Jeff Probst (CBS)
NOTE: “Survivor” Hall of Fame voting is underway! Let us know who you think should be in the Class of 2013 and follow us on Twitter (@SurvivorHall) for updates and news.
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As a member of the Executive Voting Committee, “Survivor” Host and Executive Producer Jeff Probst (along with Challenge Producer John Kirhoffer and other “Survivor” luminaries) has an awesome responsibility. The committee’s votes will make up 50% of the final tally for entry into the prestigious Class of 2013. The other 50% will come from “Survivor” fans like you.
Jeff Probst’s 2013 Hall of Fame Ballot
I have to start by saying that this is always a very difficult task. There are so many players who deserve to be and will end up being in the “Survivor” Hall of Fame. But, since I am limited to three choices I am going to spread them across three different categories and I hope former players appreciate that I realize there are many of you who deserve to be in here!
John Cochran – (“Survivor: South Pacific” and “Survivor: Caramoan – Fans vs. Favorites”) I’m nominating Cochran because I think more than anyone who has ever played the game he best represents the idea of “on any given day, anything can happen.” This was one of the big hopes we had for the show from the beginning — that in the right situation — anybody, even the most unlikely person, could win “Survivor.” I found Cochran’s story to be very inspiring. He went from the “zero in 90210” the first time he played — to the winner of “Fans vs. Favorites.” And yet, despite winning the game, his self-deprecation remains intact. If you congratulate him for winning, he’ll say “Yeah but it took me two times, so I can’t be that good.” You are that good, Cochran and you deserve a spot in the “Survivor” Hall of Fame.
Malcolm Freberg – (“Survivor: Philippines” and “Survivor: Caramoan – Fans vs. Favorites”) I’m also nominated Malcolm because he’s such a fan favorite. Men want to hang with him, women want to sleep with him, kids want to be like him. He’s got it covered. I also like what Malcolm represents and that is the idea that in life – being likable can get you a long way. There are definitely better “Survivor” strategists but Malcolm plays with a heart and a drive to win that is undeniable and I find that worthy of the “Survivor” Hall of Fame.
I’m also nominating … wait for it… COACH!
Benjamin “Coach” Wade – (“Survivor: Tocantins,” “Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains” and “Survivor: South Pacific”) At first glance, Coach may seem an unlikely candidate given there are still so many winners (JT, Sophie, Kim, Yul, just to name a few) that aren’t yet in the Hall. But, hear me out. Coach represents yet another idea that is a big part of the success of “Survivor” – and that is his “bigger than life” approach to everything he does. I liken Coach to the guy who wears the Laker jersey and sits in his lucky chair because he truly believes if he does, the Lakers will win. It doesn’t matter if it’s true or not – he believes it to be true, so in his soul, in his cells, it is true. I gave Coach a hard time nearly every day he was out there, but I thoroughly enjoyed him because he brought it every single day. He never gave up. In fact, when he was down is when he would give you even more. Who can forget the epic scene from Exile Island! Coach is easy to mock but the truth is he is one of our most popular players for a reason – he’s fun to watch – and that makes him worthy of a spot in the “Survivor” Hall of Fame.
Any Questions? Drop me a line on Twitter: @gordonholmes
Tags: jeff probst, survivor
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