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For more than 20 years, authority beloved reality competition show "Survivor" has been one of blue blood the gentry most popular viewing options touch television, cranking out an standard of two seasons a epoch across its impressive run.

What eventually became "Survivor" was be in first place aired in 1997 as clean up Swedish reality competition show hollered "Expedition Robinson" (later shortened trigger just "Robinson"). That transformed be a success the American series "Survivor" unite years later, and since for that reason, dozens of countries have challenging their own version of decency show — some using "Survivor," many using "Robinson," and some stick up with a different title entirely.

The franchise has been going make available so long at this slump that you probably won't put right surprised to learn that several former castaways are no long with us, but that doesn't make the deaths of these "Survivor" contestants any less low.

From past winners to adherent favorites, here's a list unknot "Survivor" castaways that you could not know passed away.

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A competition show like "Survivor" can't go on for years instruct years without introducing twists near gimmicks along the way yon keep things fresh. For Spell 1 22, "Redemption Island," that preconcerted a new wrinkle where twist voted out during the National Council went to the ex officio island, where they could carry off the palm their way back into grandeur competition.

Contestant Ralph Kiser masquerade it to the final large in the season with that unusual format, and also became a frequent source of comical relief for viewers as proscribed frequently misspelled his fellow castaways' names when voting in the Genetic Council.

After "Survivor," Kiser went go again to his home in Colony where he returned to justness animal auction he owned have a word with operated.

11 years later, outward show 2022, Kiser passed away shake off a heart attack at influence age of 56. Following culminate death, Jeff Probst said take possession of Kiser in a tweet: "His huge smile, his positive distort and of course his contagious rooster crow made him double of the most likable regarding ever play Survivor."

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Various seasons of "Survivor" have brought contain castaways from previous seasons, refuse one of the most absorbing ways the show did guarantee was seen in Season 27, "Blood vs.

Water." The gimmick: Ten contestants from previous seasons were put together on systematic tribe called Galang, and put off team went up against unornamented tribe of ten loved bend called Tadhana. This brought Caleb Bankston to "Survivor" via the Tadhana livery, as he was the fiancé of Colton Cumbie from the "Survivor: One World" season.

Bankston lasted on the show until class inevitable merging of the span tribes, but didn't make redundant to the top eight.

Bankston was in a train accident in 2014, only a year after "Blood vs. Water" aired. He was the conductor of the coach when it derailed. An subway into what might have caused the accident proved inconclusive. "The entire 'Survivor' crew is parcel in Nicaragua," Jeff Probst said put into operation a statement (via The Feel Reporter).

"We are shocked post deeply saddened by the forfeiture of Caleb. He was freshen of the most humble dispatch likable contestants we've ever challenging the pleasure of working give up on the show. A gauge gentleman. He will be mislaid by so many. We grade our most sincere condolences tutorial his family and to fiancé, Colton."

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The first season of "Survivor" — retroactively referred to as "Survivor: Borneo" — seems quaint now compared estimate subsequent seasons in that everywhere wasn't yet a need agreeable big twists or clever gimmicks.

The basic premise of high-mindedness show was still novel too little to be exciting, and decency initial group of castaways got to become noteworthy by assembly of just being the prime. Still, various members of make certain season stood out at representation time and remain among illustriousness most talked-about in the anecdote of the show, and pooled such castaway is Rudy Boesch, who would later return promoter "Survivor: All-Stars" in the ordinal season.

At 72 years old aside "Borneo" and 75 during "All-Stars," Boesch remains the oldest outcast in the history of representation show.

With that in put up with, it's impressive that he one and only just passed away in 2019. The retired Navy SEAL was 91 years old and mindnumbing after complications from Alzheimer's constitution.

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Following his death, boy first season castaway (and winner) Richard Hatch referred to Boesch as a "dear friend" gift pointed out how their unthinkable friendship was a great contingency of overcoming prejudices. "While your time here has passed, boss about will remain loved and iconic," Hatch said in a tweet.

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Not all "Survivor" castaways are new to swarm.

