Rupert Boneham may be the most memorable "Survivor" in the history of the show. He stole shoes in "Pearl Islands," won $1 million simply because people like him, and he has a beard (and a roar) known all around the world.
On Thursday night, Rupert became the latest castoff from "Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains," making him fall short of the title yet again.
On Friday I had the opportunity to chat with the beloved pirate on a number of topics from both inside and outside the game.
Matt: I was talking to Boston Rob earlier this season and he said that the game of 'Survivor' has changed from the early days. Do you agree?
Rupert: The hidden immunity idol -- I'm old school like Boston Rob. When we last played, there was no immunity idol. There was also very little work at camp. I remember being on the Saboga tribe [in 'All-Stars'] and being the only one that wanted to do any work. That was six years ago!
Having the hidden immunity idol during the game just gives it one more darn twist that makes it so that you cannot have total control over what is going on. I still say -- I love the game of 'Survivor,' even though it really hurt me and busted some bones in my body. Darn right, I would play next season if they let me.
Matt: Why do you think JT didn't believe you or Sandra about Russell?
Rupert: You know, JT is just a silly little boy, 25 years old, saying 'I have to help Rupert with his strategy.' Every step of the way I would have things set up and JT would come up behind us and screw it all up. Even when we were all fighting as a tribe and James was fighting and Tom was fighting and Stephenie was blaming everybody, JT thought he was the king of them all.
The Heroes tribe sometimes reminded me of a bunch of Villains! Showing JT that Sandra was trying to tell us the truth was so frustrating...ready to just let him be JT. I remember him saying, 'Rupert, you gotta calm down! You're shaking and sweating,' and I look right at him and say 'I want to grab you and shake you and make you understand! You're not understanding the game.'
You know, we all have our things, and want we want to believe -- trying to convince JT that Sandra was on our side wasn't happening, and JT had enough people on his side that I couldn't convince my tribe.
Matt: Now this is completely out of left field so I have to ask -- how did that 'Survivor: Israel' appearance come about?
Rupert (laughs): 'Survivor' plays in 60 other countries around the world, and there's 30 countries that play their own form of 'Survivor!' When 'Survivor: Israel' got a hold of us in our office in Indianapolis and asked if I would be willing to go out and be a prize on 'Survivor: Israel.' They would pay me, and I would go play around. In my mind, I consider that still a really cool 'Survivor' experience, where the tribes battle and one tribe wins fishing gear and me for three days to catch fish with my bare hands and make fire and show you how you keep going in the game.
Matt: Correct me if I'm wrong on this, but you are the only male contestant to play 100 days...
Rupert: Yes sir I am, and thank you for your acknowledgment! That is a tough one. You know, there are very few people who get to play the game twice and even less who get to play three times and even less who make it to 100 days. I like showing that a good guy who everyone says will never win has played the most days and has still played the best game. So I may not have won the big prize, but I still consider myself the winner.
--
Were you rooting for Rupert this season? Let me know your thoughts with a comment and stay tuned for more TV news. As a part of my "Survivor Week" coverage, today's photo feature is the "Survivor Awards," recognizing the best of the show from the past 10 years. Check it out below.
"Survivor" News Central -- the latest recaps, interviews, and news
--
Want to read more of the latest TV news? Then subscribe to receive continuous updates. You can also follow me on Facebook, Myspace, or Twitter.
Today's top TV stories:
Interview: Elizabeth Banks talks "30 Rock"
"American Idol:" Crystal Bowersox, Lee DeWyze visit hometowns (video)
"Glee" star Matthew Morrison "handling" Lea Michele rumors
Tiger Woods shoots TV ad for EA Sports
"Jon and Kate Plus 8:" Kate Gosselin gets dance support form Karina Smirnoff
Justin Bieber talks Miley Cyrus to Ellen DeGeneres (video)
Comments
Love Rupert, wish he had stayed longer.
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!