When: Wednesday, Feb. 28 at 8/7c Where: CBS Number Of Players: 20
Final 4 twist from S35 is in play
The Cast:
Malolo Tribe
Back row, left to right: James Lim, Jacob Derwin, Laurel Johnson, Michael Yerger, Jenna Bowman
Front row, left to right: Stephanie Gonzalez, Brendan Shapiro, Stephanie Johnson, Libby Vincek, Donathan Hurley
Brendan Shapiro
Age: 41 Hometown: Herndon, Virginia Current residence: Herndon, Virginia Occupation: Physical Education Teacher
Three words to describe you: Deliberate, optimistic, and determined.
Why do you think you'll "survive" Survivor?
I'm strong, fast, tough, and good with my hands. I can read a room. I know how to make people feel comfortable and secure. My tribemates will want to keep me around.
Three words to describe you: Determined, whimsical, and rare.
Why do you think you'll "survive" Survivor?
Living in Eastern Kentucky has its perks. We are outdoors people. We love the lakes, we love to roam trails and mountains, and I have learned a lot about nature and survival. And while I have never been in a dire situation to use these skills, I truly believe when the survivalist in me kicks in, I would have a lot to offer.
Now darlin', I ain't no lumberjack. But I can offer common sense solutions in order to help make my tribe grow. I already plan on breaking my glasses to help with fire and prove that this little gay hillbilly nerd isn't afraid of what nature can bring! I really think I will surprise a lot of people.
Jacob Derwin
Age: 22 Hometown: Merrick, New York Current residence: Brooklyn, New York Occupation: Music Teacher
Three words to describe you: Self-deprecating, charming, and affable—though others would say "punchable."
Why do you think you'll "survive" Survivor?
This sounds stupid, but I'm really easy to talk to. I want to set up my situation so everyone knows they can come to me to chat and get support despite any problems they're having personally or socially in the game. I'm a teddy bear, y'know?
On top of that, I'm not a weakling. I can haul firewood and follow instructions when it comes to building shelters. I know how to make fire and untie knots and all that.
James Lim
Age: 24 Hometown: Los Angeles, California Current residence: New York, New York Occupation: Business Analyst
Three words to describe you: Astute, resolute, and ambitious.
Why do you think you'll "survive" Survivor?
There is no magic formula to winning Survivor. However, there are qualities that will help players get far. I believe I have most of them—I am team-oriented, athletic, outgoing, and tenacious. I will focus on being a helpful, likable asset to those around me, and on the down low strategically pave my path to the very end.
Jenna Bowman
Age: 23 Hometown: Detroit, Michigan Current residence: Venice Beach, California Occupation: Advertising Account Executive
Three words to describe you: Creative, open minded, and adventurous.
Why do you think you'll "survive" Survivor?
I have been able to manifest anything and everything I've ever wanted in my life—it's pretty cool. Not to brag, but I say I want something and I always get it. So hopefully by saying "I'll survive," I will win or at least come out of the experience with nothing but a profound appreciation of what I just accomplished.
Three words to describe you: Driven, focused, and calculated.
Why do you think you'll "survive" Survivor?
I'm a triple threat to win this game—I'm a former college athlete, an Ivy League graduate, and I know the game better than anyone else out there. I'm a superfan who knows better than to let the game pass me by and I will always fight for every single inch.
Libby Vincek
Age: 24 Hometown: Houston, Texas Current residence: Houston, Texas Occupation: Social Media Strategist
Three words to describe you: Adventurous, strong, and outgoing.
Why do you think you'll "survive" Survivor?
Because I know that I can outlast and outplay! I work out a lot. I have endurance, I danced for 12 years. I have balance. I've completed tough mudders, marathons, and other races so I can get myself through challenges.
My social game is strong. Making friends and alliances wouldn't be an issue for me. Though I now work with technology and digital media, I grew up camping, hunting, and fishing. I love the outdoors so I know I can use that experience and those skills to outlast those 39 days. I'm strong, smart, and pretty and I know how to use it.
Michael Yerger
Age: 18 Hometown: Knoxville, Tennessee Current residence: Los Angeles, California Occupation: Real Estate Agent
Three words to describe you: Energetic, slick, and resilient.
