Survivor Contestant Rudy Boesch Passes Away at 91
Rudy Boesch passed away on Friday night at the age of 91 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. He was one of the oldest contestants on ‘Survivor,’ competing at age 72.
Oldest 'Survivor' Contestant Rudy Boesch Dead at 91 https://t.co/TqU1mgDFtu
— TMZ (@TMZ) November 2, 2019
Boesch was one of the first contestants to ever appear on the reality show “Survivor.” He was 72 at the time the show aired in 2000. He finished in third place and was a fan favorite of the long-running reality TV show.
After being a beloved contestant during the first season, the show brought him back for season eight when he was 75 for “Survivor: All Stars.”
In addition to his late-in-life reality TV appearance, Boesch served in the United States Navy from 1944 to 1990, enlisting when he was only 17. When he retired after 45 years of service, he was ranked as a Master Chief Petty Officer.
#RIP Rudy Boesch who passed away yesterday at the age of 91. Boesch served in the Merchant Marine during WWII before enlisting in the Navy and becoming an original member of SEAL Team TWO. He gained fame as a gruff, blunt-speaking contestant on the first season of "Survivor" pic.twitter.com/pVsk57vy9U
— U.S. Naval Institute (@NavalInstitute) November 2, 2019
Richard Hatch, the winner of the first season of “Survivor,” memorably teamed up with Boesch to form one of the show’s first alliances. In a tweet, Hatch reflected on the “interesting bond” the two men shared.
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!
— Richard Hatch (@HatchRichard) November 2, 2019
Boesch was born in 1928 in Rochester, New York. He passed away in Virginia Beach, Virginia.