As one of the longest-running reality TV shows in history, “Survivor” has produced more than 40 seasons in its 20-year span. The show first aired on CBS on May 31, 2000, and has been hosted by Jeff Probst every season. “Survivor” is still on TV today, beginning its 46th season in February 2024.
During each season of “Survivor,” a group of strangers is invited to a remote location. Each person must provide food and shelter while completing various mental and physical challenges along the way. As the show progresses, individuals are voted out one by one until one final “survivor” is left to win the show and bring home the cash prize.
When the show began, the cash prize was $1 million. However, in Season 40, the prize was upped to $2 million. This was mainly because Season 40 only included a cast of past winners. In the 45 seasons of the reality TV show, only two individuals have seen repeat victories: Sandra Diaz-Twine, who won Seasons 7 and 20, and Tony Vlachos, who won Season 28 and the All-Stars Season 40. Let’s dive into each winner and what they’re doing today.
24/7 Tempo reviewed several lifestyle and entertainment sources, including IMDb, Variety, and Entertainment Weekly, to compile this list of survivor winners and their current activities. (Click here to check out America’s favorite TV shows right now.)
Richard Hatch
- Season 1: Borneo
Richard Hatch became the first “Survivor” winner, earning the $1 million grand prize along with a Pontiac SUV during the finale, which aired Aug. 23, 2000. During the season, Hatch was known for coming out as gay on-screen and leading the Tagi tribe.
Today, Hatch resides in Rhode Island, his home state, where he works to pursue a Ph.D. He also appeared on Season 8 of “Survivor” and other reality TV shows, including “The Biggest Loser.” Additionally, Hatch was convicted of tax evasion in 2006 and served time in prison on two separate occasions.
Tina Wesson
- Season 2: The Australian Outback
At the end of Season 2 on May 23, 2001, Tina Wesson walked home as the winner and Sole Survivor. However, she narrowly won the vote, beating her competitor, Colby Donaldson, 4-3.
Following the show, Wesson wrote a book called “Out Live, Out Laugh, Out Love,” which was released in 2006. She lives in Knoxville, Tennessee, with her husband and has two grown children, Taylor and Katie, who followed in her mother’s footsteps by participating in “Survivor” Season 27. Wesson also made an appearance in Season 8 of “Survivor.”
Ethan Zohn
- Season 3: Africa
Ethan Zohn was declared the winner of Season 3 after defeating Kim Johnson in the final round. Throughout the season, Zohn created various alliances that brought him to victory.
After “Survivor,” Zohn, a former professional soccer player, went on to form a nonprofit organization called Grassroot Soccer. He also married in 2016 and has begun a career in motivational speaking. He was diagnosed with cancer in 2009 but went into remission in 2010. Zohn went on to compete in Season 8 of “Survivor” as well as Season 40.
Vecepia Towery
- Season 4: Marquesas
Vecepia Towery became the first Black victor of the reality TV show when she won the Season 4 prize on May 19, 2002. Towery also married Leander Robinson while the show aired on TV.
Today, Towery and her husband reside in California with their family. Towery has never appeared on any other “Survivor” season, but her son’s birth story was featured in an episode of “A Baby Story” on TLC in 2004.
Brian Heidik
- Season 5: Thailand
During Season 5, Brian Heidik was known for his intense gameplay. He also considered his time on the show a “business trip,” and while he seemed trustworthy at first, many other contestants realized how quickly he could turn on them. His plans worked, however, leading him to a close 4-3 victory over Clay Jordan on the season finale, which aired Dec. 19, 2002.
After the show, Heidik divorced his wife. He remarried in 2006 and lives in California with his family. While he didn’t make any other “Survivor” appearances, Heidik spent some time on the “Hollywood Squares” game show in 2003.
Jenna Morasca
- Season 6: The Amazon
Jenna Morasca made news as the youngest winner of “Survivor” when she nabbed the Sole Survivor grand prize on May 11, 2003. Morasca was just 21 at the time.
