The Men of Survivor: Gabon
Let’s take a closer look at our contestants hm? And because I’m half in lust love with Ace already, we’re going to start with the men. Because seriously, sexy, bald, AND with an accent? How could this guy go wrong? (by being an arrogant prick, yes, but we don’t have to decide if that’s the case yet! That’ll have to wait until September 25th!)
Here are the profiles of our new, soon to be sweaty and shirtless men:
Ace Gordon (27)
Hometown: Naples, Florida (raised in London)
Occupation: Fashion Photographer/Cartie salesman
Ace Gordon is a self-proclaimed charmer in every sense of the word. With an English accent and a shaved head, he is an absolute fan of the game and 100% confident in his manipulation skills. Born in New York but raised in London, Ace attended the prestigious Hill House School in Knightsbridge. His privileged background and world travels lead Gordon to mockingly state, “I’m probably better than you and highly more [sic] educated.”
He has also run the gambit in terms of jobs and he’s only 27. Over the years, he’s sold cars for Porsche, been a massage therapist and cooked at an eco- resort in Hawaii. Currently, Ace splits his time between working for Cartier and running his own fashion photography studio.
One of Ace’s biggest personality traits is his ability to flirt, almost without realizing it. Described as a natural salesman, Ace can cross the line between arrogant and elegant in whatever country he lives. He has actively sought to be immersed in new surroundings and experiences, be it martial arts or meditation. In fact, Gordon has lived in Hawaii, India, Thailand, and all over the U.S. studying religion, spirituality and alternatives to traditional Western Medicine.Ace is single and currently resides in Naples, Florida. His birth date is September 3, 1980.
Says Ace: “I watch the game, I know how to play the game, I’ve done sales my whole life, I’m good with people and I’m physically adept. And I’m a manipulative bastard”
Says Probst: You would expect him to be like a villain in a Bond movie who dies a horrible death at the end. it’s almost like a blind arrogance and he’s really fun to watch. And I think his accent could work for him or against him, but there’s something about the accent that makes everything he says seem to matter.
Says Lessa: Rawr. Sexy Bald Accented Bastard. Yum.
Ken Hoang (22)
Hometown: Westminster, California
Occupation: Professional Gamer
Ken Hoang gives a new meaning to the term “gamer.” Known to the gaming community as “the King of Smash,” Hoang is a professional at his craft. As the current international champion of Nintendo’s Super Smash Brothers Melee video game, Ken has traveled the world from Japan to Australia to prove his dominance.
Hoang uses his tournament winnings to help support his family. He and his siblings still live at home to help pay the mortgage. It has also led to a strong bond among his brothers and sisters. In fact it was his sister that started his addiction to SURVIVOR.
While he may seem like an interesting choice for a game based in the outdoors, this gamer sees it as an amazing opportunity. Ken is very creative, and has a strong passion for art, a skill he is currently going to college to fine tune. When not playing videogames or brushing up on his art, Hoang enjoys playing with his pets, a Maincoon cat named Kinski and a Husky named Monster.
He loves the fact that he will be considered an underdog because everyone will underestimate his prowess at playing mind games. Nobody would look at him and believe he climbed Mt. Fuji at the age of 20. Ready to exploit his slight physical stature, Ken will trick his fellow players into seeing him as a non-threat, only to smash them if they get in his way.
Ken is single and currently resides in Westminster, Calif. His birth date is October 10, 1985.
Says Ken: Gaming will help me because I do well under pressure. I always come through. I rarely choke. I’m the underdog, and I think all the fans will root for me to win. I would root for myself if I was watching tv!
Says Probst: Ken the gamer is one of my favorite people who have been on the show in a long time. He is convinced his gaming expertise is absolutely in line with what it takes to win, that he knows this game backward and forward simply because he’s a gamer. But Ken is a true nerd. I think when the show begin he weighed less then Courtney (China) did.
Says Lessa: Gamer Nerds UNITE!
Randy Bailey (49)
Hometown: Eagle Rock, Missouri
Occupation: Wedding Videographer
Randy Bailey wants to be personally responsible for crushing the hopes and dreams of all other contestants with delusions of winning SURVIVOR. He considers himself a ruthless bully who enjoys picking on those that were not blessed with his strength or intellect.
