Its too soon. What Santos had to say next made it clear that he was extremely happy to be involved with Smith. Here's what happened and it was ugly it was so unfortunate." When Probst snuffs that flame, your life is over. Zeke has not always gone after his dreams. I honestly probably wouldnt have survived these past few weeks without him, said Santos, who lost his stepfather to COVID in early 2020. The failure I experienced made me doubt everything I once believed to be true about myself. Something primal deep inside me screamed: run. My Problem With Zeke : r/survivor. I applied. If anything needs cleaning, it gets cleaned with sand and saltwater. Why did you choose to out Zeke at tribal council? In Survivor, much is permissible which is typically objectionable, but there are limits, as there should be on a family-friendly reality show on network television. Zeke shares a moving example of that impact in action. This is how 'Survivor' star Zeke Smith met 'Superstore's' Nico Santos and where their relationship stands in 2022. I looked to Varner, now the one hunched and quivering, and contemplated the backlash he would face. If the first chapter of the Zeke book of my life is about rebuilding from failure, I was well rebuilt. Zeke Varner talks to Zeke, Survivors Jeff Probst Reveals How He Spent Quarantine. For example, some former Survivor players are wealthy and some are poor. Tai, the Chicken Whisperer, and I killed three chickens together. zeke smith and hannah shapiro married. [Sobbing] My God, I'm crying. "One of my favorite stories is of a trans guy in the Air Force," explains Zeke. Prior to that, the openly gay North Carolina native had worked as news anchor for CBS and Fox affiliates. The results of the test wouldnt be discreetly mailed back to me; theyd be broadcast to the entire world. Asset manager from New York who became a national name as a reality television contestant on the long-running seriesSurvivorin 2017. Deep into the 39-day adventure, players reach a crossroads where they must decide between starving or eating a handful of coconut and enduring severe gastrointestinal distress. Published on April 13, 2017 04:15 PM Survivor fans were shocked and appalled after contestant Jeff Varner outed his tribemate, Zeke Smith, as transgender in an attempt to paint him as. Thankfully, my tribemates rebuffed his hateful tactics. Even Probst, the most neutral of arbiters, had my back. He began a relationship with fellow Survivor personality Hannah Shapiro. I hurt Zeke, he said. But thats not what happened. The reality of playing Survivor terrified me, but I resolved that nothing would stand between me and the island. Each word came slowly. My left leg settled and with it the group. ET) on CBS. As much as I felt for the man, I wasnt giving up my dream for his. After Nico Santos and Zeke Smith confirmed their relationship, there was a Superstore Academy For Your Consideration Event that was held in March of 2019. Heres what he had to say. 'Survivor': Zeke Smith Outed as Transgender | Guest Column - The Zeke Smith Birth Name: Roger Duane Smith Occupation: Reality Star Place Of Birth: Brooklyn Date Of Birth: January 25, 1988 Date Of Death: July 22, 2016 Cause Of Death: N/A Ethnicity: White Nationality: American Zeke Smith was born on the 25th of January, 1988. Id been charmed by my castmates quirks and touched by their stories. Along with Michaela Bradshaw, he has also appeared in the series Survivor: Game Changers. He continually forgives me. Tears dried, voices lowered and the attention turned to me to make sense of what happened. Theres no bathroom. The thrill of adventure comes from accepting this risk, and the reward from confronting whatever might be thrown at you. I needed an adventure, a jolt to my system I needed to change my life and oh boy, did I! said Smith, adding, My outing and the attention it received, and the platform I gained radically changed my lifes trajectory. I needed to calm everyone down. I couldve made a clean break for it, but I knew there was no running from what had happened. His terrible utteranceswere not an effect of my actions, but a reflection of his own personal maladies. The reality star just revealed that while in college, he transitioned. A persons gender history is private information and it is up to them, and only them, when, how and to whom they choose to disclose that information. And now if you Google trans outings, you dont get all the stories of suicides, you get my story. I am NOT, I repeat, NOT25! Later it would become known that Santos and Smith met when they both were at an after-party for the GLAAD Media Awards and from there they were inseparable. We have to acknowledge that humanity and their dignity and lift up their voices and never reduce them to the disgusting things all these bigots do and all these people who just don't know and are acting out of fear. Yes, castaways still sleep in the dirt and eat only what can be scrounged around the island, primarily coconut. I just wanted to go out on an adventure and play a great game. None of which were ventures Id have chosen earlier in my life. ', 'Harry Potter' Actress