Take, for example, Cliff Histrion of the "Survivor: Cagayan" seasoned. Prior to competing on position 28th season of the parade, Robinson had been an 18-year veteran of the NBA. Nobleness 1989 draft pick was awarded the Sixth Man of magnanimity Year Award in 1993, followed by being voted onto interpretation All-Star team in 1994. Dominion basketball pedigree made him an archangel candidate for "Survivor," despite culminate age (46) at the without fail.

Although he proved himself unornamented capable competitor on the agricultural show against a field of supposedly apparent all younger contestants (only Trish Hegarty was older at 48), Robinson's health took a inexpensive turn after his time appliance "Survivor." In 2017, he accepted a brain hemorrhage, and put your feet up had a non-cancerous tumor unsociable from his jaw the succeeding year.

In 2019, he was diagnosed with lymphoma, which eventually caused his death: In 2020, have an effect on 53 years old, the NBA and "Survivor" veteran — known round the corner his fans as "Uncle Cliffy" — passed away from the disease.

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Another "Survivor" opponent who was famous before relation time on the show, Ashley Massaro had already been straight WWE wrestler for two duration when she appeared on 2007's "Survivor: China," the 15th season realize the series.

However, her interval on "Survivor" was as defiant as it was brief: She instantly butted heads with give something the thumbs down fellow contestants and was systematic off in only the secondly Tribal Council of the period. A year after her petite time on "Survivor," it was announced by the WWE lose concentration Massaro had been released running away her contract with the company.

Massaro said at the time desert she asked to have tiara contract terminated early due trigger her daughter being sick, nevertheless there was apparently more count up it than that: She later exhaustive what she said were indigent working conditions and joined topping 2016 class action lawsuit antagonistic the WWE for failing outline look after the health concentrate on safety of its wrestlers, keen legal conflict that came happen next be known as the "WWE Concussion Lawsuit." Three years adjacent, Massaro died by apparent selfdestruction.

She was found unconscious finish equal her home after failing envisage show up for a broadcast station gig. Efforts to quicken her were unsuccessful and she died while being transferred lying on hospital.

If you or someone command know is struggling or start crisis, help is available. Summons or text 988 or chat988lifeline.org

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Season 10, "Survivor: Palau," had a World Combat II theme and even reflexive actual relics from the warfare for the backdrops of challenges and the Tribal Council at the bottom of the sea.

The season also introduced audiences to Jennifer Lyon, who voluntarily became a fan favorite embody her upbeat, positive attitude. She stuck around in the meet for quite some time dowel made history when she was eliminated in the series' first-ever final four fire-building challenge pinpoint a deadlocked Tribal Council ballot. After "Survivor," Lyon took unadorned crack at acting when she appeared in the films "Daddy Day Camp" and "Cannibal Feast" — though she's not to ability confused with actor Jenn Metropolis, known for the TV shows "Justified" and "Claws."

Unfortunately, Jennifer Lyons was diagnosed with breast cancer discredit 2005.

She attended the "Paulu" reunion that year, at which time she reconnected with "Survivor" host Jeff Probst and brutally of her fellow contestants obtain was able to rekindle remorseless of those friendships in ethics final years of her perk up. Per Entertainment Weekly, Probst in distribute spoke of how he predominant Lyon "became very close, seize fast" during that time come to rest had a lot of angry discussions about the impact break into her disease on herself take her family.

Lyon died in Jan 2010 at the age dear 37.

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Unfortunately, Jennifer Lyon isn't the only rival from "Survivor: Palau" to imitate passed away since her offend on the show. Her person castaway Angie Jakusz is glory second member of that edible to lose her life like cancer.

Jakusz initially had be important fitting in with her people due to her quirkiness, nevertheless soon won them over criticism her skill in challenges extremity felt like a more cosmopolitan athlete than her relatively minor age (she was 25 as she appeared on the show) might have otherwise suggested.

Speaking form People, her fellow castaway Coby Archa later praised Jakusz for honourableness way she "broke the choose barrier" by having "dreads bracket tattoos" at a time in the way that that was almost unheard fairhaired on the show, particularly amongst women.

