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The Ultimate Guide To Jeff Probst's Wife: 5 Fascinating Facts About Lisa Ann Russell And Their Blended Family

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The question of "Who is Jeff Probst's wife?" has captivated *Survivor* fans for decades, as the legendary host has kept his personal life remarkably private while spending half the year in Fiji. As of December 20, 2025, the woman standing beside the four-time Emmy winner is Lisa Ann Russell, a former model and actress who has quietly helped him build a successful, cooperative blended family. Their love story is a fascinating tale of second chances, co-parenting with a '90s heartthrob, and a shared commitment to keeping their home life separate from the Tribal Council drama. Lisa Ann Russell is not only a supportive partner to the face of the CBS reality juggernaut but is also a successful professional in her own right, building a life that balances Hollywood connections with a grounded family existence. Her journey to becoming the wife of the *Survivor* Executive Producer is a compelling narrative that spans modeling campaigns, television roles, and a surprisingly amicable co-parenting relationship with her famous ex-husband.

Lisa Ann Russell: A Quick Biography and Family Profile

Jeff Probst is currently married to his second wife, Lisa Ann Russell. Their relationship is a cornerstone of his life outside the reality television world.

  • Name: Lisa Ann Russell
  • Date of Birth: March 21, 1972
  • Age (as of 2025): 53 years old
  • Place of Birth: Sterling, Illinois, USA
  • Profession: Former Model and Actress
  • Current Spouse: Jeff Probst (Married: December 5, 2011)
  • First Spouse: Mark-Paul Gosselaar (Married: 1996; Divorced: 2011)
  • Children: Michael Charles Gosselaar (Stepson), Ava Lorenn Gosselaar (Stepdaughter)
  • Jeff Probst's First Wife: Shelly Wright (Psychotherapist; Married: 1996; Divorced: 2001)
  • Notable Relationships: Jeff Probst also dated former *Survivor* contestant Julie Berry after his first divorce.

5 Fascinating Facts About Jeff Probst's Wife and Family Life

The relationship between Jeff Probst and Lisa Ann Russell is far more complex and interesting than a simple celebrity marriage. It involves a high-profile former spouse, a successful co-parenting dynamic, and a commitment to family that has kept their relationship strong for over a decade, despite Jeff's demanding schedule hosting *Survivor* in Fiji.

1. She Was Previously Married to a '90s Teen Idol

One of the most surprising details about Lisa Ann Russell is her first marriage to actor Mark-Paul Gosselaar, best known for his iconic role as Zack Morris on *Saved by the Bell*. Lisa Ann Russell met Gosselaar on the set of *Saved by the Bell: The College Years*, where she had a small role. They were married for over 14 years, from 1996 until their divorce in 2011. This connection means that Jeff Probst and Mark-Paul Gosselaar share a unique, cooperative co-parenting arrangement for Michael and Ava, a testament to the maturity of both couples.

2. Lisa Ann Russell Has a Successful Background as a Model and Actress

Before becoming Jeff Probst's wife, Lisa Ann Russell forged her own career in the entertainment industry. She began her career as a model, notably working on campaigns for major brands like Revlon. Transitioning into acting, she secured a number of guest spots and small roles in television and film. While her roles were often supporting, they provided her with a steady career and the visibility that led her to meet both her ex-husband and, eventually, Jeff Probst.

3. Jeff Probst Is a Dedicated Stepfather to Her Two Children

When Jeff Probst married Lisa Ann Russell in December 2011, he instantly became a stepfather to her two children from her previous marriage: Michael Charles Gosselaar and Ava Lorenn Gosselaar. Jeff has often spoken publicly about the deep bond he shares with his stepchildren, treating them as his own. This blended family dynamic, which also involves co-parenting with Mark-Paul Gosselaar and his current wife, Catriona McGinn, is a key, positive aspect of Jeff’s life. The host has emphasized that his new family structure is his greatest success, surpassing even his long tenure on *Survivor*.

4. Their Wedding Was a Private, Intimate Los Angeles Ceremony

Unlike the massive, televised productions Jeff Probst is known for, his wedding to Lisa Ann Russell was a highly private affair. The couple tied the knot on December 5, 2011, in a small, intimate ceremony at a private residence in Los Angeles. The low-key nature of their wedding reflects their desire to keep their relationship grounded and out of the media spotlight, a stark contrast to the dramatic, public nature of the show Jeff hosts.

5. Jeff Probst Had Two Other Significant High-Profile Relationships

Lisa Ann Russell is Jeff Probst’s second wife, but his romantic history includes two other notable public relationships that often surface in fan discussions. His first marriage was to psychotherapist Shelly Wright, which lasted from 1996 to 2001. Following his divorce from Wright, Probst had a highly publicized relationship with former *Survivor: Vanuatu* contestant Julie Berry. They dated for nearly four years after meeting on the show in 2004. These previous relationships highlight the personal evolution that led him to find a stable and enduring partnership with Lisa Ann Russell, establishing a solid family life before he heads back to the remote islands for another season of "Outwit, Outplay, Outlast."

Topical Entities and LSI Keywords

The story of Jeff Probst and Lisa Ann Russell is interwoven with the fabric of reality television and Hollywood history, creating a rich topical landscape:

  • People: Jeff Probst, Lisa Ann Russell, Mark-Paul Gosselaar, Michael Gosselaar, Ava Gosselaar, Shelly Wright, Julie Berry, Catriona McGinn.
  • Shows/Brands/Places: *Survivor*, CBS, Fiji, *Saved by the Bell: The College Years*, Revlon, Los Angeles, *Survivor: Vanuatu*, Emmy Awards, Reality Television.
  • Concepts: Blended Family, Co-parenting, Psychotherapist, Model, Actress, Executive Producer, Teen Idol, Tribal Council.
The Ultimate Guide to Jeff Probst's Wife: 5 Fascinating Facts About Lisa Ann Russell and Their Blended Family
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