Watch: “Survivor” Stars Sierra & Joe Reflect on Unlikely Love Story
It’s a Survivor first that will have fans reaching for the Kleenex.
Longtime host Jeff Probst broke down in tears amid an extremely emotional moment during the reality competition series’ March 26 episode, during which contestant Eva Erickson shared her autism diagnosis after overcoming difficulties in completing the Immunity Challenge.
“I’m ready to tell my story to everybody,” began Eva, who had only divulged her diagnosis to fellow player Joe Hunter at that point. “I have autism. I was diagnosed when I was very, very young. Doctors told my parents I would never live independently, that I would never hold a job, that at most I could marry someone else with autism.”
Noting how her parents “did not give up,” Eva explained, “They put me through so many different treatments to help me get all the support that I need, and I was able to then enter school and be mainstream. So, I’ve never viewed my autism as a roadblock to success.”
Eva went on to share that she was experiencing overstimulation during the challenge, but was “able to still finish” it and clinch the last Immunity Idol for her tribe. She also thanked Joe—who Jeff, in an unprecedented move, allowed to cross tribal lines to hug Eva after the challenge—for comforting her.
“Please, let’s take a step and understand that this is something I deal with,” Eva added, “and everyone who has autism should not be ashamed to ask for help and ashamed to receive it.”
For his part, Joe explained he saw Eva “in need,” so he came to her aid despite being on the opposing tribe. As he put it, “I would want someone to treat my daughter that way.”
Visibly moved by the contestants’ “powerful” friendship, Jeff praised Eva for playing Survivor “knowing something like this might happen, and then be brave enough to share your story” to other viewers with autism.
“I’m a parent,” he began, choking back tears, “and I do see it.”
Jeff—who coparents wife Lisa Ann Russell‘s kids Michael, 21, and Ava, 18, with her ex Mark-Paul Gosselaar and his wife Catriona McGinn—continued as he acknowledged his crying, “Wow, this has never happened.”
“I see it,” he told Eva, “and that’s why I love Survivor.”
Survivor airs Wednesdays at 8 p.m. on CBS. And keep reading to meet the entire season 48 cast.
Age: 38
Hometown: New York City, N.Y.
Current Residence: Brooklyn, N.Y.
Occupation: Tech product lead
Age: 28
Hometown: Monrovia, Liberia
Current Residence: Augusta, Ga.
Occupation: Sales expert
Age: 46
Hometown: Colombia, S.C.
Current Residence: Greenville, S.C.
Occupation: Surgeon
Age: 55
Hometown: Chicago
Current Residence: Chicago
Occupation: Fire lieutenant
Age: 34
Hometown: Fremont, Calif.
Current Residence: Livermore, Calif.
Occupation: Finance manager
Age: 31
Hometown: Montgomery Village, Md.
Current Residence: Philadelphia
Occupation: Substance abuse counselor
Age: 33
Hometown: West Orange, N.J.
Current Residence: Arlington, Va.
Occupation: PR consultant
Age: 31
Hometown: Roanoke, Va.
Current Residence: Brooklyn, N.Y.
Occupation: Attorney
Age: 34
Hometown: The Woodlands, Texas
Current Residence: Los Angeles
Occupation: Music executive
Age: 30
Hometown: Philadelphia
Current Residence: Simi Valley, Calif.
Occupation: Marketing professional
Age: 38
Hometown: East Bay, Calif.
Current Residence: Costa Mesa, Calif.
Occupation: Debate professor
Age: 45
Hometown: Vacaville, Calif.
Current Residence: West Sacramento, Calif.
Occupation: Fire captain
Age: 39
Hometown: Long Beach, Calif.
Current Residence: Buena Park, Calif.
Occupation: Stunt performer
Age: 24
Hometown: Eagan, Minn.
Current Residence: Providence, R.I.
Occupation: PhD candidate
Age: 29
Hometown: Winthrop, Mass.
Current Residence: Winthrop, Mass.
Occupation: Pizzeria manager
Age: 34
Hometown: Monroe, Mich.
Current Residence: St. Petersburg, Fla.
Occupation: Flight attendant
Age: 31
Hometown: Toronto, Canada
Current Residence: Foster City, Calif.
Occupation: Software engineer
Age: 34
Hometown: Waco, Texas
Current Residence: Waco, Texas
Occupation: P.E. coach
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