Since its debut in 2000, hundreds of castaways have played the game of “Survivor.” While many have been injured on CBS’s reality TV show, no one has ever died during filming. Sadly, several former players have passed away since leaving the island. In our “Survivor” deaths photo gallery above, we take a moment to remember all of the people who we’ve lost over the years, including most recently Sonja Christopher of Season 1 fame. Their torches will live on forever in our hearts.
Sonja Christopher (‘Survivor: Borneo’)
January 28, 1937 – April 26, 2024
Having the distinction of being the first person ever to be voted out of “Survivor,” Sonja was a sweet, fun-loving person who integrated well with her Tagi tribe members, serenading them with tunes from her luxury item of a ukulele. The Season 1 cast member was also a cancer survivor. She was eliminated after her stumble in the first-ever immunity challenge, costing...
Sonja Christopher (‘Survivor: Borneo’)
January 28, 1937 – April 26, 2024
Having the distinction of being the first person ever to be voted out of “Survivor,” Sonja was a sweet, fun-loving person who integrated well with her Tagi tribe members, serenading them with tunes from her luxury item of a ukulele. The Season 1 cast member was also a cancer survivor. She was eliminated after her stumble in the first-ever immunity challenge, costing...
- 4/26/2024
- by Marcus James Dixon
- Gold Derby
Two-time “Survivor” contestant and fan-favourite, Keith Nale, has died at 62, Et has learned.
Keith’s son, Wes, told Et on Tuesday, “He passed away this afternoon. He’d been battling cancer for the past few months and we found out about it in January.”
Keith’s brother, Kevin Nale, told Et, “A life taken way too soon!”
“It happened so quickly. Cancer ate him up. He passed this afternoon at his home in Shreveport, Louisiana,” Kevin shared.
Keith participated in two seasons of “Survivor”; “Survivor: San Juan del Sur” and “Survivor: Cambodia”. Wes was a contestant on “Survivor: San Juan del Sur” with his father.
During his time on “Survivor: San Juan del Sur”, Keith was considered an underdog from the beginning, but managed to make it all the way to the final four thanks to his skill in Immunity Challenges and a well-played Hidden Immunity Idol. Natalie Anderson went on to win that season.
Keith’s son, Wes, told Et on Tuesday, “He passed away this afternoon. He’d been battling cancer for the past few months and we found out about it in January.”
Keith’s brother, Kevin Nale, told Et, “A life taken way too soon!”
“It happened so quickly. Cancer ate him up. He passed this afternoon at his home in Shreveport, Louisiana,” Kevin shared.
Keith participated in two seasons of “Survivor”; “Survivor: San Juan del Sur” and “Survivor: Cambodia”. Wes was a contestant on “Survivor: San Juan del Sur” with his father.
During his time on “Survivor: San Juan del Sur”, Keith was considered an underdog from the beginning, but managed to make it all the way to the final four thanks to his skill in Immunity Challenges and a well-played Hidden Immunity Idol. Natalie Anderson went on to win that season.
- 4/19/2023
- by Becca Longmire
- ET Canada
“Survivor: Nicaragua” contestant Daniel Lembo has died. He was 75. According to his online obituary, the reality TV star died on Sept. 3 in his Manhattan home. No cause of death has been confirmed. Lembo’s family and friends remembered him during a funeral service held on Sept. 7.
According to his family, Lembo was a “a charismatic, larger-than-life, outgoing bon vivant.”
“He loved nothing more than spending time with his children and friends – new and old,” reads his family’s tribute. “On weekends he enjoyed softball in Bridgehampton with friends. Daniel will be remembered as a friend to all and a father to two.”
Lembo’s two sons, Matthew and Michael, honoured their father with personal messages of remembrance.
“Thank you for being my Dad. You were a happy person. You were my best friend. I will miss you. Love you, Dad. Matt,” Matthew wrote.
“Dad, No matter the situation, you were always there for me.
According to his family, Lembo was a “a charismatic, larger-than-life, outgoing bon vivant.”
“He loved nothing more than spending time with his children and friends – new and old,” reads his family’s tribute. “On weekends he enjoyed softball in Bridgehampton with friends. Daniel will be remembered as a friend to all and a father to two.”
Lembo’s two sons, Matthew and Michael, honoured their father with personal messages of remembrance.
“Thank you for being my Dad. You were a happy person. You were my best friend. I will miss you. Love you, Dad. Matt,” Matthew wrote.