Randy describes himself as angry, blunt, mean and sarcastic (yet charming), and admits he’s a train wreck.
Bailey declares he has no living relatives besides an older brother, from whom he hasn’t heard from in years. He says he has never met a person who didn’t eventually disappoint him. The only “person” he has ever loved was his recently deceased black Labrador mix, Johnson, with whom he lived for 13 years.
His biggest pet peeves are cell phones and overly religious people, and he says he doesn’t allow either in his home or car.
Bailey’s hobbies include scuba diving, marathon running and triathlons, including competing twice in the Hawaiian Ironman. Despite having competed in over 100 triathlons, he claims that he has not been off the couch in years. Instead, he now enjoys his nightly hot tub with a scotch on the rocks. He is also a private pilot, enjoys watching football and occasionally plays golf.
Bailey’s primary motivation for being on the show is to be hungry, tired, dirty and smelly. He also says he needs a long vacation where he will not be hassled with the mundane issues of his boring life. He’s a SURVIVOR purist and guarantees he will win if the game is not “poisoned” with too many twists.
Bailey is currently single and lives on a lake in rural southwest Missouri. Randy recently moved from Plano, Texas where he lived for 20 years and still claims to be a Texan at heart. He plans on returning there after he wins the million. He has an engineering degree from Vanderbilt University in Nashville, but chooses to work as a wedding videographer where he can set his own schedule.
His birth date is March 31, 1959.
Says Randy: I’ll step on toes if I have too. These people were not friends of mine last week and time will tell if they’ll be friends of mine two months from now. But a million dollars is more important then their friendship. Except maybe that blond with the bit tits. That might be worth a few hundred grand.
Says Probst: Randy is crotchety and clever. He’s the guy who will come to Tribal Council and try to challenge me, which is a huge mistake, because I’m not playing for a million dollars. But I don’t think he’s as evil as he wants you to think he is.
Says Lessa: Yeah, he’s already on my “ew” list… Would you want a guy who talks like THAT to videotape your wedding? Yeah, me either.
Charlie Herschel (29)
Hometown: New York, New York
Occupation: Lawyer
Charlie Herschel has been a fan of SURVIVOR since the first season and has been training for it ever since. A lawyer for one of the top 10 most prestigious law firms in the world, Herschel is ready to try his persuasion skills on a different type of jury.
This 29-year-old, marathon-running attorney and University of Pennsylvania graduate says he is above nothing when he gets to the island. Charlie’s strategy is to be authentic but with a twist. “With high risks, come high rewards, but the risks must be calculated.” The middle son of three boys and a native New Yorker, the Ivy Leaguer is not afraid to claw his way to the top.
In his free time, Herschel trains to race in marathons around the country. He credits this passion for helping him stay in shape. Through his training, Charlie dropped 60 pounds and continues to be at fighting weight.
Charlie is a gay, single man and currently resides in New York City. His birth date is May 12, 1979
Says Charlie: I haven’t really noticed any crazy people, which kind of makes me nervous that either I’m the crazy person, or there are no crazy people.
Says Probst: Charlie prides himself on being very bright and educated. And the question I’d say for Charlie is, ‘can he stand up for himself? does he really have a voice?’ Or is he just going to look for someone to hang on to and see how far they’ll push him along…
Says Lessa: Aw, how cute is he? I’m betting he’s the crazy one. The cute ones always are.
Danny “GC” Brown (26)
Hometown: Portland, Oregon
Occupation: Maintenance Man
Danny Brown deems himself a true SURVIVOR, having overcome a difficult childhood including homelessness, and a mother who constantly moved both him and his brother to temporary housing. However, despite his hardships, Brown was resilient and optimistic.
As a child, Brown learned to swim and fish in the Colorado River and developed a lifelong love of the outdoors. He said he would quit his job to live outside if he could. His hobbies include producing music, fishing and traveling. He enjoys playing basketball and lifting weights whenever he gets the chance. He describes himself as adventurous, outgoing and silly, and he doesn’t like dishonest people.
Brown currently works as a maintenance supervisor for the apartment complex where he lives and claims that making it through the week there is a challenge in itself. His job consists of cleaning, painting, plumbing, electrical repairs and customer service for the tenants.