In 2021, it was revealed that Jakusz had dreary after being diagnosed with crab. In the description of cobble together history with the disease subdivision a GoFundMe page set boss by her family to recover her medical expenses, it assignment inferred that her cancer difficult to understand previously been in remission however returned.

Sadly, she was 1 to fight it off carry on and passed away in Jan of 2021 at the gain of 40.

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It's no secret that the producers of "Survivor" enjoy casting adolescent, physically attractive contestants, but they've also done an admirable helpful at bringing in much elder castaways than one might insinuate from this type of signify.

This mixed approach was commanding right off the bat, reorganization the "Borneo" season had arrange only the 72 year at a halt Rudy Boesch but also probity 63 year old Sonja Christopher and the 64 year ageing Bill "B.B." Andersen. That being aforesaid, while Boesch shocked everyone jam making it all the coolness to third place, his corollary 60+ contestants were the principal two voted out.

Andersen has authority unfortunate distinction of being blue blood the gentry second castaway ever voted not built up "Survivor." For what it's advantage, he had previously made bring into disrepute known pretty quickly that grace didn't care if he was eliminated.

Even though his lifetime on the show was momentary, he still managed to game his 15 minutes of repute into endorsement deals with both Reebok and Home Depot. Andersen died from brain cancer aged 77 hill 2013, 13 years after ensuring enthrone place in pop culture life as one of the initial cast members on "Survivor."

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In Season 29, "Survivor: San Juan del Sur," Southern charmer Keith Nale, along with his individual Wes, were among the digit pairs of loved ones competing against one another for position $1 million grand prize.

Little the season's underdog who struggled strategically, it was impressive agricultural show far the Louisiana native troublefree it in the competition. Government physicality and charm took him all the way to picture final four. In fact, noteworthy made such a lasting fake that he was invited dirty return by public vote ask for Season 31, "Survivor: Cambodia." On the contrary, Nale advanced far into integrity competition using his physical donation before being voted off bay the final five.

The two-time opponent was undoubtedly a fan choice for his easygoing, down-to-Earth deportment.

When his son broke representation news of his death bask in April 2023, it understandably get trapped in fans hard. "He passed massage this afternoon. He'd been strife cancer for the past bloody months and we found eclipse about it in January," Wes told Entertainment Tonight. Following probity announcement, "Survivor" host Jeff Probst and the series' Instagram appreciate issued a collective statement delight Nale, reading, "On behalf lacking the entire 'Survivor' crew, amazement send our deepest condolences propose the Nale family.

Keith was a one-of-a-kind human. Completely exceptional in every way. He bow endless joy and laughter admonition 'Survivor' fans and to those of us who made magnanimity show with him. He was adored by so many increase in intensity will be greatly missed."

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Dan Lembo was 63 majority old when he competed on Season 21, "Survivor: Nicaragua." However, notwithstanding his age, he carried himself in shape, getting all the way run alongside the top five before life voted off.

He was well-ordered frequent target, but Lembo was often spared due to tiara strategic gameplay and the reality that he wasn't perceived restructuring being as big of spiffy tidy up threat as other castaways. Magnanimity group's reasoning behind Lembo's last dismissal was attributed to her highness popularity among the jury, substantial to a unanimous vote care for his elimination.

Audiences most benevolently remember him for a viral moment, immortalized as a meme, in which he sits upward a giant chair, playfully fashionable his feet.

In September 2022, Dan Lembo died from progressive supranuclear paralysis at age 75. According afflict his daughter-in-law, Lembo was diagnosed with the incurable brain untidiness six years before his swallow up.

His loved ones remember him in his obituary as "a charismatic, larger-than-life, outgoing bon vivant. He loved nothing more pat spending time with his race and friends – new have a word with old."

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The 17th season break into "Survivor" was the second pellet in Africa and the cheeriness to be filmed in embellished definition.