“Dad, No matter the situation, you were always there for me.
- 11/16/2022
- by Becca Longmire
- ET Canada
Dan Lembo, who was a contestant on the 21st season of Survivor in 2010, has died. He was 75. Survivor fans became aware of Lembo’s death following the recent passing of Survivor: The Amazon contestant Roger Sexton, who died on October 26. An online obituary reveals Lembo passed away on Saturday, September 3, 2022, at his Manhattan home. A cause of death was not given. Lembo was 63 when he appeared on Survivor: Nicaragua, a season that saw two tribes divided based on their ages. Lembo was part of the Espada tribe, which included contestants aged 40 and over. A memorable moment featuring Lembo happened early in the season when his tribemate Holly Hoffman dunked his expensive alligator shoes into the ocean after a disagreement. Despite that rough start, Lembo was well-liked by his fellow contestants and made it to the final five, eventually being voted out on Day 37. Fans remember him best for an emotional...
- 11/16/2022
- TV Insider
Comedian Leo Anthony Gallagher Jr., known mononymously as Gallagher, has died at age 76.
The star, who was known for smashing watermelons as part of his act, passed away while under hospice care in the Palm Springs area Friday morning, TMZ reported.
His longtime manager told the publication that Gallagher died of massive organ failure and hadn’t been well for a while.
TMZ stated Gallagher, who shot to fame on Johnny Carson’s “Tonight Show” back in 1975, had suffered multiple heart attacks over the years.
His rep told the site, “Gallagher stayed on the road touring America for decades. He was pretty sure he held a record for the most stand-up dates, by attrition alone.
“While Gallagher had his detractors, he was an undeniable talent and an American success story.”
Gallagher has been parodied a lot over the years, with Paul F. Tompkins recently playing the late comedian in “Weird: The Al Yankovic Story...
The star, who was known for smashing watermelons as part of his act, passed away while under hospice care in the Palm Springs area Friday morning, TMZ reported.
His longtime manager told the publication that Gallagher died of massive organ failure and hadn’t been well for a while.
TMZ stated Gallagher, who shot to fame on Johnny Carson’s “Tonight Show” back in 1975, had suffered multiple heart attacks over the years.
His rep told the site, “Gallagher stayed on the road touring America for decades. He was pretty sure he held a record for the most stand-up dates, by attrition alone.
“While Gallagher had his detractors, he was an undeniable talent and an American success story.”
Gallagher has been parodied a lot over the years, with Paul F. Tompkins recently playing the late comedian in “Weird: The Al Yankovic Story...
- 11/11/2022
- by Becca Longmire
- ET Canada
Kevin Conroy, the voice of Batman for three decades of animated TV, specials and video games, died Thursday. He was 66.
His death was announced by his rep Gary Miereanu and Warner Bros. A cause was not disclosed, but he reportedly had been battling cancer.
In a statement, Warner Bros. Animation said it “is saddened by the loss of our dear friend Kevin Conroy. His iconic performance of Batman will forever stand among the greatest portrayals of the Dark Knight in any medium. We send our warmest thoughts to his loved ones and join fans around the world in honoring his legacy.”
Related Story Hollywood & Media Deaths In 2022: Photo Gallery Related Story Norman Blumenthal Dies: 'Concentration', 'Wonderama' Producer Was 97 Related Story Roger Sexton Dies: 'Survivor: The Amazon' Contestant Was 76
An actor with credits on stage, television and film, Conroy became a premier voice actor as the title character of Batman: The Animated Series...
His death was announced by his rep Gary Miereanu and Warner Bros. A cause was not disclosed, but he reportedly had been battling cancer.
In a statement, Warner Bros. Animation said it “is saddened by the loss of our dear friend Kevin Conroy. His iconic performance of Batman will forever stand among the greatest portrayals of the Dark Knight in any medium. We send our warmest thoughts to his loved ones and join fans around the world in honoring his legacy.”
Related Story Hollywood & Media Deaths In 2022: Photo Gallery Related Story Norman Blumenthal Dies: 'Concentration', 'Wonderama' Producer Was 97 Related Story Roger Sexton Dies: 'Survivor: The Amazon' Contestant Was 76
An actor with credits on stage, television and film, Conroy became a premier voice actor as the title character of Batman: The Animated Series...
- 11/11/2022
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Roger Sexton, a contestant on the sixth season of the CBS reality series “Survivor”, has died. He was 76.