Why do you think you'll "survive" Survivor?
Because I'm a people person. I've always preferred to spend my time around others over being alone. I feel as though I can relate to those of all ages from all walks of life in some way in order to form common ground.
Stephanie Gonzalez
Age: 26 Hometown: Aguada, Puerto Rico Current residence: Ocala, Florida Occupation: Graphic Sales
Three words to describe you: Outspoken, strong-willed, and strategic.
Why do you think you'll "survive" Survivor?
Because of my hell-bent determination and strong will to win. I put my heart into everything I do. I wanted to go to school, so I worked three jobs to pay for it, along with 1,000 hours of internships to graduate. In business I wanted to help my brother and we grew the business from one store to three stores. I know in my heart that I can win. I welcome all challenges with open arms and can read people really well.
Socially, it'll be fun to test waters on how diverse I can be in order to really connect with people. After all, I have to cater to people’s personalities so they'll feel comfortable doing what I need. Once my heart is set I will stop at nothing until I've achieved my goal even through blood, sweat, and tears. I've studied Survivor well enough to understand how to manipulate the numbers, play idols how they should be played and hustle the social game. I will go into this with focus, agility, and perseverance.
Stephanie Johnson
Age: 34 Hometown: Boise, Idaho Current residence: Chicago, Illinois Occupation: Yoga Instructor
Three words to describe you: Wild, determined, and passionate.
Why do you think you'll "survive" Survivor?
Because every day for the past 10 years, I have looked at a sticker on my mirror: "Outwit, Outlast, Outplay. Survivor." I never once have stopped believing that this dream would come true. I can have all the strategy in the world and I will! But if I have learned anything from watching the show, participating in endurance events, raising children, working in a fast-paced finance position, studying in an ashram, being an entrepreneur, or all my other adventures is that nothing turns out like you expect.
I am really good at adapting to circumstances, to people, and to unlikely situations. Plan A quickly becomes Plan C and it doesn't shake me up. I can endure pain both mental and physical with a smile on my face. Adaptation. A sense of humor. Dreaming big. That embodies who I am and why I will win!
Naviti Tribe
Back row, left to right: Wendell Holland, Chris Noble, Sebastian Noel, Bradley Kleihege, Domenick Abbate
Front row, left to right: Morgan Ricke, Angela Perkins, Desiree Afuye, Chelsea Townsend, Kellyn Bechtold
Angela Perkins
Age: 42 Hometown: Cincinnati, Ohio Current residence: Cincinnati, Ohio Occupation: Army Veteran
Three words to describe you: Spontaneous, courageous, and determined.
Why do you think you'll "survive" Survivor?
I am strong, hardworking, loyal, determined, and able to figure out most things. I am very versatile and by my looks, most wouldn't expect it. I am like the snake that you don't know is there until bitten. I have a strong ability to win people over and get them to want to do what I want just by actively listening.
Bradley Kleihege
Age: 26 Hometown: Haslett, Michigan Current residence: Los Angeles, California Occupation: Law student
Three words to describe you: Ambitious, impatient, and astute.
Why do you think you'll "survive" Survivor?
I like to lead people and take initiative. Plus, I like to roast people and what doesn't build tribe morale more on Survivor than a few laughs from roasting the other tribe? I can also cook a mean batch of rice.
Chelsea Townsend
Age: 24 Hometown: Salt Lake City, Utah Current residence: Los Angeles, California Occupation: EMT/Pro Cheerleader
Three words to describe you: Outgoing, dynamic, and driven.
Why do you think you'll "survive" Survivor?
I have the traits needed to make me successful. I am a hard worker who is extremely driven to reach my goals. I am agile and athletic from a background in dance and gymnastics. I am personable and get along well with people of all backgrounds and ages. I am a competitor and love a good challenge.
Chris Noble
Age: 27 Hometown: Florida Keys, Florida Current residence: Brooklyn, New York Occupation: Male Model
Three words to describe you: Ambitious, charismatic, and charming.
Why do you think you'll "survive" Survivor?
