Where Are They Now? The Shocking Post-Show Lives Of The Survivor 22: Redemption Island Cast
The legacy of Survivor: Redemption Island (Season 22) is one of the most polarizing in the show's history, primarily due to its controversial twist and the dominance of one legendary player. Airing in 2011, the season pitted returning titans "Boston Rob" Mariano and Russell Hantz against 16 new castaways, all vying for the $1 million prize in Nicaragua. The introduction of the Redemption Island challenge system fundamentally changed the game, giving eliminated players a chance to return, a mechanic that remains a hot topic among the show's dedicated fanbase.
As of late 2025, over a decade later, the lives of the Survivor 22 castaways have changed dramatically. From former federal agents helping gorillas to NFL players becoming high-powered executives and media personalities hosting their own podcasts, the post-show careers of the Ometepe and Zapatera tribes are as fascinating as the season itself. Here is an in-depth look at where the most memorable faces of Survivor: Redemption Island are today.
The Complete Survivor 22: Redemption Island Cast and Biography Profile
The season featured 18 castaways divided into two tribes: Ometepe (loyal to Rob) and Zapatera (loyal to Russell). Two players, Rob Mariano and Russell Hantz, were returning contestants.
- Rob "Boston Rob" Mariano: Age 35 (at the time of the season), from Canton, Massachusetts. A four-time player and the eventual Sole Survivor.
- Phillip Sheppard: Age 52, from Santa Monica, California. A former federal agent, known for his eccentric personality and pink underwear.
- Natalie Tenerelli: Age 19, from Los Angeles, California. A professional dancer and the youngest finalist in the season.
- Ashley Underwood: Age 25, from Benton, Maine. A nurse and a strong physical threat who formed a close alliance with Natalie.
- Andrea Boehlke: Age 21, from New York City, New York. A student and a key member of Rob's Ometepe alliance, later returning for two more seasons.
- Matt Elrod: Age 22, from Nashville, Tennessee. A pre-med student who was blindsided early but survived a record number of duels on Redemption Island.
- Grant Mattos: Age 29, from San Francisco, California. A former NFL wide receiver and a loyal member of the Ometepe alliance.
- Mike Chiesl: Age 31, from Del Mar, California. A former marine who became the final member of the jury.
- Ralph Kiser: Age 44, from Lebanon, Virginia. A farmer and one of the most outspoken members of the Zapatera tribe.
- Steve Wright: Age 51, from Huntington, California. A former NFL player for the Los Angeles Raiders and a Zapatera member.
- Julie Wolfe: Age 50, from Oceanside, California. A firefighter and a loyal, but often overlooked, member of Zapatera.
- Sarita White: Age 36, from Santa Monica, California. A visual effects producer who struggled with her tribe.
- David Murphy: Age 31, from Los Angeles, California. A defense attorney who was targeted early by Russell.
- Krista Klumpp: Age 25, from Columbia, South Carolina. A pharmaceutical representative and one of the first to clash with Russell.
- Stephanie Valencia: Age 25, from Long Beach, California. A waitress who was part of the early Zapatera chaos.
- Russell Hantz: Age 38, from Dayton, Texas. A three-time player and one of the show's most infamous villains, returning for his third consecutive season.
- Kristina Kell: Age 46, from Malibu, California. A law student and the first new player eliminated.
- Francesca Hogi: Age 36, from Washington, D.C. A writer and the first person voted out of the season.
The Dominance of Boston Rob and the Fallout of the Stealth R Us Alliance
Survivor: Redemption Island is often cited as a masterclass in controlled gameplay, specifically by the eventual winner, Rob Mariano. This season marked his fourth attempt at the title, and he finally secured the victory by forming the airtight "Stealth R Us" alliance, which included finalists Phillip Sheppard and Natalie Tenerelli, and key members like Ashley Underwood and Andrea Boehlke.
The core strategy was simple yet brutally effective: absolute loyalty and the complete isolation of the opposing tribe's leader, Russell Hantz. Rob’s alliance, primarily the Ometepe tribe, never wavered, leading to a predictable but dominant run. Rob ultimately won the Final Tribal Council with a near-unanimous 8-1-0 vote, finally cementing his place in Survivor history.