Following the show, Morasca dated Season 3 victor Ethan Zohn. The two competed in Season 19 of “The Amazing Race” together in 2011 before parting ways in 2013. Morasca also made an appearance on Season 8 but left after only a few days to spend time with her mother, who had been diagnosed with cancer.
Sandra Diaz-Twine
- Season 7: Pearl Islands
- Season 20: Heroes vs. Villians
Sandra Diaz-Twine is the only female (and one of only two contestants) who has won “Survivor” more than once. Diaz-Twine competed and won Season 8 in 2003 after easily beating Lillian Morris with a vote of 6-1. She returned for Season 20 and won with a vote of 7-2.
Diaz-Twine also made appearances on seasons 34 and 40. She competed in the 2022 Australian version of the show alongside her daughter, Nina. Diaz-Twine lives in North Carolina with her family.
Amber Brkich
- Season 8: All-Stars
After competing in Season 2 but coming in sixth, Amber Brkich went on to become the Sole Survivor of “Survivor: All-Stars” (Season 8). During the show, Brkich met her future husband, Rob Mariano. The two became engaged at the live season finale.
After “Survivor,” Brkich and Rob started a family and have four children. They also went on to make several other TV appearances, including two seasons of “The Amazing Race” and their own short-lived reality TV show, “Rob and Amber: Against the Odds.”
Chris Daugherty
- Season 9: Vanuatu
Chris Daugherty won Season 9 of “Survivor” after defeating Twila Tanner in a 5-2 vote. He had a rough start after losing his tribe’s first immunity challenge but was able to persevere as the season continued.
Following the show, Daugherty moved back to his home state of Ohio and married Lorie Groves in 2005. He has not been on any other “Survivor” seasons.
Tom Westman
- Season 10: Palau
As a New York City fireman, Tom Westman entered “Survivor” a born leader. He defeated Katie Gallagher in a 6-1 vote at the series finale, which aired May 15, 2005.
After the show, Westman made a few guest appearances on TV. He also retired in 2005 but continues to live in New York City. Additionally, he came back for “Survivor: Heroes vs. Villians” (Season 20).
Danni Boatwright
- Season 11: Guatemala
Despite losing a few immunity challenges, Danni Boatwright easily beat out Stephenie LaGrossa to become the Season 11 winner.
Following the show, Boatwright returned to her home state of Kansas, where she was crowned Miss Kansas in 1996. She is married to former NFL center Casey Wiegmann, and the couple has two sons. Boatwright is also an on-air personality for the radio station KCSP and started her own clothing line, Sideline Chic.
Aras Baskauskas
- Season 12: Panama
Even though Aras Baskauskas was the youngest contestant in Season 12, he won five straight immunity challenges and took home the grand prize in 2006.
After “Survivor,” Baskauskas pursued a music career and married his longtime girlfriend, Christy Petersen, in 2015, and the couple has two children. Baskauskas came back to compete in Season 27 but lost.
Yul Kwon
- Season 13: Cook Islands
Yul Kwon won “Survivor” Season 13 when he defeated Becky Lee in a 5-4 vote. The season finale aired Aug. 3, 2006.
Following the show, Kwon took on a variety of spectacular careers, working at two law firms and being appointed deputy chief of the Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau for the FCC. He currently works at Google and made an appearance on “Survivor” Season 40.
Earl Cole
- Season 14: Fiji
Earl Cole made “Survivor” history as the first unanimously voted Sole Survivor in Season 14. Many contestants enjoyed his charisma and likable personality.
After the show, Cole moved to California, where he lives with his family. He founded the Perthes Kids Foundation and launched The Smart Tire Company, a startup company, in 2020.
Todd Herzog
- Season 15: China
By making strategic alliances throughout the show, Todd Herzog won the grand prize in Season 15 of “Survivor,” which aired in 2007.
Following the show, Herzog went on to make customized toys through the company Funko Pop. He also married his husband, Jess Hermansen, in 2020.
