Meet the cast of 'Survivor 46' (2024)

Life. Death. Taxes. And Survivor. Those have been the four constants this millennium — and the gold standard of reality TV that kicked off the unscripted broadcast network craze back in the summer of 2000 is now ready to unleash its 46th season.

Survivor 46 will premiere Feb. 28 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on CBS and kick off with two-hour episodes for its first two weeks before settling into its regular 90-minute runtime. But you don’t have to wait until then to meet the 18 contestants who will be subjecting themselves to sleep deprivation, starvation, and the cruel whims of Mother Nature in the hopes of winning a cool million dollars. That’s because we have the official photos and bios of the cast right here and right now.

The new cast features everyone from an aerospace technician, to a special education teacher, to a law student, to a parent coach. Who are your immediate favorites? Who appears to have what it takes to make it to the end, and who has “first boot” written all over them? Peruse the photos and bios below and lock in your predictions now.

Jemila "Jem" Hussain-Adams

Age:32
Hometown:Berbice, Guyana (South America)
Current residence:Chicago, Ill.
Occupation: International brand mentor
Name three of your favorite hobbies: Binge TV, working out, driving
List three adjectives that best describe yourself: Motivated, resilient, hilarious
How would your friends describe you? They would say I’m outgoing, direct, and a fun time.
What risks have you taken in your life, to make a change for the better, even if the outcome wasn’t planned? I’m a risk taker — let’s just say if it’s not risky, I’m not interested. For one, I moved to the U.S. with a suitcase full of clothes and no money. I’ve bungee jumped, climbed coconut trees, camped in a freezing desert, and traveled alone. All of the above is just the tip of the iceberg!
What is the accomplishment you are most proud of? I’m super proud of a lot of things — surviving in the U.S. is probably my biggest accomplishment. After I moved here, I had no one to lean on and I wanted to give up multiple times and go back home to Guyana, however, I stuck it out.
What is something we would never know from looking at you? That I’m from South America and not Indian.
What past Survivor would you play the game most like? Boston Rob, Tony Vlachos, Kelley Wentworth

Ben Katzman

Age:31
Hometown:Miami, Fla.
Current residence:Miami, Fla.
Occupation:Musician
Name three of your favorite hobbies: Playing guitar, doodling, chilling hard at the beach
List three adjectives that best describe yourself: Motivated, energized, passionate
How would your friends describe you? An emotional and passionate person who’s living for a good time and a real time.
What risks have you taken in your life, to make a change for the better, even if the outcome wasn’t planned? I quit running my independent record label at 25 just as success was starting to come. Bands I produced were in big festivals, magazines, touring the world, but I didn’t like who I’d become. After hustling for years, living out of my suitcase, and chasing dreams with no money to my name, I became a person more concerned with status and appearance than someone who loved what I did. I risked quitting my newfound success to be happy and fall in love with life again.
What is the accomplishment you are most proud of? Being alive today and being able to share my journey with my family and students. Pursuing the arts can be grim, but it is doable and you have to have a good head on your shoulders. Getting to teach students how to express themselves and see them come into their own personality based around art.
What is something we would never know from looking at you? People assume I’m a laid-back rocker/surfer dude, but I think I’m more emotionally intelligent than most people give me credit for. I can read a room and find awareness in most situations while still carrying on being my regular, goofy, fun-loving self.
What past Survivor would you play the game most like? Nick Wilson or Cody Assenmacher.

Jessica "Jess" Chong

Age: 37
Hometown: Hong Kong/Toronto
Current residence: San Francisco, Calif.
Occupation:Software engineer
Name three of your favorite hobbies: Sewing my own clothes, biking around San Francisco with my husband. Binge watching 80% of a TV show, panicking about where the time has gone, and then reading recaps of the remaining 20% of the show online*. *I don’t do this with Survivor, though.
List three adjectives that best describe yourself: Silly/animated, compassionate, persistent
How would your friends describe you? Empathetic, tenacious, smart, social butterfly
What risks have you taken in your life, to make a change for the better, even if the outcome wasn’t planned? When I was 24, I quit two entry-level jobs in one year because I was hungry to learn (and earn) more. I started my own freelance web design business. By the time I was 29, one of my freelance gigs had turned into an incredible full-time job. Before the pandemic, I made it a priority to go home once or twice a year. In March 2021, I braved a 21-day hotel quarantine to spend time with them.
What is the accomplishment you are most proud of? I’m proud that after I transitioned my career into software engineering, I worked to help others make the transition, too! I love mentoring people who are new to software engineering, especially when they’ve transitioned later in life.
What is something we would never know from looking at you? I’m an identical twin! I played rugby in college. And I type 140 WPM.
What past Survivor would you play the game most like? Tai, Gabby, and Maryanne.

