Survivor Season 36: Meet The Cast Of Ghost Island

On Wednesday, Feb. 28 at 8/7c on CBS and CBS All Access, Survivor returns for Season 36—Survivor: Ghost Island.

For this new installment, the cast of 20 individuals will meet up in Fiji for their next big journey involving some pretty crazy twists.

And, for the first time ever, the show will revolve around a new game-changing element: The mistakes of castaways past, the talismans of which are scattered on a land dubbed Ghost Island.

WATCH: First Look At Survivor: Ghost Island

Before Survivor: Ghost Island kicks off with the season premiere on Wednesday, Feb. 28 at 8/7c on CBS and CBS All Access, let's get to know more about the new faces that will be competing for a chance at $1 million—and the coveted title of Sole Survivor.



If you can't wait until then for your Survivor fix, catch up on the past 35 seasons on CBS All Access.

Meet the 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

Age: 41
Hometown: Herndon, Virginia
Current residence: Herndon, Virginia
Occupation: Physical Education Teacher

WATCH: Meet Survivor 36 Castaway Brendan Shapiro

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.

READ: Brendan Shapiro's Full Bio

Age: 26
Hometown: Phelps, Kentucky
Current residence: Kimper, Kentucky
Occupation: Caretaker 

WATCH: Meet Survivor 36 Castaway Donathan Hurley

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.

READ: Donathan Hurley's Full Bio

Age: 22
Hometown: Merrick, New York
Current residence: Brooklyn, New York
Occupation: Music Teacher

WATCH: Meet Survivor 36 Castaway Jacob Derwin

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.

READ: Jacob Derwin's Full Bio

Age: 24
Hometown: Los Angeles, California
Current residence: New York, New York
Occupation: Business Analyst

WATCH: Meet Survivor 36 Castaway James Lim

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.

READ: James Lim’s Full Bio
 

Age: 23
Hometown: Detroit, Michigan
Current residence: Venice Beach, California
Occupation: Advertising Account Executive

WATCH: Meet Survivor 36 Castaway Jenna Bowman

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.

READ: Jenna Bowman's Full Bio

Age: 29
Hometown: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Current residence: Minneapolis, Minnesota
Occupation: Financial Consultant

WATCH: Meet Survivor 36 Castaway Laurel Johnson

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.

READ: Laurel Johnson’s Full Bio
 

Age: 24
Hometown: Houston, Texas
Current residence: Houston, Texas
Occupation: Social Media Strategist

WATCH: Meet Survivor 36 Castaway Libby Vincek

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.

READ: Libby Vincek’s Full Bio​
 

Age: 18
Hometown: Knoxville, Tennessee
Current residence: Los Angeles, California
Occupation: Real Estate Agent

WATCH: Meet Survivor 36 Castaway Michael Yerger

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.

READ: Michael Yerger’s Full Bio​
 

Age: 26
Hometown: Aguada, Puerto Rico
Current residence: Ocala, Florida
Occupation: Graphic Sales

WATCH: Meet Survivor 36 Castaway Stephanie Gonzalez

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.

READ: Stephanie Gonzalez's Full Bio

Age: 34
Hometown: Boise, Idaho
Current residence: Chicago, Illinois
Occupation: Yoga Instructor

WATCH: Meet Survivor 36 Castaway Stephanie Johnson

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!

READ: Stephanie Johnson’s Full Bio

Meet the 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

Age: 42
Hometown: Cincinnati, Ohio
Current residence: Cincinnati, Ohio
Occupation: Army Veteran

WATCH: Meet Survivor 36 Castaway Angela Perkins

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.

READ: Angela Perkins’ Full Bio

Age: 26
Hometown: Haslett, Michigan
Current residence: Los Angeles, California
Occupation: Law student

WATCH: Meet Survivor 36 Castaway Bradley Kleihege

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.

READ: Bradley Kleihege’s Full Bio​

Age: 24
Hometown: Salt Lake City, Utah
Current residence: Los Angeles, California
Occupation: EMT/Pro Cheerleader

WATCH: Meet Survivor 36 Castaway Chelsea Townsend​

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.

READ: Chelsea Townsend's Full Bio

Age: 27
Hometown: Florida Keys, Florida
Current residence: Brooklyn, New York
Occupation: Male Model

WATCH: Meet Survivor 36 Castaway Chris Noble

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.

READ: Chris Noble's Full Bio

Age: 21
Hometown: Newark, New Jersey
Current residence: Brooklyn, New York
Occupation: Student

WATCH: Meet Survivor 36 Castaway Desiree Afuye

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.

READ: Desiree Afuye's Full Bio

Age: 38
Hometown: Nesconset, New York
Current residence: Nesconset, New York
Occupation: Construction Supervisor

WATCH: Meet Survivor 36 Castaway Domenick Abbate

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.

READ: Domenick Abbate's Full Bio

Age: 31
Hometown: North Manchester, Indiana
Current residence: Denver, Colorado
Occupation: Career Counselor

WATCH: Meet Survivor 36 Castaway Kellyn Bechtold

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.

READ: Kellyn Bechtold’s Full Bio​
 

Age: 29
Hometown: New Albany, Indiana
Current residence: Orlando, Florida
Occupation: Marine Animal Trainer

WATCH: Meet Survivor 36 Castaway Morgan Ricke

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!

READ: Morgan Ricke’s Full Bio
 

Age: 22
Hometown: Melbourne, Florida
Current residence: Satellite Beach, Florida
Occupation: Fishing Guide

WATCH: Meet Survivor 36 Castaway Sebastian Noel

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.

READ: Sebastian Noel’s Full Bio

Age: 33
Hometown: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Current residence: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Occupation: Furniture Company Owner

WATCH: Meet Survivor 36 Castaway Wendell Holland

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.

READ: Wendell Holland's Full Bio

Watch the season premiere of Survivor: Ghost Island on Wednesday, Feb. 28 at 8/7c on CBS and CBS All Access.



If you can't wait until then for your Survivor fix, catch up on the past 35 seasons on CBS All Access.