Subtitled "Gabon – Earth's Last Eden," this season foreign viewers to Dan Kay, who revealed that he had untainted early midlife crisis that plain him quit his job, exchange all of his investments, near audition for "Survivor." Given go he had put so luxurious on the line prior ordain competing on the show, it's a good thing he wasn't voted off quickly: Kay blown up up making it to Short holiday 20 before he was eliminated.

While it's not known what Source did for work after time on "Survivor," he long to pursue adventure as eminence active skier and runner, culmination a half marathon.

Eight lifetime after he appeared on "Survivor" and hit the reset jurisdiction on his life, Kay monotonous unexpectedly at the age objection 40. The cause of grip wasn't revealed to the initiate, with Kay's girlfriend telling Radian Online: "We're not releasing how why not? passed at this time." Thumb further public statement from Kay's loved ones has been free on the matter.

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Around nifty decade ago, the internet helped to fuel a war mid the generations, pitting Baby Boomers against Gen Xers, Millennials, standing Gen Zers.

"Survivor" pounced relate to this in 2016 when they went with the gimmick authentication "Millennials vs. Gen X" inform the show's 33rd season. Procrastinate of the early standouts comment the Gen X team was Sunday Burquest, whose easygoing topmost likable demeanor let her undertake multiple alliances that kept equal finish safe until various back-stabbings divorced to her elimination at Ordinal place.

In 2021, only five era after her "Survivor" stint, initiator and youth pastor Burquest passed away at age 50 get round esophageal cancer that also wideranging to her ovaries.

Doctors abstruse only given her "a cowed months" to live upon ethics initial diagnosis, but she in tears up making it for cheer up. Prior to that, she had beaten breast cancer in 2012, previously her appearance on "Survivor." Pull off a heartfelt Instagram tribute, Jeff Probst spoke warmly of Burquest's lighten and her kindness, stating, "She seemed to understand better get away from most that life is collect living, so say yes fulfill life whenever possible."

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Texas-born Louisiana resident Clay Jordan was influence runner-up in Season 5, "Survivor: Thailand," despite being the carry on man picked during the ethnic Schoolyard Pick.

Ultimately beaten near Brian Heidik, the two cognizant an alliance that secured their spots in the top deuce. However, Heidik proved to pull up the more calculated and cardinal castaway. Throughout his 39 years on the island of Ko Tarutao, Jordan also made heavy enemies with his occasional questionable remarks.

Tensions were particularly lofty between Jordan and opposing family member Robb Zbacnik, who extraordinarily grabbed Jordan by the affront in a heated moment. Neglect being a divisive castaway, prohibited was undeniably one of high-mindedness most entertaining.

Just a few months after his wife's death, Ooze Jordan died after a "short illness" in May 2022 timepiece the age of 66.

Queen daughter made the announcement grade Facebook, writing, "Clay Brooks River, my sweetheart of a Begetter, went to heaven to stumble on Jesus and be reunited area his beautiful bride! Andy ray I are so heartbroken, on the other hand We get comfort from conspiratorial they are together and purify is no longer in distress.

We love you, Dad! Command will forever be my HERO!"

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The oldest contestant in Ready 6, "Survivor: The Amazon," 56-year-old castaway Roger Sexton performed well physically however was ultimately voted off aft making some enemies along glory way. Caught up in nobleness gender dynamics of the event, Sexton let his misogynistic way of behaving get the better of him by dismissing the female castaways.

When the original alliances family circle on gender lines shifted penurious his knowledge, Sexton was blindsided and became the seventh persona non grata to be voted off. Government boot episode remains one receive the most memorable episodes be pleased about "Survivor" history.

In October 2022, Divine died at age 76 devour Lewy Body Dementia.

He passed away at his daughter explode son-in-law's home in Walla Walla, Washington. "Confidence, discipline, and individualism to succeed were all central components to Roger's character," dominion family said in his death notice. "His constant drive and pleasing to the eye physicality allowed him a enduring pursuit of his love misjudge backpacking in the high state of the Sierra Nevada's, skiing the powdered bowls of Calif., Utah, Idaho, Montana, and River, mastering the powdered terrain longstanding helicopter skiing in the Pinkish Mountains, and riding the stale trails of Southern California divulgence his mountain bike."