Bhanu Gopal

Age:41
Hometown:Visakhapatnam, India
Current Residence:Acton, Mass.
Occupation:IT quality analyst
Name three of your favorite hobbies: Dancing, swimming, yoga
List three adjectives that best describe yourself: Energetic, disciplined, passionate
How would your friends describe you? My friends have often called me adaptable and independent because I’ve lived alone in many different cities. They also tell me I’m emotional both in how I express myself but also because of my great ability to listen and support my friends with what they’re going through. I’m always there for my friends.
What is the accomplishment you are most proud of? Becoming a citizen of the United States of America.
What is something we would never know from looking at you? I’m very good at making first-time impressions, combined with my expressive social media presence, people often mistake me for an extrovert. However, I’m an introvert at heart.
What past Survivor would you play the game most like? John Cochran

Kenzie Petty

Age: 29
Hometown: Gibraltar, Mich.
Current Residence: Charlotte, N.C.
Occupation: Salon owner
Name three of your favorite hobbies: Jigsaw puzzles, fantasy romance novels, playing cards
List three adjectives that best describe yourself: Positive, creative, perseverant
How would your friends describe you? I literally asked one of them, and this is what they said: “Resilient, resourceful, driven, self-sufficient, adventurous. You know what you want and you make it happen. Forgiving, caring, reliable, fun, smart. You’re inspiring, you build people up.”
What risks have you taken in your life, to make a change for the better, even if the outcome wasn’t planned? Opening my salon was a giant risk. I have no business degree. I had no idea what a business plan even was. But a spot opened up and I hopped right on up to take over a lease. I didn’t have a fallback plan. Two months after our first anniversary of being open, COVID shut us down for the quarantine.
What is the accomplishment you are most proud of? I’m proud of continuing to run the happiest work environment in the world. Sure, surviving the pandemic as a small business when so many didn’t make it is big. But maintaining a cooperative, excited, successful place, full of artists, is an incredible accomplishment. The big things are big, but it’s the day-to-day I’m most proud of.
What is something we would never know from looking at you? I’m a savage in Catan.
What past Survivor would you play the game most like? Maryanne

Charlie Davis

Age:26
Hometown:Manchester-by-the-Sea, Mass.
Current residence:Boston, Mass.
Occupation:Law student
Name three of your favorite hobbies: Running (serious, competitive running), debating, board games
List three adjectives that best describe yourself: Loyal, funny and fun-loving, competitive.
How would your friends describe you? Funny/goofy, intelligent, charismatic, charming,strategic, competitive, weird, definitely a nerd, has his moments though
What is the accomplishment you are most proud of? Being elected varsity cross country captain twice. I was a walk-on, and in college, I injured my sacrum, right femur, left femur, and right tibia by running. But I used my other skills to turn the team into one of the best teams in the NCAA.
What is something we would never know from looking at you? You would never be able to tell how hard I fight for the people I love.
What past Survivor would you play the game most like? Spencer Bledsoe, Christian Hubicki

Liz Wilcox

Age:35
Hometown:Luther, Mich.
Current residence:Orlando, Fla.
Occupation:Marketing strategist
Name three of your favorite hobbies: Running, telling jokes, making money
List three adjectives that best describe yourself: Fun-seeking (is that a word?), growth-minded, effing capable of anything!
How would your friends describe you? Relentless as all get out. People are always telling me that my drive is so inspiring.
What risks have you taken in your life, to make a change for the better, even if the outcome wasn’t planned? There was a moment in my marriage where I knew it wouldn’t work. I decided to leave. No plan or cash. It was really scary. But I just had to go out on my own. It ended up being the best thing ever and I have more now than I ever could have dreamed of.
What is the accomplishment you are most proud of? My first thought is “I make my own money!” But then, I think it’s just the fact that I truly believe in myself. There’s a lot of fake confidence out there, but I truly love myself and believe in ME so much. I haven’t met many people like that. So that is what I’m most proud of, for sure.
What is something we would never know from looking at you? I was mute until the age of 7, had a crazy nervous tick, and would hyperventilate from nerves. Now I’m a public speaker and the face of my company. You would never guess!
What past Survivor would you play the game most like? Russell, Sandra

