For the past five years, Survivor has left a lasting mark on television culture, kicking off a whole new genre of shows (which we call Reality TV) that Americans have warmly embraced and welcomed into their homes. Survivor has had its ups and downs, with some seasons more outstanding than others, and its heaping of clashing (and binding) personalities every round. And although there is always those one or two people who stand out, we also recognize the winners, the people who actually came out with the million dollars. You've probably heard about or seen a few winners since they've won, but even for those who are less memorable, here's a look at what they've been doing since they won their season, because you have to wonder: where are they now?

By The Enthusiast
Reality Reel Media
12.12.05

The perhaps most recognized winner of any of the Survivor seasons, Richard Hatch is the original Sole Survivor. Although he's been in the news fairly often lately, it's not for good reasons. All the news being spread since January have been about Hatch's recent charges and indictments placed against him. After first allegedly failing to report his $1,010,000 earnings from the show and another $321,000 (from doing radio appearances) on his tax returns, Hatch was accused of tax evasion and if convicted, was to be fined $250,000 plus a sentence of five years in prison. However, in September of this year, Hatch faced another legal obstacle, a 10-count indictment. The indictment included two counts of tax evasion, one of false tax return, four of mail fraud, two of wire fraud, and one of bank fraud. Talk about trying to decieve the IRS! Hatch not only avoided reporting his money earned from the show and his Pontiac Aztec he won, but he also allegedly used $36,500 donated to a charity for his own personal expenses. And let's not forget Hatch was also arrested right after winning the show in 2000 - for child abuse (the charges were dropped).

But other than getting in trouble with the law, since Survivor: Pulau Tiga, Hatch has written his own book, titled 101 Survival Secrets: How to Make $1,000,000, Lose 100 Pounds, and Live Just Plain Happily, and has married partner Emiliano Cabral. He has also made his rounds on TV since winning, reappearing as one of the four previous winners on Survivor: All-Stars, and competing on Battle of the Network Reality Stars.

The first woman to win Survivor (thanks to Colby), Tina Wesson of Survivor: The Australian Outback, has been living a calm life since winning her million dollars. Wesson lives with her husband, Dale, and two teenage children, Katie and Taylor, and has since bought a ranch in the mountains. She continues to actively participate as a spokesperson for the National Arthritis Foundation, as well as compete in several golf and racquetball tournaments. She also had her house remodeled on HGTV's Designer's Challenge. Wesson returned to Survivor: All-Stars, but was voted out at the first Tribal Council.

Ethan Zohn, winner of Survivor: Africa, definitely has not been living as quiet a life as some others. Since winning, Zohn has founded Grassroots Soccer with his prize money, an organization that helps soccer players in Africa spread awareness of AIDS. He also has contributed to other charity organizations such as Kick AIDS, the Elizabeth Glazer Pediatric Aids organization, YouthAids, the Colon Cancer Alliance, and is even a national spokesman for American Scores. Zohn has also won numerous awards for his charity work. Also spreading around TV, he has been a participant on Reality TV Star Fear Factor, starred in an HP commercial, competed in Eco-Challenge, and hosted MTV specials and an MLS (Major League Soccer) report show. The pro soccer player was one of the four winners to play in Survivor: All-Stars.