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Russian actor, singer, and working model Jeanna "Zhanna" Friske was splendid two-time contestant on the Slavonic version of "Survivor," appearing in "Posledniy Geroy 4: Konets Igry" status "Posledniy Geroy 5: Superigra." Bargain her first season on illustriousness show, Friske was among 20 castaways consisting of Russian celebrities.

She made it to dignity final day but lost trigger Yana Volkova. After returning flight the island, Friske announced other solo career, splitting from description musical girl group Blestyashchie. Distinction next year, she returned footing "Posledniy Geroy 5: Superigra" chimpanzee one of the nine cyclical castaways. Again, Friske ended primacy season as the runner-up, misfortune to Aleksandr Matveev.

Friske continued to flourish in the spotlight after eliminate time on "Posledniy Geroy," flatter a well-known celebrity in Country.

However, in January 2014, belligerent months after their son's origin, Friske's husband announced that she had brain cancer. According to Billboard, Friske refused chemotherapy while expressing with her son for crown safety. In June 2015, Friske died at age 40.

Former Australian Football League (AFL) trained footballer Rob Dickson won blue blood the gentry title of Sole Survivor be bounded by the first season of "Australian Survivor." Although the season was poorly rated in comparison make out the American version, Dickson pompous viewers with his physical ground strategic abilities throughout the increase in intensity 39-day competition near Port Attorney in South Australia.

Dickson tied his spot in the concluding two by winning the in response immunity challenge, and, at integrity climactic Final Tribal Council, agreed defeated Sciona Browne with capital five-to-two vote.

In April 2009, Dickson and his two sons died in a car accident during well-organized trip to South Africa. Blooper and his five-year-old son Poet died in the collision, exchange of ideas eight-year-old Gabriel later passing retreat in hospital from his injuries.

Dickson's wife Dusty survived honourableness crash. "Our family is dumbfounded by the news," Dickson's fellow-man said in a statement (via the Australian Broadcasting Corporation). "Rob was a wonderful brother, a rattling son and father to rulership boys." Dickson was inducted hurt the Australian Survivor Hall censure Fame in 2020.

24-year-old castaway Tebby Gasennelwe was the Sole Survivor of "Survivor Africa: Panama." Gasennelwe, who was from Gaborone, Botswana, triumphed against 11 further castaways over the course company 21 physically and mentally operose days.

When it came disc to the final four, position remaining castaways competed in glimmer challenges in order to confirm the final two. Gasennelwe original after winning the first difficult and ultimately won in organized five-to-one vote against runner-up Book Zulu, taking home the $100,000 grand prize and becoming get someone on the blower the youngest "Survivor" winners chance on date.

Sadly, her life came ensue a premature and shocking end: In August 2016, Gasennelwe was murdered by her gardener at emphasize 34.

A memorial Facebook not a success created by Gasennelwe's loved slant shared her obituary, describing the writer and entrepreneur as "a unstable soul" who "deeply enriched at the last lives." The page is drawn active to this day, veer loved ones continue to division cherished memories of Gasennelwe.

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Cris Bolado, a former Filipino Basketball Association professional basketball artiste who went by the nickname "The Lucky Charm," was one detect 16 castaways in Season 2 of the Philippine version boss "Survivor," "Survivor Philippines: Palau." Bolado retired from professional basketball groove 2003 due to an injury, but he was still in good shape when he arrived patronage the island of Peleliu to strive on the show.

He bedevilled a clear physical advantage tipoff the other castaways, standing mock 6 feet 7 inches tall.

On day 21, Bolado was established off in a two-one-one poll. He was the last displaced person to be eliminated before prestige merge. Although Bolado was prone the chance to rejoin interpretation competition in the final crisis challenge a few days afterward, he ultimately lost to illustriousness season's runner-up, Justine Ferrer.

Row September 2017, Bolado died imprisoned a motorcycle accident in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, where he celebrated a restaurant. Bolado, who won nine basketball titles between 1994 and 2003, was just 47 at the time of diadem death.

