“Survivor” originally started as a show about a group of strangers who had no knowledge of each other before the game began. However, things have changed a bit through the years. Beginning with “Survivor: Guatemala” (Season 11) and the casting of ex-NFL quarterback Gary Hogeboom, CBS’s reality TV show has featured notable figures from the world of sports, entertainment and beyond, some of whom are identifiable by other castaways on the island with them. Tour our gallery above (or click here for direct access) to see the dozens of “Survivor” celebrity cast members who had some level of fame prior to competing on the program. Which ones did you recognize before their seasons ever aired?
See Everything to know about ‘Survivor 43’
“Survivor” being such a physical game has made it attractive to athletes from the world of the NFL, MLB, NHL, NBA and even the Olympics. In addition to Gary,...
See Everything to know about ‘Survivor 43’
“Survivor” being such a physical game has made it attractive to athletes from the world of the NFL, MLB, NHL, NBA and even the Olympics. In addition to Gary,...
- 10/24/2022
- by Marcus James Dixon
- Gold Derby
“Survivor” originally started as a show about a group of strangers who had no knowledge of each other before the game began. However, things have changed a bit through the years. Beginning with “Survivor: Guatemala” (Season 11) and the casting of ex-NFL quarterback Gary Hogeboom, CBS’s reality TV show has featured notable figures from the world of sports, entertainment and beyond, some of whom are identifiable by other castaways on the island with them. Below you can tour our gallery of the dozens of “Survivor” celebrity cast members who had some level of fame prior to competing on the program. Which ones did you recognize before their seasons ever aired? Originally published April 2020.
- 10/22/2022
- by Marcus James Dixon
- Gold Derby
Hidden Immunity Idols have been a “Survivor” staple since Season 11, “Guatemala,” when Gary Hogeboom found the elusive token. Since then, idols are being used on a much more strategic level, with some finders even playing it on other people in the game. It is an added layer to the game that continues to make players even more paranoid than they already were, fearful of being blindsided by the finder. But who’s found the most idols on “Survivor”? Scroll down for the updated list.
Some “Survivor” contestants are dangerously good at finding idols. Once you find one, it generally becomes easier to know what to look for. Players like Russell Hantz, Tony Vlachos, Tai Trang, Rick Devens and Kelley Wentworth have all attained multiple idols in the same season. Not everyone plays their idol correctly, and some infamously fail to play them at the right time, resulting in their elimination.
Some “Survivor” contestants are dangerously good at finding idols. Once you find one, it generally becomes easier to know what to look for. Players like Russell Hantz, Tony Vlachos, Tai Trang, Rick Devens and Kelley Wentworth have all attained multiple idols in the same season. Not everyone plays their idol correctly, and some infamously fail to play them at the right time, resulting in their elimination.
- 9/23/2020
- by Kevin Jacobsen
- Gold Derby
While “Survivor” originally started as a show about a group of strangers who had no knowledge of each other before the game, things have changed a bit in the years since. Starting in Season 11 (“Guatemala”) with ex-NFL quarterback Gary Hogeboom, the show has featured notable figures from the world of sports and entertainment, some of whom are identifiable by other castaways on the island with them. Above you can tour our gallery of the 31 celebrity cast members who had some level of fame prior to playing “Survivor.”
See ‘Survivor 40’ advantages: Who currently has immunity idols, fire tokens in ‘Winners at War’?
“Survivor” being such a physical game has made it attractive to athletes from the world of the NFL, Mlb, NHL, NBA and even the Olympics. In addition to Gary, some names familiar to those who follow professional football have included: former coach Jimmy Johnson (“Nicaragua”), Steve Wright and...
See ‘Survivor 40’ advantages: Who currently has immunity idols, fire tokens in ‘Winners at War’?
“Survivor” being such a physical game has made it attractive to athletes from the world of the NFL, Mlb, NHL, NBA and even the Olympics. In addition to Gary, some names familiar to those who follow professional football have included: former coach Jimmy Johnson (“Nicaragua”), Steve Wright and...