David "Jelinsky" Jelinsky

Age:22
Hometown:Las Vegas, Nev.
Current residence:Las Vegas, Nev.
Occupation: Slot machine salesman
Name three of your favorite hobbies: Sports (basketball and bowling), trivia/puzzles, magic/card games, organization
List three adjectives that best describe yourself: Passionate, confident, intelligent
How would your friends describe you? My closest friends would say that David Jelinsky thinks he knows everything. He is too smart for his own good. Growing up, he was a hothead and would argue with you until you gave in and told him he was right… but he has matured a lot over the years and understands when he should concede in an argument. He always lends an ear and an open heart when you need it, and he always offers the best advice he can.
What risks have you taken in your life, to make a change for the better, even if the outcome wasn’t planned? Dropping out for one year after high school was a risk that has paid off so far.
What is the accomplishment you are most proud of? I would have to say my literature academic achievements are my proudest accomplishments.
What is something we would never know from looking at you? There are so many things about me that people would never know from first glance. Growing up, I was a theater kid. I danced professional ballroom for two years when I was 8-10 years old, and then I was offered a ballet scholarship. I’m also a huge Swiftie.
What past Survivor would you play the game most like? Fabio, Sami, Russell, Tyson, and Rick Devens.

Maria Shrime Gonzalez

Age:48
Hometown: Dallas, Tex.
Current residence:Dallas, Tex.
Occupation: Parent coach
Name three of your favorite hobbies: Travel, running, spending time with friends
List three adjectives that best describe yourself: Determined, loyal, resilient
How would your friends describe you? My friends would describe me as funny, compassionate, fiercely loyal, a good friend, determined, resilient, persistent, organized, authentic, incredibly competitive.
What risks have you taken in your life, to make a change for the better, even if the outcome wasn’t planned? After college and before grad school, I moved to Costa Rica to volunteer with WorldTeach as an English teacher. That year was one of the most transformative years of my life. I learned to thrive in an environment that was vastly different from the comfort I knew as home.
What is the accomplishment you are most proud of? I have so many accomplishments that I am incredibly proud of but I would say birthing my three children at home, on my terms, without medication, and without interruptions were the most empowering moments for me. There is nothing that can compare to a woman’s strength when she gives birth and having the perseverance to do it the way I wanted was an experience I will never forget.
What is something we would never know from looking at you? I ate sheep’s head in Morocco (I’ll try most things once), was Ms. February in a salsa vixen swimsuit calendar, got lost on the Champs Elysees in Paris when I was a little girl, never learned how to whistle growing up, and have an obsession with untying knots.
What past Survivor would you play the game most like? Drea Wheeler, Natalie Anderson

Hunter McKnight

Age: 28
Hometown: French Camp, Miss.
Current residence: French Camp, Miss.
Occupation: Science teacher
Name three of your favorite hobbies: Building Survivor challenges, playing any sport, camping
List three adjectives that best describe yourself: Clever, competitive, adamant
How would your friends describe you? Competitive, a bit odd, intelligent, quick-witted, maybe a little arrogant, fun, hardworking
What risks have you taken in your life, to make a change for the better, even if the outcome wasn’t planned? I left a full-ride scholarship and direct admission into medical school to come back and teach in my hometown. I decided I could be more impactful teaching here. Honestly, it ended up being an awesome decision.
What is the accomplishment you are most proud of? Making it through all my school without making anything below an A. I graduated college in 3.5 years.
What is something we would never know from looking at you? I graduated 4.0 in college. Graduated valedictorian at my high school.
What past Survivor would you play the game most like? Hayden

Moriah Gaynor

Age:28
Hometown:Boca Raton, Fla.
Current residence:San Diego, Calif.
Occupation:Program coordinator
Name three of your favorite hobbies: Beer brewing. surfing. Dungeons & Dragons
List three adjectives that best describe yourself: Driven, quirky, sentimental
How would your friends describe you? My friends would describe me as a “go-getter” even if it's not always apparent. I’m always the person to organize the trip, plan the party, or really make an event happen. My catchphrase is basically “So I went ahead and made a GSheet for this…” At the same time, they’d describe me as very personable and fiercely loyal. I will do anything to help those I care about — whether that be showing up with wine and a sympathetic ear after a long day or stepping in myself.
What risks have you taken in your life, to make a change for the better, even if the outcome wasn’t planned? One of the largest risks I took was moving to California. When I moved here, I had a trunk full of clothes, a studio apt., and a part-time job. I had no idea if my relationship would succeed, if I would find meaningful employment, or if I’d make friends, but I knew I had hit an end in Wisconsin and there was nothing left for me there so I figured screw it, why not?
What is the accomplishment you are most proud of? I’m most proud of completing my marathon. My freshman year of college, I started running to try for a half, then it grew to a full. I’m not just proud of the product of completing the marathon, but the grit and determination it took to get there — six days of running for four months straight in NYC is no joke! I felt like I spent my salary that year on energy gels and socks.
What is something we would never know from looking at you? You would never know how much I second-guess myself.
What past Survivor would you play the game most like? Nick Wilson