Evanna Lynch Weighs in on J.K. Rowling Backlash: 'Give Her More Grace', 'Harry Potter' Franchise Seemingly Introduces Its First Trans Character in New 'Diverse' Video Game, Who Is Sean McVay's Wife? Just as I dont believe conservative politicians who attack trans people actually care where we use the bathroom. I leapt fearlessly, until I crashed. Hes definitely an old soul. It's just so important that that's where we head. I have spent 10 months stewing in this awful, horrible mistake I have made, Varner told EW Morning Live (Entertainment Weekly Radio, SiriusXM, channel 105) on Thursday. Varner, who. Survivor airs Wednesdays (at 8 p.m. Related: Survivor: 10 Winners That Have 'Made It' The Biggest Since Their Season. Though Im not particularly religious, I feel passionately that people of faith should not be denied religious ritual or spiritual community because of their sexual orientation or gender identity, and shared what Id learned with Varner over long conversations on the beach. Birth name: Rubin Zarchy: Born June 12, 1915 New York City, New York: Died: April 11, 2009 (aged 93) Irvine, California: Genres: Big band; Swing; Jazz; Occupation(s) Musician: Instrument(s) Trumpet: Rubin "Zeke" Zarchy (June 12, 1915 - April 11, 2009) was an American lead trumpet player of the big band and swing eras. It was from my heart and as genuine as it could possibly be. ET) on CBS. The moment I put that buff, the official Survivor player uniform, on my head, my confidence became real. Here's everything else you need to know about him. I could let this be one of the worst moments of my life or one of the greatest. He thinks he 100 percent has what it takes to win. It wasn't something I went to tribal intending to use. I dont believe Varner hates trans people, just as I dont believe conservative politicians who attack trans people actually care where we use the bathroom. However, it is important to note that a couple no longer posting photos of themselves together on social media doesnt necessarily mean anything. Zeke always dreamed of playingSurvivor. I give him every inch of every room to feel and experience what hes feeling. Now I could just play. 71% Rating. Varner's not telling the truth. When we were in pain and we are in fair, we are dangerous people. Did people know about Zeke before the tribal outing? : r/survivor - Reddit Were I in the hands of a lesser leader, Im sure questions wouldve been peppered my way before I was ready to receive them. To his credit, Varner received some bad breaks during his first two seasons, and in Game Changers, bad luck befell him once again. Beyond his charm and charisma, I thought I recognized a deep-seated insecurity and self-loathing, a glimpse at who I could become were I not careful. Deadline Media, Get our free, urgent prediction updates and news, Emmy Noms Predictions Odds: All Star Users, Leaderboards: See All Past Prediction Accuracy Scores, Leaderboards: Best Prediction Accuracy Scores for Film, TV and Music Awards, Leaderboards: Best TV Show Predictions by Gold Derby Users, Find a User or Expert / Download Gold Derbys Free, New App, Watch our video interviews with top awards contenders: directors, producers, below-the-line artisans and , Watch our lively predictions slugfests with Experts and Editors, Sign up to get Gold Derbys free newsletter. I have been through, I dont know how much therapy. Zeke Smith, who appeared on back-to-back seasons of the reality series, was revealed to be a transgender man by fellow contestant Jeff Varner in an episode that aired Wednesday night. First-and-foremost, Zeke is a comedy writer. Transgender 'Survivor' Contestant Zeke Smith Outed on National Television The power was in my hands. He reveals, Ididnt discuss my trans status in my initial video because I wanted the show to desire me as a game player and an eccentric storyteller, not as The First Trans Survivor Player. They did. I think he hoped others would believe that trans people are dangerous and fraudulent, he said. But there was this pesky little voice in the back of my mind persistently whispering, Survivor,so I created these challenges quizzes, I suppose, to acquire the fortitude necessary to play the game. It's awful. Next: 'Survivor' Zeke Smith Speaks About His Public Outing And How The Show Dealt With It. Oh, haaayyy @nicosantos. In response to Zeke Smiths tweet, Nico Santos published a tweet of his own that played into the joke that they were one of those celebrity couples with a big age gap. He played college football at Auburn University where he was awarded the Outland Trophy in 1958. Zeke Smith outed as transgender on 'Survivor' - CNN All About Veronika Khomyn, Christina Hall's Husband Josh Reveals He Was a Police Officer for 16 Years Before Being Injured in Line of Duty, 'We're Here' Drag Star Eureka O'Hara Comes Out as Trans: 'I Know Who I Am Without Question', Ricky Gervais Slammed for 'Bigot Comedy' About Trans People in New Netflix Special, unanimously voted out of the game by his tribemates. Zeke is in my bottom 10 contestants to ever play. It was not my intention. Zeke Smith surprised boyfriend Nico Santos at