Survivor star Rudy Boesch dies of Alzheimer’s Disease aged 91
- One of the original contestants on the show’s debut season in 2000
- Formed an allegiance with eventual winner Richard Hatch
- Former Navy Seal was 72 at the time, and remains the hit show’s oldest ever contestant
- Returned for an All Stars edition in 2004 aged 75
- Died of complications from Alzeimer’s Disease on Friday
Iconic Survivor star Rudy Boesch has died aged 91, of complications from Alzheimer’s Disease.
The former Navy SEAL starred on the very first season of the popular show, back in 2000, finishing in third place.
He was 72 at the time, the oldest ever contestant in the popular show’s history. He later returned to screens aged 75 for an All Stars edition of Survivor in 2004.
Survivor star Rudy Boesch is seen in an All Stars edition of the show in 2004; he has died aged 91 of Alzheimer’s Disease
Boesch’s closest Survivor ally, the season’s winner Richard Hatch, tweeted on Saturday: ‘Ours was an interesting bond, Dear Rudy! You and I helped open minds and undermine predjudces.
‘While your time here has passed, you will remain loved and iconic, dear friend!’
Jeff Probst, who has hosted Survivor for nearly 20 years, tweeted: ‘The Survivor family has lost a legend. Rudy Boesch passed at the age of 91.
‘A true American hero’: Jeff Probst, who has hosted Survivor for nearly 20 years, tweeted: ‘The Survivor family has lost a legend
‘He played in the first season of Survivor at the age of 72. He is one is the most iconic and adored players of all time. And he served our country as a 45-year Navy SEAL. Rudy is a true American hero.’
Rob Mariano, who competed against Rudy on an All Stars edition of the show in 2004, and appears on the current season as a mentor, paid tribute.
‘We lost an original OG @survivorcbs legend… Rudy was always very nice to me. I feel fortunate to have known him and played the game of with him #SurvivorAllStars Our Sincere condolences to his Family. Rest In Peace Rudy.’
Tribute: Boesch’s closest Survivor ally, the season’s winner Richard Hatch, tweeted on Saturday: ‘Ours was an interesting bond, Dear Rudy! You and I helped open minds and undermine predjudces.’
The OG: A tribute from Rob Mariano, who competed against Rudy on an All Stars edition of the show in 2004, and appears on the current season as a mentor
From Rochester, New York, Boesch was just 17 when he dropped out of high school to join the Navy in 1945.
After working as a Underwater Demolition Team Frogman, in 1961 he was selected as one of 50 members of the original SEAL Team Two, going on to serve as a SEAL for 45 years.
Boesch served in the Vietnam War, completing two deployments and earning the Bronze Star for his heroism.
He found fame after signing up for Survivor’s first season, the inaugural Survivor: Borneo, in which he quickly became one of the most popular contestants.
Charmingly cantankerous, Boesch won over viewers with his gruff, non politically correct persona and resourceful, stoic approach to island life.
First impressions: The former Navy SEAL starred on the very first season of Survivor back in 2000; he is seen here in his first appearance on the show
Popular: The viewer’s favorite returned to TV at times over the years, released a book of his thoughts on life, appeared on a Survivor slot machine, was made into an action figure, and even got a mention in People magazine’s Sexiest Man Alive issue; he is seen in 2010
Early on in the season he aligned himself with young West Point student Hatch.
As 50million people watched the show’s finale in the summer of 2000, Boesch was the favorite to win, but in part due to Hatch’s strategic moves, eventually came in third place.
The viewer’s favorite returned to TV at times over the years, released a book of his thoughts on life, appeared on a Survivor slot machine, was made into an action figure, and even got a mention in People magazine’s Sexiest Man Alive issue.
Boesch was predeceased by his wife of 53 years Marge, who died in 2008, and survived by his three adult daughters.
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