He believes that his determination, hard work and social skills can get him to the end.
Brown lives in Portland, Oregon with his girlfriend, Shannan. He shares his home with his dog Chica, a cat named Scout and five snakes. His birth date is July 13, 1982.
Says GC (danny): I will win Survivor because I need this million dollars more then anyone out there.
Says Probst: GC is a fish out of water. Does he have the fortitude to really do this? Because when I talked to him before the show it seemed like a lot of nervous energy masquerading as confidence. But it was really, I felt, fear - like ‘What am i getting into?’ and that’s not a good place to be because what you’re getting into is a big ol’ headache.
Says Lessa: Aw, the mom in me kinda wants to just give him a hug. Right up until that snake line. because OMGGROSSEWGETAWAY! (…slightly (incredibly!) phobic here. Not looking forward to the 80gazillion reptile closeups we’re bound to see in HD this season…)
Matty Whitmore (29)
Hometown: Pacific Palisades, California
Occupation: Personal Trainer
Matty Whitmore knows first-hand what it’s like to have a lot and what’s it’s like to lose it all. At the age of 18, Whitmore inherited a trust fund from his grandparents, allowing him to live a comfortable life in paradise until partying it all away. Now at the age of 29, Whitmore wants the opportunity to find out what he’s capable of doing on his own and believes SURVIVOR holds the answer.
Whitmore currently works as a personal trainer on the westside of Los Angeles and enjoys teaching health and wellness. His idea of a perfect day includes a two-hour vigorous workout, training clients and a surf session, followed by an hour in the sauna and yoga. The remainder of his day is spent hanging out with his long-time girlfriend, Jamie, and his beloved dog, Dink. He claims that if health was wealth; he’d be considered a billionaire.
Not only does Matty have physical ability and strength, but he also possesses bravado and confidence. He brings knowledge of the outdoors and social skills to the game and can’t wait to gain more self-awareness through this experience. Whitmore prides himself on helping people not take themselves too seriously and hopes to use those skills to manipulate others into doing what’s best for him.
He currently lives with his girlfriend in Pacific Palisades, Calif. His birth date is December 18, 1978.
Says Matty: I’m a fierce competitor. I don’t want to lose. I was raised in the mountains and also in the city, so I got the wilderness down and I got the humanity down.
Says Probst: I think Matty will be one of the favorites this season, someone people will absolutely love. I find him to be one of the most endearing guys we’ve ever had on the show to the point where it could work against him because he can’t hide anything. If he’s confused he says “I’m confused.” if he’s happy he’s smiling, if he’s sad, he’s crying.
Says Lessa: Ok, if he’s really that sweet? I can overlook a grown man going by “Matty”…
Dan Kay (32)Hometown: Boston, MassachusettsOccupation: Lawyer
Dan Kay has come a long way from his blue-collar roots in Boston. Born and raised in Walpole, Massachusetts, he was very involved in athletics, especially football, skiing and track. While in high school, Dan played on a varsity football team, which had a long tradition of winning, a tradition that has helped shape his strong work-ethic. He graduated from The University of Massachusetts, Amherst with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science & English and later would earn his law degree from Syracuse University College of Law where he was also a member of the Moot Court Honor Society.
Charismatic, hard working and goal oriented, most of Dan’s traits were formed from the influence provided by his parents and a select few coaches and teachers. As a young boy, his father became disabled, leaving his mother to care for his family and, eventually, his ill grandmother, all while working as a full-time nurse. In addition, Dan credits his mother’s work ethic and unselfish attitude for his strong desire to overcome any obstacles in his career and personal life.
Dan has practiced law in Boston for five years, which helped him to purchase several investment properties. However, dedicating so much of his time to his practice left him depressed and feeling less than fulfilled with his life. Prior to leaving for SURVIVOR, he sold off a number of investments and spent time away from his job, in an effort to focus more on himself and his friends and family. He believes this recent awareness, along with having an increased appreciation for the people in his life rather than material possessions, will help him succeed not only in his personal life, but on SURVIVOR.
Attractive, athletic, single and a lawyer, Dan is set to make a big impression on his competitors. Dan’s hobbies include skiing, running, biking, weight training and cooking. Currently, he is training to compete in his first triathlon.
