'Survivor' Hall of Fame 2012 Inductee Ethan Zohn
Quick Note: We’ve got a lot of “Survivor” stuff going on as we hit the home stretch. This Sunday we’ll have a full recap of the finale immediately after the episode. And, next Monday we’ll have an interview with the winner of “Survivor: Philippines.” Follow @gordonholmes on Twitter for up-to-the-minute updates.
Fifty percent of the voting for the ‘Survivor’ Hall of Fame was based on the ballots of the Executive Voting Committee. This blue-ribbon panel consists of “Survivor” luminaries such as Host and Executive Producer Jeff Probst, Challenge Producer John Kirhoffer, Executive Producer David Burris, Producer Jesse Jensen, the current members of the “Survivor” Hall of Fame, the “Survivor” press corps, and XFINITY TV’s “Survivor” Guy Gordon Holmes. The other fifty percent came from “Survivor” fans like you.
The Class of 2010 included Parvati Shallow, Russell Hantz, Rob Mariano, Richard Hatch, and Sandra Diaz-Twine…
The Class of 2011 included Cirie Fields, Ozzy Lusth, and Tom Westman…
Earlier this week, Amanda Kimmel and Rob Cesternino were inducted as the first members of the Class of 2012…
And now, the “Survivor” Hall of Fame is proud to induct Ethan Zohn into the Class of 2012.
We had a chance to speak with the newly crowned Hall of Famer to get his thoughts on this honor…
Gordon Holmes: Ethan, congratulations on your induction into the “Survivor” Hall of Fame Class of 2012.
Zohn: If I had to choose a single word to define me these days, it would be “Survivor.” The term “Survivor” means so much to me for so many different reasons. So, to be chosen by the fans, crew, and my fellow Survivors for the Hall Of Fame is a huge honor and inspires me to keep doing what I’m doing.
And this most recent experience at being a survivor has helped me realize this one absolute truth – that with all our differences, old or young, man or woman, Boran or Samburu we all have one thing in common, we’re all survivors on this Earth for just a short time. But it’s not about how or when you leave this world, it’s what you do to make the most of each day and of each crisis while we’re here.
Holmes: One of the things brought up in several of your votes is your charity work (Grassroot Soccer, Stand Up 2 Cancer, etc). How are things going with your initiatives and what’s the best way for fans to help out?
Zohn: It didn’t take long for me to leave the reality show and get back to reality (although my brothers may disagree). Winning that million bucks made me take a good hard look at who I was – and who I wanted to become. And I’m sure a new car and flat-screen TV would make me temporarily happy, but I wanted to be the type of person who used his sudden celebrity and big check to make a difference in the lives of others. So, having “Survivor” as a platform to educate and raise awareness/money has enabled Grassroot Soccer, Survivor Stand Up 2 Cancer, and many other initiatives to grow and reach a high level of success. The best way for fans to help out is visit our websites ( www.grassrootsoccer.org and www.standup2cancer.org/survivor ) and share what you have learned with all your friends. And this is a great opportunity to thank everyone who has taken the time to help us with our mission.
Holmes: How are you enjoying “Survivor: Philippines”?
Zohn: I’m loving this season. I give lots of credit to Burnett, Probst, and the whole crew for keeping it fresh and exciting after all these years. It’s not easy and very rare for a reality show. But, if I have to be completely honest (and remember I’m very biased), once I got voted off “Survivor: All-Stars” the show pretty much jumped the shark. (Laughs)
What the fans said about Ethan…
“Richard Hatch proved a schemer could win. Tina Wesson proved a winner could slip under the radar. Ethan was the first ‘good guy’ to win.” – Candice
“Not only is Ethan a winner at the game of “Survivor,” but his work with Grassroot Soccer proves that he’s a winner in life.” – Paul
“Every class of the Hall of Fame needs a hot guy. Ethan Zohn should be 2012’s guy.” – Mehgan
What the Executive Voting Committee said about Ethan…
“Even though he won way way back in “Survivor: Africa,” he did it playing one of the cleanest, good-sport games to date.” – US Weekly’s Mara Reinstein
“First, he won “Survivor: Africa,” one of the toughest seasons ever and he won with class. There has never been a bad word uttered about Ethan. He has always carried himself with grace. Equally important is how Ethan has used his celebrity since winning the million dollars and title of Sole Survivor.” – Jeff Probst
“He’s probably the only guy to ever win “Survivor” by playing nice. Since winning Africa he’s devoted his life to developing his charity, Grassroot Soccer and is a Hall of Famer in my book.” – Parvati Shallow
Any Questions? Drop me a line on Twitter: @gordonholmes
Watch the ‘Survivor: Philippines’ Finale this Sunday, December 16, 2012 at 8:30 p.m. ET on CBS.
Tags: Ethan Zohn, survivor, survivor hall of fame
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