivor favorite. Jeff Probst called him one of “the most famous troublemakers in Survivor history.”
Breaking the fourth wall, he would talk directly to viewers. He really wowed audiences when he proposed to Amber Brkich just as she was ready to secure the Sole Survivor title in "Survivor: All-Stars." He was the runner up.
Brian Heidik
Brian is the Sole Survivor champ of "Survivor: Thailand." His ruthless play as one of the most notorious villains secured the title. Brian was never invited back. It makes sense. As a contestant, he lied to fellow castaways claiming he was a used car salesman.
His actual job as an actor on daytime soaps and as an X-rated adult film star came out later. His work did not affect CBS’s decision to banish him as much as the spousal abuse charges and the time he was arrested for killing a puppy with a bow and arrow. Brian spent his million-dollar jackpot on luxury sports cars.
Corinne Kaplan
Corrine Kaplan competed in two seasons. Her legendary status is anchored in her haughty attitude, and this former sorority girl has an insult for everyone. She competed in Caramoan and Gabon, lasting 33 days and 22, respectively. She didn't try to hide anything, she’s in it purely for the money. She says she doesn’t care what people think of her. As a pharmaceutical saleswoman, she fits her calling, unabashedly tricking others into buying what she’s selling.
Today she has her own web show. Her last competition was in 2018 on "The Amazing Race" where she and former Survivor Eliza Orlins lingered in at 9th place.
Tom Westman
Tom Westman took the Sole Survivor title in "Survivor: Palau". One of the most liked contestants ever, Tom dominated the Palau games with his natural social skills and leadership acuity. Also securing his win was his record Immunity Challenge wins. He received five in a single season. Returning to Survivor for Heroes vs. Villains did not find him as much luck and he placed 16th.
He’s a Survivor Hall of Famer since 2011. At home, Tom has a wife and three children and is a New York City firefighter.
Tina Wesson
Tina’s favorite Survivor moment, from three seasons of competition, was battling her daughter Kate in the Philippines. She said, “As if playing Survivor isn’t a great enough memory, getting to play with my daughter tops it off,” according to EW. She is the Sole Survivor of "Survivor: The Australian Outback" where the C.N.A. nurse capitalized on a motherly persona while making background moves that made her the first female winner.
She returned for "All-Stars" and "Blood vs. Water," the latter with her daughter. She was inducted into the Survivor Hall of Fame in 2016.
Spencer Bledsoe
Underdog Spencer Bledsoe took the Survivor challenge as a 21-year-old and was invited back for another season. As a first-place World Open Chess tournament champ, Spence seemed to possess the perfect strategical mind to prevail, yet the confident young man came back empty-handed from both Cagayan and Cambodia. Bad luck and tribemate betrayal went against him.
Life post- Survivor found Spencer quitting his job as a trader and earning a master’s degree in psychology. He also dove into meditation and Buddhism, studying under a monk and nun in rural Nepal.
Ben Driebergen
This former Marine and stay-at-home dad from Boise is the Sole Survivor of "Survivor: Heroes vs. Healers vs. Hustlers." Despite a quick temper which turned allies against him, he managed to win enough challenge victories to pull it off. The fire-making-challenge was key. After winning the show’s 35th season, he returned to battle it out on "Survivor: Winners at War."
He finished fifth. Ben spent his winnings paying down credit card debt and paying off the house. He also wants to use it for the kids’ education and wise investments. These days he is a real estate agent.
Jonny Fairplay
Jon Dalton appropriated the moniker Jonny Fairplay from his pro wrestling days and that’s where he learned how to master the heel. This villain did not play fair. He was the contestant fans love to hate—even without a Survivor win. Host and producer Jeff Probst called him “completely despicable.” Yet, polarizing antics made him a producer’s dream. Jonny Fairplay notoriously concocted what’s known as the “Dead Grandma Lie.”
He faked his own grandmother’s death to manipulate a win. He’s also legendary for getting four front teeth knocked out during a tussle with host Danny Bonaduce. Currently, he’s with West Coast Wrestling Connection.
Rob Cesternino
Rob was loved by all for his witticisms, but his sense of humor failed to bring him a win. Jeff Probst memorably remarked, he’s “the smartest player to have never won Survivor.” The computer project manager aced the social aspect of strategy on "Survivor: The Amazon" as he developed a “flip-flop” of alliances, remaining true while appearing to deceive.
The Survivor class-clown requested a Magic 8 Ball for his luxury item. “I’m a jerk, and you just didn’t realize it for 31 days,” was one of his famous one-liners. Rob was invited back for "Survivor: All-Stars" and inducted into the 2012 Survivor Hall of Fame.
