Survivorhas seen its fair share of betrayals, mind games, and villains over the years, but nothing will ever come close toJonny Fairplayfaking his own grandmother’s deathon live television to earn a reward. DuringSeason 7, Fairplay had the opportunity to be part of the Loved Ones Visit, where the remaining contestants could earn an overnight stay at theBalboa campwith their significant other, family member, or friend if they managed to win the reward. However, Fairplay was practically gifted the opportunity to hang out with his best friend after pulling off a master scheme that made himone of themost hated castawaysinSurvivorhistory.
Jonny Fairplay Manipulated the ‘Survivor’ Cast to Earn This Reward
As the Loved Ones Visit began duringSurvivor: Pearl Islands,Jeff Probstintroduced Fairplay’s friend,Dan Fields,who arrived in a joyful mood but quickly changed his demeanor to deliver the news. After Fairplay embraced Fields, he asked, “How’s Grandma?” in front of his fellow castmates, as each contestant began to look concerned about the conversation between the friends. Fields then informed Fairplay that his grandma had passed away, leading theSurvivorlegendto begin grieving the fake loss and crying on his friend’s shoulders before the challenge started. Fairplay told his remaining tribemates that his grandma would’ve appeared during the Loved Ones Visit if she had been alive and was determined to win the challenge to learn more information about her death. This ledevery castaway to help Fairplay win the reward challenge,except forSandra Diaz-Twine,who was the only player who didn’t fall for the emotional bait. That said, after wiping tears from his face and earning a private camp for himself with Fields, Fairplay would reveal the truth to the audience at home.
As the two friends arrived on their private beach, Fairplay credited Fields for his “brilliant performance,” and they laughed about having just manipulated the entire cast. During his first confessional after winning the reward, Fairplay famously said,“My grandmother’s sitting home watching Jerry Springer right now,“and claimed that anyone who isn’t willing to take advantage of every opportunity available for a game worth one million dollars is foolish. Fields admitted to having a phone call with Fairplay before he left for Panama, explaining that he directly told him to say that his grandmother had passed away. Later in the game, Fairplay would take things a step further whenhe swore on his grandma’s graveto convince his fellow castaways to vote outTijuana Bradley. He also made the cast feel guilty by sharing that his grandmother’s last dying wish was for him to winSurvivor.Ultimately, Fairplay lasted until the final three, but during the reunion show for Season 7, Probst revealed thatSurvivorwas so concerned about his grandmother thatthey called home to offer their support, and she picked up the phone.
‘Survivor’s’ Iconic Themes Need To Return After Season 50
‘Survivor’ needs more variety following their landmark 50th season.
Former ‘Survivor’ Castaways React to Fairplay’s Iconic Lie
Despite the entirety of thePearl Islandscast learning about Fairplay’s lie while Season 7 aired in 2003, many former contestants have continued to be questioned about the legendary moment for years. In 2021, BradleytoldEntertainment Weeklythat she would’ve helped Fairplay claim the title of sole survivor if she had lasted longer in the game. “I genuinely felt bad for him,” she said, “and would have given up my opportunity on the show if it meant him having solace and peace of mind with losing his grandmother.” One of Fairplay’s close allies,Burton Roberts,also revealed that he learned about the lie shortly after theSurvivorstar was voted out of the game, explaining to theWindy City Timesthat he was the only cast member to know about the deceptive play. “I think I was the only player who knew before [that episode] aired. I thought it was a pretty brilliant move from the standpoint of making decisions before the game even started.” Today, Fairplay claims that the lie about his grandmother is still consideredone of the greatest moves in bothSurvivorand reality TV history.
Earlier this year, Fairplay’s memorable play from Season 7 resurfaced whenhis grandmother actually died this past February.At the age of 90,Ellen Jean Hauserpassed away in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, after suffering from kidney failure. After Fairplay’s lie took the reality TV world by storm, Hauser embraced the fame she had received from the show, having attended thePearl Islandsreunion and using a license plate that read “DEAD GMA” for years.
Survivoris available to stream on Paramount+ in the U.S.