Parvati Shallow
- Season 16: Micronesia
Though Parvati Shallow went on to compete in four different seasons of “Survivor,” she was only crowned victor of Season 16, which aired in 2008.
Today, Shallow resides in Los Angeles with her daughter. She also currently works as a yoga instructor and life coach. In 2020, Shallow coauthored a children’s book called “Om the Otter.”
Bob Crowley
- Season 17: Gabon
Bob Crowley was 57 at the time he won Season 17, making him the oldest “Survivor” winner in history. The finale aired Dec. 14, 2008.
After retiring from teaching, Crowley now owns and operates a campground called Maine Forest Yurts with his family. He has also gone on to create a nonprofit called Durham Warriors Project.
J.T. Thomas
- Season 18: Tocantins
James “J.T.” Thomas became the second Sole Survivor to win by unanimous vote after he defeated Stephen Fishbach 7-0 in 2009.
Today, Thomas runs a cattle ranch in Alabama with his family. He married his longtime girlfriend Cameron Bush in 2015. He has appeared in two other seasons of “Survivor.”
Natalie White
- Season 19: Samoa
Natalie White remained under the radar, taking everyone by surprise when she took home the grand prize in Season 19 in 2009.
Following the show, White continues to live a quiet life. She is not found on social media and has never made another “Survivor” appearance.
Jud ‘Fabio’ Birza
- Season 21: Nicaragua
A model with a carefree attitude, Jud “Fabio” Birza defeated Chase Rice and Sash Lenahan in a 5-4 vote in the Season 21 finale, which aired Dec. 19, 2010.
After the show, Birza had a couple of small roles in films. He also became the drummer for Space Funk Odyssey. He now lives in California with his family and has never made another “Survivor” appearance.
‘Boston Rob’ Mariano
- Season 22: Redemption Island
During Season 22, Rob Mariano was best known as “Boston Rob.” Before winning this season, Mariano had been on three other seasons of the show, including Season 8, where he met his wife, Amber.
After his win, Mariano continued to enjoy life with his wife and kids. He also appeared in Season 40 of “Survivor.”
Sophie Clarke
- Season 23: South Pacific
In 2011, Sophie Clarke beat out Coach Wade and Albert Destrade in a 6-3 vote to be the Sole Survivor. She is remembered for winning the final immunity challenge and her strong allegiance to others.
After the show, Clarke received a medical degree and worked in the television industry. In 2019, she married Robert Shady and the couple has two children. Clarke also participated in Season 40 of the show.
Kim Spradlin
- Season 24: One World
Also making a second appearance in Season 40 is Kim Spradlin, the Season 24 winner. Spradlin began the season by staying back and making alliances. Eventually, she was placed in a leadership position, pushing her to victory.
After “Survivor,” Spradlin married and now resides in Texas with her husband and children. She is known for her skill as an interior designer and even went on to host “Why the Heck Did I Buy This House?” on HGTV in 2021.
Denise Stapley
- Season 25: Philippines
Denise Stapley easily won season 25 by defeating Michael Skupin and Lisa Whelchel in a 6-1-1 vote. The season finale aired Dec. 16, 2012.
Today, Stapley resides in Iowa with her family and works as a licensed mental health therapist and sex therapist. Additionally, she was a contestant in Season 40 of the show.
John Cochran
- Season 26: Caramoan
John Cochran initially participated in Season 23 of “Survivor” before going on to bring home the grand prize of Season 26. Cochran defeated Dawn Meehan and Sherri Biethman unanimously to be the Sole Survivor.
Following the show, Cochran has continued to work in the television industry. He is known for being a writer on shows like “Kevin Can Wait” and “The Millers,” which both aired on CBS.
Tyson Apostol
- Season 27: Blood vs. Water
Season 27 was Tyson Apostol’s third appearance on “Survivor.” After losing in seasons 18 and 20, Aostol defeated Monica Culpepper and Gervase Peterson in a 7-1 vote during the season finale, which aired Dec. 15, 2013.