- 4/30/2020
- by Kevin Jacobsen
- Gold Derby
“The Simpsons” boss worries Sunday’s major death may be overhyped: We never said we’re killing off an “iconic” character “I’ve done everything I can to temper any disappointment by saying that, although the press is claiming this is an ‘iconic’ character, we never said that,” says executive producer Al Jean, in an interview with TVLine. “We just said it’s a ‘beloved’ character. I think it may have become overhyped, though I’ve never heard the term ‘underhyped’ before. Either way, it’s an emotional story, and it’s one we’re really proud of.” Plus: What TV critics said of “The Simpsons” when it debuted, and how “The Simpsons” looks at night -- illustrated. “Family Guy’s” crossover with “The Simpsons” is alternately fascinating, frustrating, amusing and annoying In other words, it’s your typical “Family Guy” episode. “Family Guy” Season 13: Stewie will get pregnant...
- 9/27/2014
- by Norman Weiss
- Hitfix
It always happens. Whenever someone even semi-famous comes on Survivor and hopes to fly under the radar, they are recognized. Former Facts of Life star Lisa Whelchel almost made it all the way through Survivor: Philippines, until Jonathan Penner forced her to reveal her secret at the final Tribal Council. Even Gary Hogeboom, who was mostly a backup quarterback in his NFL career, was recognized when he played in Survivor: Guatemala. All it takes is one person to connect the dots and your game could be through.
So will it happen to former Atlanta Braves relief pitcher John Rocker...
So will it happen to former Atlanta Braves relief pitcher John Rocker...
- 9/17/2014
- by Dalton Ross
- EW - Inside TV
Cliff Robinson was not the first professional athlete to compete on Survivor. Major league baseball player Jeff Kent competed in the Philippines, and NFL quarterback Gary Hogeboom strategized his way to the final seven in Guatemala. But few contestants were as recognizable as Robinson, a 6-ft., 10-inch basketball player who spent 18 seasons in the NBA. After being blindsided on day 14, Robinson became the fifth contestant to leave Survivor: Cagayan. Following his elimination, Robinson spoke with People about his tribe, his love of the game and why he should have made the finals. You're a recognizable guy. Did you tell everyone who you were?...
- 3/26/2014
- by Steve Helling
- PEOPLE.com
Survivor has a history of having formerly famous people from other areas of life appear as contestants on the show. Facts of Life star Lisa Whelchel made it all the way to the finals of Survivor: Philippines. But most of the familiar faces have come from the sports world, including Super Bowl winning coach Jimmy Johnson (Nicaragua), Dallas Cowboys quarterback Gary Hogeboom (Guatemala) and National League Mvp Jeff Kent (Philippines). Add another name to that list when Survivor: Cagayan debuts on Feb. 26 as former NBA All-Star Cliff Robinson takes part as a member of the Brawn tribe.
However, it...
However, it...
- 2/24/2014
- by Dalton Ross
- EW - Inside TV
After a successful season of having former players compete with/against their loved ones on Blood vs. Water, Survivor will try another brand new concept when Survivor: Cagayan premieres with a two-hour episode on Feb. 26 at 8pm on CBS. This time, 18 contestants will be separated into three tribes: brawn, brains, and beauty. And while all of those contestants will be new players — marking only the third such all-newbie season in the past nine installments — one of the names may be familiar: former NBA All-Star (and recent visitor to North Korea as part of Dennis Rodman’s basketball troupe) Cliff Robinson.
- 1/22/2014
- by Dalton Ross
- EW - Inside TV
A Miss USA competitor, two former NFL players, and an Iraq war veteran are among the contestants who will be playing for $1 million when Survivor: Redemption Island premieres Wednesday, February 16 on CBS. But the most famous faces competing have yet to be announced, as two former players will once again be returning to the game, bringing the total contestant count to 18. (Their identities will be revealed later in the week.) This will not be the first time that two former players have come back to lead their tribes into battle: Stephenie Lagrossa and Bobby Jon Drinkard of Survivor: Palau returned for the Guatemala season,...
- 1/10/2011
- by Dalton Ross
- EW - Inside TV
When the news first broke that former NFL coach, current ExtenZe spokesman, and all around good guy Jimmy Johnson was going to be a castaway on Survivor: Nicaragua, feelings were mixed. People weren't sure if casting a highly recognizable celebrity was merely a gimmick, or if Jimmy Johnson had a shot at being a real contender?
This isn't the first time Survivor has used celebrities as castaways before. Former NFL player Gary Hogeboom (Guatemala), Olympic gold medalist Crystal Cox (Gabon), and a member of the R&B group Swv Tamara "Taj" Johnson-George (Tocantins) have all played the game. There have also been a handful of z level stars (Jonathan Penner, Rita Verreos), but never has the show cast someone as well knows as Jimmy Johnson.