Sexton died on Oct. 27 after a battle with Lewy Body Dementia, his family confirmed to Deadline on Thursday.
Read More: Michael Butler, Broadway's Tony-Award Winning 'Hair' Producer, Dead at 95
Sexton competed on “Survivor: The Amazon”, in 2002. As a retired Marine and Viet Nam Veteran, Sexton had a gruff and commanding demeanor that was divisive among some of his fellow contestants but also lead to early success for his tribe.
After becoming the de facto leader of his Tambaqui tribe, Sexton wound up getting voted off when the tribes merged and was the seventh person to get kicked off the game, after 21 days.
Read More: Jeff Cook, Co-Founder of Country Band Alabama, Dead at 73
“Survivor”‘s official Instagram account paid tribute to the former contestant, writing: “We are heartbroken to learn of the...
Sexton died on Oct. 27 after a battle with Lewy Body Dementia, his family confirmed to Deadline on Thursday.
Read More: Michael Butler, Broadway's Tony-Award Winning 'Hair' Producer, Dead at 95
Sexton competed on “Survivor: The Amazon”, in 2002. As a retired Marine and Viet Nam Veteran, Sexton had a gruff and commanding demeanor that was divisive among some of his fellow contestants but also lead to early success for his tribe.
After becoming the de facto leader of his Tambaqui tribe, Sexton wound up getting voted off when the tribes merged and was the seventh person to get kicked off the game, after 21 days.
Read More: Jeff Cook, Co-Founder of Country Band Alabama, Dead at 73
“Survivor”‘s official Instagram account paid tribute to the former contestant, writing: “We are heartbroken to learn of the...
- 11/11/2022
- by Melissa Romualdi
- ET Canada
Roger Sexton, a contestant from the CBS reality show Survivor: The Amazon, died Oct. 26 at age 76 from Lewy Body Dementia, his family has confirmed. He passed at the home of his daughter and son-in-law in Walla Walla, Wash.
A retired Marine and Vietnam War veteran, Sexton was part of Season 6 of the series. Sexton quickly became the alpha on his team of men, known as the Tambaqui tribe. He was credited with leading the construction of a shelter for the group.
It was not a quiet stay for Sexton, whose abrupt manner tuned off some of the younger men and women contestants. He became the first player voted out of the merged Jacaré tribe and the seventh to leave the game overall.
Sexton is survived by his wife of 54 years, Diane; his daughter Amy (Brian Evensen), two grandchildren and two sisters.
A celebration of life will be held this Spring...
A retired Marine and Vietnam War veteran, Sexton was part of Season 6 of the series. Sexton quickly became the alpha on his team of men, known as the Tambaqui tribe. He was credited with leading the construction of a shelter for the group.
It was not a quiet stay for Sexton, whose abrupt manner tuned off some of the younger men and women contestants. He became the first player voted out of the merged Jacaré tribe and the seventh to leave the game overall.
Sexton is survived by his wife of 54 years, Diane; his daughter Amy (Brian Evensen), two grandchildren and two sisters.
A celebration of life will be held this Spring...
- 11/10/2022
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
Former Survivor: The Amazon contestant Roger Sexton has died at the age of 76. He died on October 26, per an obituary shared by his family. Sexton had dementia and was in hospice care when he died in his daughter’s home. “Roger Kenward Sexton — father, grandfather, husband, brother, Marine, Survivor — passed away at the home of his daughter and son-in-law on Wednesday, October 26, 2022, after a valiant and courageous battle with Lewy Body Dementia,” the obituary reads. “Surrounded by his loving family and the caring assistance of Walla Walla Hospice, Roger was finally able to find peace.” Born and raised in California, the retired Marine served in the Vietnam War. Following his service, he went to college and married his wife, going on to pursue a successful career in construction estimation. Sexton appeared in Season 6 of Survivor, in which the players were split into two teams of just men and just women.
- 11/10/2022
- TV Insider
The eighth episode of “Survivor 43” aired on Wednesday night and concluded with host Jeff Probst snuffing out the torch of Jeanine Zheng. The 24-year old from San Francisco, California was the eighth castaway sent packing and became the first member of the jury after being voted out on Day 16. Did the tribe make the right decision by voting out Jeanine? And what were the dumbest, most shocking and most exciting moments of the last episode?