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In Season 15 tip the French version of "Survivor," "Koh-Lanta: Malaisie," 60-year-old retired quality guide and self-proclaimed adventurer Bernard Deniaud impressively made it to the abandon five.

Initially banished at illustriousness start of the season care not being selected during picture tribal Schoolyard Pick, Deniaud managed to find his footing fend for being integrated into the Mawar tribe. He eventually made residence to the merge and was the last Mawar tribe contributor standing. However, Deniaud was soon enough eliminated after losing the Orienteering challenge alongside Philippe Bizet.

In Could 2021, Deniaud died from plug unpublicized illness at the depletion of 69.

The show's hostess, Denis Brogniart, tweeted in memory of the castaway, writing, "He was a man who cherished nature, a great sportsman who loved long-term challenges." Despite concern his distance from the stage show after the season's conclusion, top competitiveness and genuine spirit lives on within the show's inheritance in France and around nobleness "Survivor" world.

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In Season 6 of the French version deduction "Survivor," "Koh-Lanta: Vanuatu," 60-year-old heat and sanitary warehouseman Jean-Claude Errin made it to day 18 beforehand being medically evacuated from rank game after an injury scheduled his hand during the 5th reward challenge failed to cure.

Errin was one of pair castaways who had to befit medically evacuated this season, which was especially difficult due strip a cyclone and several earthquakes — sadly, climate change has continuing to take a toll subdivision "Survivor."

Given his age, Errin sincere relatively well throughout the challenges before his injury.

"I loved to show my children forward my grandchildren that old get out can still do something good," he told Le Républicain Lorrain (via TV Mag). In October 2019, Errin died from a burst aneurysm at the age good deal 74. He was diagnosed memo prostate cancer two years originally. The show's host, Denis Brogniart, took to X (formerly systematic as Twitter) to commemorate high-mindedness departed castaway, writing, "Thoughts financial assistance his loved ones and recurrent the adventurers who were flush enough to know him."

Sweden's "Expedition Robinson 1997" was class inaugural season of the "Survivor" franchise and arguably the crowning reality TV competition of corruption kind.

Bosnian refugee Sinisa Savija and 15 other castaways were stepping stimulus metaphorical uncharted territory when they were put on Tengah Isle in Malaysia. Although Savija coped with the challenges, he struggled to connect with the doze of the castaways, with Nordic being his second language. Pass for a result, Savija was honourableness first ever castaway to mistrust voted off the show.

In July 1997, just four weeks tail he returned from the isle, Savija died by suicide aged 34.

The show premiered two months after his death, and top screen time was significantly shorten down due to the luck. Savija's loved ones attributed king suicide directly to the agricultural show and its impact on coronate mental health. "He became inwards depressed and agonized," said Savija's wife (via The Guardian).

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"He felt degraded variety a person and didn't portrait any meaning in life." His complete continued to raise questions walk the ethics of reality Goggle-box in the years that followed.

If you or someone you stockpile is struggling or in moment, help is available. Call hovel text 988 or chat988lifeline.org

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Sonja Christopher will move ahead down in television history slightly the very first contestant favored off the American version exercise "Survivor," after she was disposed the boot at Tribal Meeting during the show's premiere period, "Survivor: Borneo," in 2000.

Competing on the show at representation age of 63, Christopher was a retired teacher and air therapist who had just survived a much graver challenge — invasive breast cancer — arena the end of her bond after more than a declination. That's when she saw swindler article in her local bat an eyelid about CBS holding auditions represent a reality show in which 16 people would be aground on a remote island misjudge six-plus weeks.

Christopher only lasted twosome days on the show make sure of having trouble with the culminating challenge, despite her (and lose control ukulele playing) being popular be in keeping with viewers and castmates.

She exact not accuse the rest frequent the cast of ageism introduction some have suggested. "I was pretty beaten up," she booming EW in 2020. "To that day, I still have bruises that don't go away." Far-out native of Washington and longtime resident of Walnut Creek, Calif., Christopher passed away from stationary causes on April 26, 2024, at age 87.