This isn't the first time Survivor has used celebrities as castaways before. Former NFL player Gary Hogeboom (Guatemala), Olympic gold medalist Crystal Cox (Gabon), and a member of the R&B group Swv Tamara "Taj" Johnson-George (Tocantins) have all played the game. There have also been a handful of z level stars (Jonathan Penner, Rita Verreos), but never has the show cast someone as well knows as Jimmy Johnson.
- 9/30/2010
- by editor@buddytv.com
- buddytv.com
Survivor has never had a “famous” person or celebrity on the show before. Sure, former NFL-player Gary Hogeboom was on, but only hardcore football fans knew who he was. Jimmy Johnson, on the other hand, is a bona fide celebrity. As a two-time Super Bowl-winning coach, national college championship-winning coach, star college football player and analyst for the most popular weekly NFL pregame show, Jimmy is by far the most well-known player to ever play the game. As a result, Survivor is taking every opportunity it has to use his fame to promote the show (something particularly useful for a show in it’s 21st season). On Thursday, I participated in a conference call with Jimmy as he discussed Survivor, football, arterial stents, his hair, and everything in between. While his answers typically cryptic (contestants aren’t allowed to say anything that could give away results of the game), I...
- 9/10/2010
- by Michael Salerno
- TVovermind.com
Former Dallas Cowboys coach Jimmy Johnson will try not to get his torch snuffed -- or his famously immobile hair mussed -- on the next season of "Survivor."
The 67-year-old Johnson, who coached the Cowboys to two Super Bowl wins in the 1990s, will be a contestant on "Survivor: Nicaragua," the Dallas Morning News reports. The CBS show began filming its 21st cycle in late June in San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua.
A CBS rep tells Zap2it that the network doesn't comment on casting speculation. The full "Survivor: Nicaragua" cast will be announced in mid-August.
"Survivor's" tight shooting schedule -- the game lasts 39 days -- means that Johnson should be back in the United States in plenty of time for his other TV job as an analyst on Fox's NFL pre-game show. (Presumably he can also film any new commercials for the herbal "male enhancement" pill he hawks later as well.
The 67-year-old Johnson, who coached the Cowboys to two Super Bowl wins in the 1990s, will be a contestant on "Survivor: Nicaragua," the Dallas Morning News reports. The CBS show began filming its 21st cycle in late June in San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua.
A CBS rep tells Zap2it that the network doesn't comment on casting speculation. The full "Survivor: Nicaragua" cast will be announced in mid-August.
"Survivor's" tight shooting schedule -- the game lasts 39 days -- means that Johnson should be back in the United States in plenty of time for his other TV job as an analyst on Fox's NFL pre-game show. (Presumably he can also film any new commercials for the herbal "male enhancement" pill he hawks later as well.
- 7/21/2010
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Zap2It - From Inside the Box
Talk about random casting news.
Espn.com is quoting sources that say former Dallas Cowboys coach Jimmy Johnson will be a contestant on Survivor: Nicaragua, the 21st edition of this reality competition that premieres in the fall.
The two-time Super Bowl winning coach is an analyst for Fox and actually wouldn't be the first ex-Cowboys employee to appear on the show. Former quarterback Gary Hogeboom was a contestant on Survivor: Guatemala and finished in seventh place.
But Hogeboom was barely recognizable to other players. He also didn't make a lot of money back when he played. Johnson, conversely, is a very familiar face to any football fan and is a multi-millionaire.
It's an unusual casting decision, one we'd have to imagine is a ratings ploy by Survivor. We expect better from you, Jeff Probst.
Espn.com is quoting sources that say former Dallas Cowboys coach Jimmy Johnson will be a contestant on Survivor: Nicaragua, the 21st edition of this reality competition that premieres in the fall.
The two-time Super Bowl winning coach is an analyst for Fox and actually wouldn't be the first ex-Cowboys employee to appear on the show. Former quarterback Gary Hogeboom was a contestant on Survivor: Guatemala and finished in seventh place.
But Hogeboom was barely recognizable to other players. He also didn't make a lot of money back when he played. Johnson, conversely, is a very familiar face to any football fan and is a multi-millionaire.
It's an unusual casting decision, one we'd have to imagine is a ratings ploy by Survivor. We expect better from you, Jeff Probst.
- 7/21/2010
- by matt@iscribelimited.com (M.L. House)
- TVfanatic
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