He is single and lives in Boston. His birthdate is June 30, 1976.
Says Dan: My achiles’ heel is in this game will most likely be trust. You have to trust to win this game but you have to know who is untrustworthy, and that’s probably the most difficult task.
Says Probst: He’s earnest, but he is his own worst enemy, He means well and does not know when to shut up. He’s like a cocker spaniel, charming and annoying at the same time.
Says me: Charming and annoying at the same time? Means I’ll want to pat him on the head while kicking his ass. Nice.
Marcus Lehman (28)
Hometown: Atlanta, Georgia
Occupation: Doctor
Marcus Lehman, a young doctor from Jacksonville, Fla. considers himself mentally and physically prepared to compete for his chance to be the sole SURVIVOR.
Recognized as the state of Georgia’s hottest bachelor by Cosmopolitan Magazine in 2006, Lehman strives to achieve the highest levels in all areas of life.
A rower and graduate of Harvard University, Marcus went on to finish medical school at Emory University while developing his interest in triathlons. The single resident physician of Cuban-American descent will eventually work as an anesthesiologist after he completes specialty training, but also continues to develop his interest in medical reporting and acts as a spokesman for preventative medicine.
Marcus describes himself as a romantic who enjoys exercising, playing music, cooking and fine wine, not to mention doing some flirting on his way to finding the perfect girl. Marcus hopes he will be able to use his charm and physical prowess to make it far in the game.
Lehman’s birthday is October 3, 1979.
Says Marcus: In addition to trying to be charismatic and active in the challenges, I have a little additional problem, which is that from society’s viewpoint I have been very successful already.
Says Probst: Marcus is a physician, as he likes to remind people. And he’s a true leader, an extremely bright guy. He’s a hero. He is a huge threat to win the game for sure. He has the looks, he’s got smarts, he’s probably the fittest guy out there, so he’s got a lot of things going for him.
Says Lessa: Two things make me feel he’s an early boot - he was on the promo before we saw the entire cast, and Jeff speaks glowingly of him and his chances. There’s no way this guy wins. Nope. None. Nada. But until he does get the boot, we get to look at him. Rawr.
Robert “Bob” Crowley (58)
Hometown: Portland, Maine
Occupation: Physics Teacher
Robert Crowley considers himself a hybrid of Indiana Jones and Robinson Crusoe. He loves the outdoors and is always ready for his next adventure.
Robert is a high school physics teacher in Gorham, Maine and holds both Associate and Bachelor degrees in forestry from the University of Maine - Orono and a Masters of Education degree from the University of Southern Maine. However, after the school bell rings, Robert becomes an entrepreneur. His wide range of jobs span from being a first mate on a research boat for the Smithsonian Institution in Canada to an entomologist for the USDA, to a skunk relocater, as well as President, Vice President and Chief Negotiator for his local Teacher’s Union.When not on an adventure, Robert interests include journal writing, story telling, photography, bone collecting, archeology and camping.
This tree climbing scientist, who describes himself as honest, adventurous, resourceful and witty, built his truly “green” summer cabin back when green was only referred to as the color. His “green” cabin was completely built with recycled material and requires a fraction of the energy of the average U.S. home. He’s built numerous structures from recycled material including wharfs, saunas, a chicken house and a hunting cabin.
Robert strategy is to be a provider and to fly under the radar on SURVIVOR. He’s out to prove that nice guys can make it to the end of the game.Robert and his wife Peggy reside in Portland, Maine. They have two sons, David and John, one daughter, Page, and a high maintenance cat named William. Robert’s birth date is February 25, 1951.
Says Bob: I’m a high school teacher. I enjoy younger people. I’m not part of their group, age wise, but emotionally I’m about 12.
Says Probst: He’s the oldest guy out there, and unfortunately that works against people all the time, even though there’s probably nobody better equipped for this game. He’s probably the guy who will be the biggest asset, if they don’t get foolish and vote him out.
Says Lessa: SKUNK RELOCATOR? Really? That’s a job? I’m… well. Not as shocked as I should be, as TBF worked in a zoo, but still… So - is this the next Yau Man? Time will tell!
And there’s our Survivor: Gabon Men - coming up next, the Women of season 17!
April 15th, 2010 at 1:50 pm
Bless you very much for your advice!