See Jeanine Zheng (‘Survivor 43’ exit interview): One move had a ‘major impact’ on her game
Below, read our “Survivor 43” Episode 8 Top 5 moments. Then be sure to sound off in the comments section about your favorite castaways on CBS’s reality TV show, who annoys you the most and who you think will ultimately join the “Survivor” winners list and take home the 1 million grand prize.
See ‘Survivor’ deaths: Remembering Roger Sexton and 11 other castaways...
See Jeanine Zheng (‘Survivor 43’ exit interview): One move had a ‘major impact’ on her game
Below, read our “Survivor 43” Episode 8 Top 5 moments. Then be sure to sound off in the comments section about your favorite castaways on CBS’s reality TV show, who annoys you the most and who you think will ultimately join the “Survivor” winners list and take home the 1 million grand prize.
See ‘Survivor’ deaths: Remembering Roger Sexton and 11 other castaways...
- 11/10/2022
- by Vincent Mandile
- Gold Derby
Roger Sexton, a contestant from Survivor: The Amazon, has died. He was 76.
Sexton died Oct. 26 at the home of his daughter and son-in-law in Walla Walla, Wash. following “a valiant and courageous battle with Lewy Body Dementia,” according to an obituary written by his family.
More from TVLineSurvivor 43's [Spoiler] Explains Why Advantages Have Yet to Be PlayedSurvivor 43 Recap: A Majority Alliance Begins to Dominate, as One of Its Members Looks to Go RogueSurvivor 43's Latest Boot Reveals the Fate of Jeanine's Immunity Idol
The retired Marine who served in the Vietnam War participated in Season 6 of the CBS reality staple,...
Sexton died Oct. 26 at the home of his daughter and son-in-law in Walla Walla, Wash. following “a valiant and courageous battle with Lewy Body Dementia,” according to an obituary written by his family.
More from TVLineSurvivor 43's [Spoiler] Explains Why Advantages Have Yet to Be PlayedSurvivor 43 Recap: A Majority Alliance Begins to Dominate, as One of Its Members Looks to Go RogueSurvivor 43's Latest Boot Reveals the Fate of Jeanine's Immunity Idol
The retired Marine who served in the Vietnam War participated in Season 6 of the CBS reality staple,...
- 11/10/2022
- by Nick Caruso
- TVLine.com
The following contains spoilers from Wednesday’s episode of Survivor 43.
In Wednesday’s episode of Survivor, a majority alliance seemed set to dominate the game, but 43‘s four underdogs weren’t going down without a fight. With Sami throwing Gabler, Owen, Jeanine and Noelle a lifeline, a potential plan to cut Ryan was pitched, with majority members like Karla and James actually considering the ploy. But at the end of the hour, the group’s original target Jeanine — who incorrectly thought her idol had been flushed from the game — was more or less a sitting duck, and she was voted...
In Wednesday’s episode of Survivor, a majority alliance seemed set to dominate the game, but 43‘s four underdogs weren’t going down without a fight. With Sami throwing Gabler, Owen, Jeanine and Noelle a lifeline, a potential plan to cut Ryan was pitched, with majority members like Karla and James actually considering the ploy. But at the end of the hour, the group’s original target Jeanine — who incorrectly thought her idol had been flushed from the game — was more or less a sitting duck, and she was voted...
- 11/10/2022
- by Nick Caruso
- TVLine.com
We thought Jeanine’s idol was out of the game. We thought wrong.
Despite the fact that Survivor‘s eliminated Dwight told TVLine that Jeanine “did not get that idol back,” in Wednesday’s episode, we learned that did not mean it was flushed from the game. (Sneaky, sneaky Dwight!) Before that last Tribal Council, Dwight actually passed Jeanine’s prized possession off to Jesse, who was also holding onto Cody’s idol! When this week’s show picks up, Jeanine, however, is none the wiser, and since Cody never asked for his idol back, Jesse now possesses two of ’em.
Despite the fact that Survivor‘s eliminated Dwight told TVLine that Jeanine “did not get that idol back,” in Wednesday’s episode, we learned that did not mean it was flushed from the game. (Sneaky, sneaky Dwight!) Before that last Tribal Council, Dwight actually passed Jeanine’s prized possession off to Jesse, who was also holding onto Cody’s idol! When this week’s show picks up, Jeanine, however, is none the wiser, and since Cody never asked for his idol back, Jesse now possesses two of ’em.
- 11/10/2022
- by Nick Caruso
- TVLine.com
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