Today, Apostol resides in Utah with his family. He is known for participating in other reality TV shows, including “Marriage Boot Camp: Reality Stars 2,” where he proposed to his wife. Apostol is also a professional poker player and professional pickleballer.
Tony Vlachos
- Season 28: Cagayan
- Season 40: Winners at War
While many winners came back to compete in Season 40, Tony Vlachos brought home the grand prize. Vlachos is one of only two to win more than one season and the only male competitor to do so. He also competed in Season 34, which he lost.
Vlachos lives in New Jersey with his family. He is also the only contestant ever to win $3 million from the show, giving him the nickname “King of Survivor.”
Natalie Anderson
- Season 29: San Juan del Sur
Natalie Anderson went against all odds to become the winner of Season 29, despite her sister being the first one eliminated from the show. Anderson won by beating Jaclyn Schultz and Missy Payne in a 5-2-1 vote in 2014.
A CrossFit trainer, Anderson continues to pursue a career in physical fitness. She also went on to compete in MTV’s “The Challenge: Double Agents” in 2021, but she was medically discharged from the show after learning she was pregnant. Anderson was also a contestant on Season 40 of “Survivor.”
Mike Holloway
- Season 30: World’s Apart
Mike Holloway became the Sole Survivor of Season 30 after defeating Will Sim II and Carolyn Rivera in a 6-1-1 vote. During the show, he was known for his strong work ethic, which caused friction with other contestants.
Today, Holloway has a career in commercial real estate. Additionally, in 2021, he married “Big Brother” alum Meg Maley. Season 30 was his only appearance on “Survivor.”
Jeremy Collins
- Season 31: Cambodia
Season 31 was Jeremy Collins’ second appearance on “Survivor.” While he was able to earn Sole Survivor status this season, he finished in 10th place in Season 29, in which he competed with his wife, Val.
Collins resides in Massachusetts, where he continues his work as a firefighter. His wife is a police officer, and the couple share four children. Collins also went on to compete in Season 40 and made a special appearance on “The Price is Right” in 2016.
Michele Fitzgerald
- Season 32: Kaoh Rong
Michele Fitzgerald was known for her strong social skills when she was voted Sole Survivor in Season 32. She beat Aubry Bracco and Tai Trang in a 5-2-0 vote to win.
After “Survivor,” Fitzgerald continued to compete in various other reality TV competitor shows, including MTV’s “The Challenge: Spies, Lies, and Allies” and CBS’s “The Challenge: USA 2,” which aired in 2023. She also competed in Season 40 of “Survivor.”
Adam Klein
- Season 33: Millennials vs. Gen X
Despite a few ups and downs during the season, Adam Klein was unanimously voted the Sole Survivor of Season 33. He defeated Hannah Shapiro and Ken McNickle.
Klein also competed in Season 40. He hosted the TV show “Taiwan: Off the Grid” in 2017 and competed in “Let’s Make A Deal” in 2019. Today, he works as a casting coach, helping others find their way on TV.
Sarah Lacina
- Season 34: Game Changers
Sarah Lacina clinched the title of Sole Survivor in Season 34 after losing in Season 28. In the series finale, which aired May 24, 2017, Lacina defeated Brad Culpepper and Troyzan Robertson by a vote of 7-3-0.
After the show, Lacina went on to compete in Season 40 and won CBS’s “The Challenge: USA” in 2022. Today, she continues her work as a police officer in Iowa, where she resides with her family.
Ben Driebergen
- Season 35: Heroes vs. Healers vs. Hustlers
Marine veteran Ben Driebergern began Season 35 of “Survivor” on the “Heroes” team. After surviving the merge and making strategic alliances, Driebergen beat Chrissy Hofbeck and Ryan Ulrich in a 5-2-1 vote to take home the title of Sole Survivor in 2017.
Following “Survivor,” Driebergen made another appearance in Season 40, finishing fifth. He currently lives in Idaho with his wife, Kelly Russell, and their two children as he continues his career as a real estate agent.