Q Burdette

Age:29
Hometown:Senatobia, Miss.
Current residence:Memphis, Tenn.
Occupation: Real estate agent
Name three of your favorite hobbies: Fishing, riding four-wheelers/jet skis, building houses
List three adjectives that best describe yourself: Brave, polite, proud
How would your friends describe you? I think my friends would describe me as the crazy risk-taking friend. They would probably add that I am the luckiest person they know. Most importantly, they would describe me as someone they can count on.
What risks have you taken in your life, to make a change for the better, even if the outcome wasn’t planned? I started taking risks early in life. Being 1 of 17 kids, you have to take risks. Biggest risk that changed my life for the better would have to be quitting my job to start my career in real estate.
What is the accomplishment you are most proud of? Being the first person in my entire family to graduate college.
What is something we would never know from looking at you? 1) I can eat two boxes of pizza in one sitting by myself. 2) That I can swim. 3) I am a joy to be around (what people tell me).
What past Survivor would you play the game most like? Bits and pieces from a lot of players.

Soda Thompson

Age:27
Hometown:Long Island, N.Y.
Current residence:Lake Hopatcong, N.J.
Occupation: Special ed teacher
Name three of your favorite hobbies: Singing! Taking walks, doing random crafts!
List three adjectives that best describe yourself: Intentional, determined, empathetic
How would your friends describe you? If I’m honest, my friends might say I’m silly, extra, and anxious at times, but they bear with me.
What risks have you taken in your life, to make a change for the better, even if the outcome wasn’t planned? I got married super young to a man from Brazil I had only known six months. He is amazing. It really worked out.
What is the accomplishment you are most proud of? I am so proud of the life I have built. I have a great job and work hard to have honest relationships. I am extremely proud of the statistics and odds that I have overcome.
What is something we would never know from looking at you? I am deathly afraid of butterflies. I cannot even be in the same field as one and I can sense when anything small, soft, and winged is nearby.
What past Survivor would you play the game most like? Season 42

Randen Montalvo

Age: 41
Hometown: Brooklyn, N.Y.
Current residence: Orlando, Fla.
Occupation: Aerospace tech
Name three of your favorite hobbies: Running endurance marathons, sports cars, extreme rides/sports
List three adjectives that best describe yourself: Analytical, persistent, passion
How would your friends describe you? Relentless
What risks have you taken in your life, to make a change for the better, even if the outcome wasn’t planned? Moved to another state, decided to start a family, and joined the military while in an existing career to create a foundation for my children.
What is something we would never know from looking at you? My favorite people I would like to meet beyond Jeff [Probst] would be Neil deGrasse Tyson, Michio Kaku.
What past Survivor would you play the game most like? Xander

Tiffany Nicole Ervin

Age:33
Hometown:Franklin Township, N.J.
Current residence:Elizabeth, N.J.
Occupation:Artist
Name three of your favorite hobbies: Painting/photography, Does eating out count as a hobby?
List three adjectives that best describe yourself: Curious, passionate, artistic
How would your friends describe you? My friends always tell me that I live in a land of rainbows and unicorns. (Which pretty much means I lack situational awareness sometimes and see things from a rose-colored lens, even when I shouldn’t. I disagree though, lol.) I’m a habitual procrastinator. My friends also know that I’m deeply dedicated to and passionate about the things and people I love. I have absolutely no filter (this sometimes gets me into trouble) and I am usually the life of the party.
What is the accomplishment you are most proud of? I was laid off [from] my job of six years at the top of 2020 and instead of scrambling to find another job that I likely wouldn’t have been happy with, I had the courage to follow my gut and pursue being a full-time artist instead. So far things have been working out even better than I expected.
What is something we would never know from looking at you? I love, love, love playing the lottery, lol. I’m actually afraid that if there’s an opportunity to gamble or take a big chance on Survivor, I’m the player that won’t be able to resist.
What past Survivor would you play the game most like? Jeremy or Shan,