the GLAAD Media Awards where they first met four years earlier with a romantic proposal. Id chosen to test myself in a tremendously public way. I knew it was the right thing to say and the right thing to do. Honestly, I held the world at arms length. Matthew Thomas is a freelance writer who has written hundreds of articles over the last several years. A week? "I'm not wild about you knowing that I'm trans," two-time show player Zeke Smith writes for THR about this week's episode. I lost many from my life when I transitioned. I thought of his family and his friends watching that moment I'm sad. Subscribe for full access to The Hollywood Reporter. I very easily couldve been voted out third, but I managed to form strong relationships, maneuver other players to my will and climb my way to the top of the pack. Indeed. Hollywood Life, Latest Hollywood Celebrity & Entertainment News. Zeke Smith reflects on being outed as trans on 'Survivor' Debbie, the Woman with an Infinite Number of Jobs, told me about all of her jobs. I didn't have any expectations of how people would react. Hes BFFs with Hannah from season 33. The answer appeared instantly, for it had been the constant in this chapter: Survivor. He was outed as a transgender individual by fellow Survivor contestant Jeff Varner during the competition. Survivor: 10 Winners That Have 'Made It' The Biggest Since Their Season, Santos and Smith took to Twitter to confirm their relationship, 10 Real Life Partners Of The Cast Of NBC's 'Superstore', Santos and Smith met when they both were at an after-party for the GLAAD Media Awards, Santos' relationship with Smith had already hit a major milestone, These Hollywood Couples Got Engaged, But Never Got Married, 'Survivor' Zeke Smith Speaks About His Public Outing And How The Show Dealt With It. I like to shine all the time, and winners need to be able to control their shimmer., Interestingly, Probst said something very similar about Smith in a separate interview with Entertainment Weekly conducted four years ago during Game Changers., I met Zeke in casting and loved him. Youll compete to win bragging rights and a place of honor on our leaderboard. So when I go back to camp and am talking to everyone about deception, I wasn't thinking at all about trans. Im not wild about you knowing that Im trans. They defended me passionately. Gold Derby readers just like YOU often turn out to be our smartest prognosticators, so its important that you give us your predictions. I just wanted to go outon an adventure and play a great game.. "Trans people are a highly vulnerable population. But you cannot control the hazards you face, be they repeated misfortune or the harmful actions of others. I can only profusely apologize. I've got some wonderful people in my life that have helped me through this moment. ), 'We're Here' Drag Star Eureka O'Hara Comes Out as Trans: 'I Know Who I Am Without Question', Vicky Krieps on Embracing Her Inner Rebel for 'Corsage' : 'I Always Had Trouble Fitting In', Kim Petras on Finding Success After Being Told She'd 'Never Make It': 'Look at Me Now, Bitches! He was eliminated on Day 33, but definitely made a huge impact on the game. Zeke has secluded the identity of his family members. Growing up in London, Ontario, Canada, Matthew developed a love for storytelling that he loves to share with others through his writing. And mine is a very positive one because subsequent to my outing, my life has only gotten better.. Powered by, One 'Survivor' castaway reveals his biggest regret from the game, which is that Jeff Probst was so fond of him. The rest of the tribe exits to the right, back to camp with a renewed lease on life. Since his appearance on Survivor: Game Changers in 2017, Smith has taken his outing and used it as a platform. I was not throwing away my shot. Survivor: Jeff Varner Fired From Job After Outing Zeke Smith - People One of the things that breaks my heart the most is that that's one of the stigmas that trans people fight the most. Wednesday's (April 12) episode of Survivor was dramatic and surprising for both . I didnt discuss my trans status in my initial video because I wanted the show to desire me as a game player and an eccentric storyteller, not as The First Trans Survivor Player. They did. When it comes to Survivor, Zeke Smith is the resident mystery man . When I came home, I immediately went to my trans friends and I sat them down and I said, "Here's what I did. Get a closer look at the Season 34 contestants by clicking through our cast photo gallery. What a summer! What was appropriate? Fire, the flame of your torch, represents your life. Cameras would follow me, if not that night, then eventually. I solved puzzles and tied and untied knots. I took solace in my tribemates. You exit to the left, into the darkness, what I called The Abyss. Dave Quinn is an Editor for PEOPLE, working across a number of verticals including the Entertainment, Lifestyle and News teams. Keeping your gender history private is not the same as a gay person being in the closet. The only people who need to know are medical professionals and naked fun time friends. I feared if I let anyone too close, theyd smell my stench and not want to be my friend anymore. While working for all of those websites, Matthew has been able to cover a variety of subjects he is very passionate about including movies, TV shows, comics, and wrestling. Zeke. My heart is open to him today and if he is reacting in any negative way I give him the space to do that I deserve that.. He recently reflected on that experience. Who Is Zeke Smith? 