Wendell Holland
- Season 36: Ghost Island
Wendell Holland was known for his strong social skills and alliance with Domenick Abbate in Season 36 of “Survivor.” He then defeated Domenick Abbate and Laurel Johnson in a close tie vote that ended 6-5-0 on the season finale, which aired May 23, 2018.
Like many winners before him, Holland went on to compete in Season 40. Other TV appearances after “Survivor” include competing on “The Goat” and hosting HGTV’s “Hot Mess House.”
Nick Wilson
- Season 37: David vs. Goliath
Nick Wilson began this “Survivor” season by being cast on Team David. While he had a rocky start, he was able to earn Sole Survivor after defeating Mike White and Angelina Keeley in a 7-3-0 vote in 2018.
Following the show, Wilson continued his career as a public defender before competing on “Survivor.” In 2022, he was elected to the 82nd district of the Kentucky House of Representatives.
Chris Underwood
- Season 38: Edge of Extinction
Chris Underwood was originally voted out of Season 38 on day eight. However, he earned reentry by winning a duel on day 35. Underwood went on to defeat Gavin Whitson and Julie Rosenberg in a 9-4-0 vote to take home the grand prize.
After the show, Underwood married his college girlfriend Katelyn Jermstad and they currently reside in Chicago. Underwood also went on to participate in other competition shows, including winning CBS’s “The Challenge: USA 2” in 2022.
Tommy Sheehan
- Season 39: Island of the Idols
Tommy Sheehan’s strong social skills and likability led him to the final vote on Season 39, which aired in 2019. Sheehan defeated Dean Kowalski and Noura Salman with an 8-2-0 vote to earn the status of Sole Survivor.
Following the show, Sheehan went back to his elementary teaching job on Long Island. In 2021, he continued his reality TV appearances by competing in MTV’s “The Challenge: Spies, Lies, and Allies.”
Erika Casupanan
- Season 41: Survivor 41
Erika Casupanan made history as the first Canadian to win “Survivor.” She also broke the female losing streak, nabbing the first female victory in six seasons. Casupanan defeated Deshawn Radden and Xander Hastings in a 7-1-0 vote to grab the title in 2021.
Today, Casupanan hosts her own podcast called “Happy to See Me.” She also went on to compete in the first season of Canada’s version of “The Traitors” in 2023.
Maryanne Oketch
- Season 42: Survivor 42
In the summer of 2022, Maryanne Oketch took home the title of Sole Survivor after defeating Mike Turner and Romeo Escobar in a 7-1-0 vote.
Following the show, Oketch returned home to Canada, where she spends her time inspiring others and speaking to junior high students to spread motivation and encouragement.
Mike Gabler
- Season 43: Survivor 43
Mike Gabler became the oldest winner of “Survivor” after defeating Mike Turner and Romeo Escobar in a 7-1-0 vote.
Gabler, a heart valve specialist, announced that he would be donating his winnings to various charities, especially those that help veterans. A year after his win, Gabler announced that the $1 million prize had been successfully donated.
Yamil ‘Yam Yam’ Arocho
- Season 44: Survivor 44
Yamil “Yam Yam” Arocho is known for the strategic three-person alliance he created during Season 44, which aired in the spring of 2023. He went on to defeat Heidi Lagares-Greenblatt and Carolyn Wiger in a 7-1-0 vote to take home the grand prize.
Today, Arocho continues to run his salon in Puerto Rico.
Dee Valladares
- Season 45: Survivor 45
Dee Valladeres is the most recent winner of “Survivor” after defeating Austin Li Coon and Jake O’Kane in a 5-3-0 vote. The season finale aired Dec. 20, 2023.
Now that the show is over, Valladares continues her entrepreneurial endeavors. She’s also been asked to co-host the “On Fire” podcast with Jeff Probst, which covers all the information that fans of “Survivor” need to know. (For more entertainment, click here to read about the greatest TV finales of all time.)