25 Years Later: What Happened to the Cast of ‘Survivor’ Season 1?
When Survivor premiered on May 31, 2000, television history was made. The groundbreaking reality competition, filmed in Borneo, became a national obsession almost overnight, as fans watched everyday people face the elements, build alliances and vote each other out in pursuit of a million-dollar prize. While the series celebrated the premiere of its 49th season tonight, the original castaways remain unforgettable. Here’s a look at a few of the most memorable players from that very first season and what they are up to today, along with a remembrance of one beloved contestant we’ve lost.
Gervase Peterson (55)
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While he didn’t make it to the final vote, fans loved Gervase’s personality, and he remained connected to the Survivor community. He later returned for Survivor: Blood vs. Water in 2013, where he reached the finals and finished in third place. After his first season, Peterson pursued acting, appearing in television shows such as As the World Turns, where he played Leo Thompson in 2001, as well as Son of the Beach, The Hughleys and Nash Bridges. He also took on roles in independent films, including 13th Grade and Hell’s Threshold and made appearances in White Men Can’t Rap, L-O-V-E, and the horror film The Scorned, which featured a cast full of reality TV personalities. He also competed in Bravo’s Battle of the Network Reality Stars in 2005 and appeared in the network’s All-Star Reality Reunion the same night the finale aired.
Beyond acting, Peterson has modeled for Southpole clothing, owned a cigar lounge, briefly co-owned a basketball franchise in the United States Basketball League, and even participated in a celebrity boxing match in 2009, where he won his bout.
Colleen Haskell (48)
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Haskell became America’s sweetheart during Season 1, charming audiences with her friendliness and wit. After her time in Borneo, she starred alongside Rob Schneider in The Animal and even had a cameo on That ’70s Show. Now living a private life, Haskell has avoided reality TV offers, including an invitation to return for Survivor: All-Stars. After marrying musician Alan Hampton, with whom she has two daughters, she opted for a more private life, leaving fans to remember her as one of the most likable figures in the early history of reality television.
Sean Kenniff (55)
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Kenniff made waves with his unusual “alphabet voting strategy,” which quickly became a piece of Survivor trivia that fans still laugh about. After the show, Kenniff returned to his medical career as a neurologist and also transitioned into media work. He has appeared as a medical correspondent and has authored a novel. While he has since stayed away from reality TV, he does occasionally open up about his experience on the show through interviews.
Susan Hawk (64)
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Hawk delivered one of the most famous speeches in reality TV history during the Borneo finale. Her “rats and snakes” monologue, aimed at Richard Hatch and Kelly Wiglesworth, was memorable and set the tone for the drama of future finales. She came back for Survivor: All-Stars in 2004 but decided to quit after a conflict with Richard Hatch. Since then, Hawk has stepped out of the public eye and keeps a low profile.
Kelly Wiglesworth (48)
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Wiglesworth nearly became the first Sole Survivor, losing to Hatch in a 4–3 jury vote. Her athletic ability carried her through Borneo, where she won four consecutive immunity challenges and proved herself as one of the strongest competitors in the game. In 2015, she returned for Survivor: Cambodia, also known as Second Chance. Although she didn’t make it as far that season, her presence reminded fans of how crucial she was in shaping the game. Outside of the show, she has worked as a river guide and yoga instructor.
Richard Hatch (64)
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Hatch changed reality television forever when he became the first Sole Survivor. He was one of the earliest players to utilize alliances strategically, paving the way for the game’s future evolution. His 4–3 jury victory over Wiglesworth remains one of the most significant moments in the history of Survivor. After Borneo, Hatch returned for Survivor: All-Stars and went on to appear on The Apprentice, The Biggest Loser, and, most recently, House of Villains. His life has also been marked by controversy, including a stint in prison for tax evasion related to his Survivor winnings.
In Memoriam: Rudy Boesch
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Boesch, a retired Navy SEAL, was 72 years old when he competed in Borneo, making him the oldest contestant at the time. He ultimately finished in third place. Boesch passed away on November 1, 2019, at the age of 91.
Stream previous seasons of Survivor on Hulu.
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Wild West- Heroes & Villains
November 2022
Celebrates the unique sense of justice, compassion and adventure in the Old West as seen on TV and in the movies
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