Jeremy Collins
Jeremy went to "Survivor: San Juan del Sur" with his wife. He was stunned when he had to battle Val at the hero duel. His win sent her off to Exile Island and she was voted off second. He ended up in tenth place but was voted back for "Survivor: Cambodia." While his wife was home pregnant with their third child, Jeremy brought home the bacon with the Cambodia Sole Survivor win.
He won hands down, all ten jury votes went to Jeremy. Invited back once more for Winners at War, he settled for 8th place. Jeremy is a firefighter and his wife Val is a police officer.
Tyson Apostol
Tyson played Survivor three times before taking home the Sole Survivor title on "Survivor: Blood vs. Water." His first two tries were Tocantins and Heroes vs. Villains, and he gave it one last shot in "Survivors: Winners at War." The former pro cyclist’s athleticism and a dynamic personality he calls “charming and arrogant” made him a strong contender. Post-Survivor, he and then-girlfriend Rachel Foulger got engaged in "Marriage Boot Camp: Reality Stars 2."
Tyson makes a living from reality TV and he parses the distinction. He didn’t “win” anything. “I don’t think I won a million dollars on TV. I earned a million dollars.”
Kim Spradlin
"Survivor: One World" champion Kim Spradlin won twice. She took home the $1 million Sole Survivor winnings as well as another $100,000 for being voted fan favorite. While she enjoyed spending her winnings, Kim said she competed for adventure. This contestant’s strong leadership qualities helped her create allies of "Survivor: One World" tribemates to secure her title.
She also took the Survivors: Winners at War challenge and placed ninth. Today the Survivor Hall of Famer is a mother of three and co-hosts “Great Day San Antonio.” She also runs a bridal shop and an interior design company.
John Cochran
Superfan John Cochran worshiped the show for half of his life before finally getting a shot on "Survivor: South Pacific." That attempt floundered, but he made it up at "Survivor: Caramoan." There, the self-described “socially awkward freaky nerd-guy” won the Sole Survivorship with a unanimous 8-0 vote. As a Harvard Law School graduate, Cochran had what it took to clinch the title and the cash prize. He was inducted into the Survivor Hall of Fame in 2013.
After "Survivor," the contestant who prefers to be called “Cochran” became a writer for the CBS sitcom, "The Millers," and, two years later, for "Kevin Can Wait."
Sarah Lacina
This Survivor legend delighted fans for three seasons. She went home empty-handed after "Survivor: Cagayan" but took it all on her next try at "Survivor: Game Changers." An assertive and cutthroat game plan helped her lock in the prize. She was also invited back to "Winners at War." Sarah is a police officer. So is Tony Vlachos. The two competed in three seasons together and became known as the “Cops R Us” duo.
The unstoppable team remained undefeated in their alliance and are an all-time favorite duo of Survivor fans.
Chris Underwood
Chris was voted out on Day 8, but a lot of luck and a second chance awarded him the "Survivor: Edge of Extinction" Sole Survivor title. His lucky break came on Day 36 when he won the second re-entry duel. A Final Immunity Challenge win and getting in tight with the jury put him over the edge with a 9-4-0 win. He sealed it playing a record-low 13 days due to being voted out.
He’s the only winner who has prevailed having played so few days. Fans were dismayed. Sixty-five percent said his win was “not fair.” Chris married his college sweetheart in 2019.
Amber Mariano
You might recall Amber capturing a marriage proposal from the vivacious Rob Mariano on the verge of her "Survivor: All-Stars" Sole Survivor win. In that episode, she was Amber Brkich. That all changed when they married in the Bahamas and went on to team up in "The Amazing Race" and in their own Fox reality TV show, "Rob and Amber: Against the Odds." Amber’s first stint was on "Survivor: The Australian Outback" where she largely faltered but took that experience to win All-Stars.
Sixteen years after her Survivor win, she and Rob signed up for the 20th-anniversary show Winners at War.
Natalie Anderson
Natalie secured the Sole Survivor title and the top prize money on "Survivor: San Juan del Sur." A concussion kept her out of "Survivor: Game Changers" in Fiji, but the successful competitor returned for Winners at War where she scrambled back from being voted out first to finishing as the runner up. The talented athlete also appeared in "The Amazing Race," teaming up twice with her “twinnie” twin sister Nadiya.
Nadiya also competed on the San Juan del Sur Survivor season but was voted out first. Today Natalie is a CrossFit trainer.