Tevin Davis

Age:24
Hometown:Goochland, Va.
Current residence:Richmond, Va.
Occupation:Actor
Name three of your favorite hobbies: Going to the beach, listening to music, fashion/shopping
List three adjectives that best describe yourself: Kind, charismatic, optimistic
How would your friends describe you? I asked all my friends and I compiled a run-on sentence of the things that came up the most in their summation of me. Tevin is an incandescent, beautiful sparks of energy and joy, walking definition of super multifaceted talent, radiance embodied, independent yet such a valuable and free-spirited person that this world needs, energetic, hard-working, adaptable, warm sunshine hitting your face on a perfect day, genuine, talented, unique, passionate, one-of-a-kind, true to self, charismatic, old soul, vibrant, determined, effervescent, smart, captivating, great to watch, dynamic person filled with love, confidence, and a presence that is filled with joy.
What risks have you taken in your life, to make a change for the better, even if the outcome wasn’t planned? One of the biggest risks I have taken is saying yes to the theater director that asked me to be in Beauty in the Beast when I was in 8th grade. I didn’t want to say yes, but I did anyway and my life has absolutely been forever changed for the better. I have also taken many risks being an advocate for Black bodies, minorities, and the oppressed.
What is the accomplishment you are most proud of? I not only finished college as a first-generation student, but I also utilized the scholarships I earned which made for my parents not having to spend a single dime on tuition and housing. They supported me emotionally, but as far as getting through school, I did that independently. I also didn’t just finish school, but I finished Magna Cum Laude and made the Dean’s List each semester.
What is something we would never know from looking at you? I’m a country boy at heart and don’t ever think I’m too good to get a little messy!
What past Survivor would you play the game most like? Maryanne, Cochran

Venus Vafa

Age:24
Hometown:Richmond, Hill, Ontario (Canada)
Current residence:Toronto, Ontario (Canada)
Occupation: Data analyst
Name three of your favorite hobbies: Playing poker, creative writing, and making short films. This is going to sound weird as hell… but cleaning is one of my favorite hobbies. I don’t care if it’s not considered one, it brings me so much peace and clarity. Yes, I am a clean freak.
List three adjectives that best describe yourself: Passionate, persistent, sassy
How would your friends describe you? They would describe me as a someone with a really tough exterior (think Regina George from Mean Girls), but a secret softy. I am actually a crybaby under my tough girl façade and am very emotional and empathetic to the tiniest of things.
What risks have you taken in your life, to make a change for the better, even if the outcome wasn’t planned? I come from a very conservative household. When it came time to choose universities, I was faced with two options: 1) The easy option: A school 30 minutes away from home, meaning I would live with my parents and not have to worry about rent or meals, or 2) The hard option: A school eight hours away that I would have to fund myself and be on my own for the first time in my life. I chose the second option, and to this day it has been the best decision I have ever made in my life.
What is the accomplishment you are most proud of? My biggest accomplishment is also my biggest lesson in never giving up: graduating from university.
What is something we would never know from looking at you? I am very observant and can see right through people’s facades. The threshold to earn my trust is quite high BUT I become fast friends with the few people who meet it. I can tell when someone is authentic and on the same wavelength as me and quickly become as thick as thieves with them. This should come in extra handy on Survivor!
What past Survivor would you play the game most like? Parvati, Cirie

Tim Spicer

Age:31
Hometown:Arlington, Va.
Current residence:Atlanta, Ga.
Occupation:College coach
Name three of your favorite hobbies: Dating my wife, watching Survivor and Peaky Blinders, exercising daily (physically and emotionally)
List three adjectives that best describe yourself: Goal-oriented, charismatic team player, strategic thinker.
How would your friends describe you? My friends would describe me as, “God’s child. Tim is extremely uplifting, a good listener, and a great friend to have. Tim is always down for a good time.”
What risks have you taken in your life, to make a change for the better, even if the outcome wasn’t planned? One of the most paramount risks of my life was applying to graduate school. Having worked in the nonprofit sector for three years at the time, I knew I needed to enhance my background to become validated in the field of education, with [the] potential to earn higher pay. Before driving home from Washington, D.C., every day after work, I would pass GWU, where I finally mustered up the courage to apply to a graduate program. Unbeknownst to me, I would be accepted as one of the six African American males enrolling at the Graduate School of Education & Human Development in a cohort of 216 students.
What is the accomplishment you are most proud of? I’ve listed several accomplishments to spell out the myriad of things I am proud of.
Achieving work performance metrics
Carter
Cooper
Optimistic in all situations
Morehouse College
Parenthood
Love of my life, Jasmine
Introduced Barack Obama
Survivor called me back
Homeowner
Making it to 30 as an African American male
Traveled to several continents
What is something we would never know from looking at you? I’ve had two eye incidents during my lifetime. During my childhood, I got a metal hanger stuck in my eye after jumping off a table (everything’s fine, I lived to see another day). Years later, after watching my aunt administer eye drops, I too gave it a try. However, I picked up the nail glue instead of the Clear Eyes. I glued my left eye shut, which remained closed for two weeks. The doctor said it would dissolve and open eventually (everything’s fine, I lived to see another day).
What past Survivor would you play the game most like? Shamar Thomas

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