Meanwhile, Russell Hantz, the other returning player, was voted out early by his Zapatera tribe and was unable to regain his footing on Redemption Island, becoming the second jury member. This early exit was a major shock to viewers, who had watched him dominate his previous two seasons. His failure highlighted the season's central theme: the new players were far more willing to align with the popular, charismatic Rob than the notorious, aggressive Russell.
Where Are They Now: Cast Members in 2025
The cast of Season 22 has largely moved on from reality television, forging careers in media, business, and family life. Their current activities provide a fascinating glimpse into life after the island.
The Finalists: Rob, Phillip, and Natalie
- Rob "Boston Rob" Mariano: Rob’s life continues to be intertwined with *Survivor*. He and his wife, Amber Brkich Mariano (the winner of *Survivor: All-Stars*), live in Florida with their four daughters. Beyond his reality TV fame, Rob has established a career as a professional poker player. He has also returned to *Survivor* since his win, notably for *Winners at War* (Season 40), and remains one of the show's most recognizable figures.
- Phillip Sheppard: The former federal agent and self-proclaimed "Special Agent" has embraced his post-show notoriety. In recent years, Phillip has continued to write biographies about his life and has used his platform for charitable causes, including helping gorillas. He has also been open about his experiences, including contracting Coronavirus, and has appeared on various podcasts to discuss his time on *Redemption Island* and *Caramoan*, providing fresh commentary on his controversial Final Tribal Council performance.
- Natalie Tenerelli: Now in her mid-thirties, Natalie has transitioned her early career in dance into a professional life. She was an LA Clippers dancer and has remained connected to the *Survivor* community, making appearances on various fan podcasts and social media events. She was the youngest finalist in the season's history.
The Ometepe Tribe's Rising Stars
- Andrea Boehlke: One of the most successful *Survivor* alumni in the media world, Andrea has built a substantial career in entertainment. She was a co-host for *People Now* and has made appearances on shows like *Good Morning America*. As of late 2025, she hosts her own podcasts, including *Past Your Bedtime* and *The Cabin*, the official podcast of Discover Wisconsin, where she discusses a range of topics from pop culture to travel. She is a three-time *Survivor* player.
- Grant Mattos: The former NFL wide receiver for the San Diego Chargers and Los Angeles Raiders has found success in the business world. Grant is reported to hold a high-level business executive position in Toronto, Canada, where he lives with his wife, Canadian actress Christina Cox, and their daughter, Flynn. His life is a prime example of a successful transition from professional sports and reality TV to corporate leadership.
- Ashley Underwood: After her fourth-place finish, Ashley returned to her career as a nurse. She is married to Chris Markwood, a former UMAINE basketball star who is now the head coach for the University of Maine Black Bears men's basketball team.
- Matt Elrod: Known for his strong Christian faith and his epic run on Redemption Island, where he won a record-breaking 10 duels to re-enter the game before being eliminated again. Matt continues to pursue his passion for medicine and has remained a figure of inspiration for his resilience and faith during his time on the show.
The Legacy of the Redemption Island Twist and Fan Reaction
The Redemption Island twist, which allowed eliminated players to compete in duels for a chance to re-enter the game, is one of the most debated mechanics in the show’s history. Fans and critics often cite it as a major flaw, arguing that it fundamentally violates the core premise of Survivor: that once you are voted out, your game is over.
The season's structure, which heavily favored the returning players, particularly Rob, is another reason for its divisive reputation. The new players, or "fans," were criticized for being too star-struck and loyal, allowing Rob to control the game from start to finish without any significant resistance. This lack of strategic parity is what led many fans to rank *Redemption Island* as one of the lower-tier seasons.
Francesca Hogi, the first person voted out of *Redemption Island* and later *Caramoan* (Season 26), became the unfortunate face of this early-game chaos. Her infamous feud with Phillip Sheppard resulted in her becoming the first boot twice, a unique and painful record in *Survivor* history.
Despite the criticisms, the season delivered a definitive ending for Rob Mariano, a player who had been chasing the title for a decade. The season also launched the media careers of several cast members, most notably Andrea Boehlke, proving that even a controversial season can produce lasting legacies.
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