I will bring my Survivor mental toughness, my ability to adapt, my positivity to aid the weak, and my will to survive. I might not know how to do some things, but I will find a way to eat and get water. Whether that's through my creativity, my charm with women, or my ability to make one of the guys my bro.
Some men will not like my alpha mentality, which strategically, I will hold back in the beginning as I read people, but I will find my way. They always say "don't bite the hand that feeds you." I grew up on an island so if I'm one of the few that can get his own catch and get his own water (which are the two essentials of living), no one will bite that hand. I will have ultimate power.
Desiree Afuye
Age: 21 Hometown: Newark, New Jersey Current residence: Brooklyn, New York Occupation: Student
Three words to describe you: Unbreakable, driven, and real.
Why do you think you'll "survive" Survivor?
I currently live in a house of eight girls. I know how to deal with seven different versions of crazy and different personalities. I am constantly settling issues in the house and running the house meetings, not only does this make me sociable, it makes me likable and adaptable.
I have good experience in sports, having played basketball for most of high school and I work out at my college gym. I'm putting myself through school with grants and academic scholarships while my parents are in Nigeria and I am an asset to any team.
Domenick Abbate
Age: 38 Hometown: Nesconset, New York Current residence: Nesconset, New York Occupation: Construction Supervisor
Three words to describe you: Calculated, intuitive, and empathetic.
Why do you think you'll "survive" Survivor?
I grew up in a house with eight siblings. Lack of food, clothes, and showers are something I'm accustomed to. This game should be a walk in the park.
Kellyn Bechtold
Age: 31 Hometown: North Manchester, Indiana Current residence: Denver, Colorado Occupation: Career Counselor
Three words to describe you: Empathetic, effervescent, and excitable.
Why do you think you'll "survive" Survivor?
I will survive because of my innate ability to make people feel comfortable. I don't give up. I'm a resilient person who has done a lot to design my own life. I have the mental and physical stamina to last, even if I don't look like it. I think I am just sweet and sour enough to come out on top.
Morgan Ricke
Age: 29 Hometown: New Albany, Indiana Current residence: Orlando, Florida Occupation: Marine Animal Trainer
Three words to describe you: Bubbly, stubborn, and determined.
Why do you think you'll "survive" Survivor?
Being resilient, strong, and fearless are nice traits that should translate well on the island. For example, at a younger age I was a competitive gymnast on the national level and sustained a career-ending injury. Doctors told me I would never compete again as a gymnast, nor play other sports.
Fortunately, in high school, I went to state finals in volleyball and diving and then earned a D1 diving scholarship to the University of South Carolina. Go Gamecocks!
Sebastian Noel
Age: 22 Hometown: Melbourne, Florida Current residence: Satellite Beach, Florida Occupation: Fishing Guide
Three words to describe you: Outgoing, adventurous, and free spirited.
Why do you think you'll "survive" Survivor?
I am perfect for this game. I spend most of my life outside in the elements, a lot of which is involved with something physical. I'm great with people and can make friends very easily. I enjoy being challenged in such ways that may be life risking. I can figure out little kinks to situations that others may not even think about.
Wendell Holland
Age: 33 Hometown: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Current residence: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Occupation: Furniture Company Owner
Three words to describe you: Witty, intelligent, and competitive.
Why do you think you'll "survive" Survivor?
I'm good with people and likable. I'm very diplomatic and can connect with people from different walks of life. I'm also not the biggest and strongest looking person, though I can compete with the best of them. That will get me past the first few votes. Then, my athleticism and skill at puzzles will help me win challenges when it becomes an individual game.
Finally, my persuasive skills in front of a jury will win me the million. Boom.
"Massively important," Probst tells THR about the cast, when asked how important it was to fill the season with as many fans of the show as possible. "It was really the only criteria, that they had to be super fans, or they have a really good knowledge of the game. They don't have to be super fans. But that was fun. It's who I prefer. I prefer people who know how to play Survivor. I'm not one of the people who thinks it's interesting to have somebody who doesn't get the game. It does makes for interesting gameplay, so sometimes we'll do that, but personally, I would rather play with players every season. That would be my choice."