5 Things About 'Survivor' Star Who Came Out As Is Zeke From 'Survivor' Still With Nico Santos? - TheThings Thankfully, my tribemates rebuffed his hateful tactics. Suddenly, I found myself drawn to engage in challenging social situations, run obstacle races and backpack the Grand Canyon. Twenty minutes later, before I could scarf a cheeseburger or peel off my rotting boxers, Probst asked if I was up for doing it all over again in two weeks alongside some of the games best players. Getty Zeke Smith attends Rising Stars at the GLAAD Media Awards on May 4, 2018 at the New York Hilton. Zeke Smith was born on 25 January 1988 in Brooklyn, New York, the USA. I think they did a good job with what they had to work with, but it's just very difficult. All my preparation paid off: I made fire with bamboo I made a fire by rubbing two damn sticks together. , Varner said he will never get over what he did. So, it wasnt much of a surprise when he returned for season 34,GameChangers. Varner took to Twitter on Wednesday evening to issue a lengthy apology. What was Zeke Smith's birth name? - The Famous Celebrity The world possesses no greater test of wit and grit than Survivor at least thats what I believe, but Im a pretty ridiculous individual, which is why, when seeking to radically change my life and test the depths of my manhood, I picked a reality show instead of something actually noble, like joining the Peace Corps. News,' 'CNN,' and 'Nightline,' and can be seen frequently on 'Good Morning America.' And I just hope that those kinds of conversations are happening all over the country. April 12, 2017 9:00pm. I've been crying all day and that's not something I want to do. We're attacked a lot and I expected a lot more from Varner," Smith, 29, has told PEOPLE exclusively. What has the reaction been from other Survivor contestants? Our tribe proved unable to unscramble a word, metamorphosis, losing the Immunity Challenge and sending us to Tribal Council. We make easy targets. With over two decades worth of episodes, Survivor has evolved in countless ways. Zeke, now 29, revealed in a new interview that during the April 12 episode taping, a contestant (we found out on the episode that it was Jeff Varner)on the show outed him. I love him. Clearly, the stakes are not actually life and death. But my heart overrode my head when I sat down with him that afternoon. In one of the most emotional moments in "Survivor" history, Zeke Smith was outed as transgender in last night's episode by Jeff Varner, who felt that Zeke was using the secret to deceive his. I listened to Hamilton. This was Varners third shot and likely his last. Happy Valentines Day, fianc, he wrote adding #Heke.. [Survivor: Brooklyn] is where I met Andrea, about three years before we . So significant was the experience that I remember where I watched episode one of Survivor: Cook Islands; I remember the date, May 2, 2010; I remember distinctly Jeff Probsts opening line, You are watching 20 Americans begin an adventure that will forever change their lives. I was hooked. Time Magazine said, "Zeke Smith made a huge impact," and, "educated many viewers that traditional activists cannot reach.". I just choose to hope from afar, thank you very much. I worked with them to make sure that I am learning and growing and helping other people learn and grow because that's so important. I am and always have been the guy who tries to be teachers pet or in Survivors case, Probsts Pet, said Smith. 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I just remember I felt two feet tall and everyone was screaming at me and shaming it. They are humans. Zarchy was . The Hollywood Reporter is a part of Penske Media Corporation. For both, trans people make easy targets for those looking to invoke prejudice in order to win votes. Typically, my brain races far ahead of my ability to form words, but then it trudged, carefully selecting its path. Thats the risk you take when you dance in the ethical borderlands, where youll betray a friend, swear on your mother and lie to a priest, all before you eat whatever meager crumbs count as breakfast. But instead of flying dragons with Daenerys Targaryen, Mother of Dragons, I trailed Ozzy, Master of Spear Fishing, out to the reef, dove down and watched him catch fish. Sign up for THR news straight to your inbox every day, Inside the business of TV with breaking news, expert analysis and showrunner interviews. During the Survivor's show, he got distracted after seeing his father. I remember walking into Tribal Council that night. I spoke as calmly as I possibly could. 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At 28, Zeke joinedSurvivor: Millennials Vs. Gen X.