Each weekday, EW will post the answers from a different player.
I have heard a lot of stories over my 21 years of covering CBS’Survivor.
So, yeah, I have heard a lot of incredible tales over the past two decades.
David Wright on ‘Survivor: Edge of Extinction’.Timothy Kuratek/CBS
But I have never heard a story quite like David Wright’s.
In fact, it’s the most epic and amazing pre-game preparation I have ever come across.
That’s nothing compared to the next doozy.
David Wright on ‘Survivor: Edge of Extinction’.Robert Voets/CBS
You actually don’t have to imagine it at all, because that’sexactlywhat David Wright did.
DAVID WRIGHT:It’s been one hell of a flippin' year, hasn’t it?
Many have described the pandemic as like living through some kind ofGroundhog Daytime loop.
David Wright and the Manu tribe on ‘Survivor: Edge of Extinction’.Robert Voets/CBS
The sameness of everything.
As Jeff Probst takes the stage, the camera pivots to reveal the live audience.
Seated in the front row, dressed in red, is my mother.
And wejust lost Sunday.
She also had a great sense of humor.
At Ponderosa, she told me she wasn’t a pastor, but a professional poker player.
In Vegas, she tricked me onto a roller coaster that went upside down.
I miss her dearly.
What is your proudest moment ever from playingSurvivor?
And what a difference it made!
Okay, no, that was an epic waste of time.
My actual proudest moment is fromMillennials vs. Gen X.
Shortly before leaving for Fiji, I was asked in a pre-game interview what I planned to do.
I said I wanted to make a fake immunity idol to hide for someone else to find.
Flash forward to the morning of Day 36.
Arms full of coconuts, I’m following Jay back to camp.
A convincing idol would need a convincing centerpiece (*this isn’t actually true anymore).
I found one in a decorative shell resting on a table at the spa reward.
Construction of the idol took place over two sleepless nights.
I’m no Bob Ross, so painting a complicated graphic on the coconut wasn’t a possibility.
I assembled the fake idol, wrapped the idol rules around it, and stuffed it inside the coconut.
I tiptoed back into camp and went to sleep.
As the sun came up, I awoke to discover my hands were covered in pink paint!
After a frantic dash to the well, I was able to wash off all evidence of the crime.
Best of all, Jay had a great sense of humor about it, and still does today.
What is your biggest regret from yourSurvivorexperiences?
The final immunity challenge ofMillennials vs. Gen X.
Initially, I was somewhat relieved to be voted out on day 38.
I worried what effect being handed that much money all at once would have.
Tiny bowls, Dalton.
Tiny frickin' bowls!!
Okay, futureSurvivorplayers, listen up!
Nobody knows what I’m about to tell you.
He dropped us off and left us there alone for a couple of hours.
We had the entire island all to ourselves.
I assumed I would be asked back at some point.
And this was the first time in the history of the show where something like this was possible.
And of course, I eventuallywasasked back forEdge of Extinction.
As luck would have it, the Manu tribe’s home was Monuriki.
And there it will remain forever.
Wanna know its exact location?
Of course you do!
We’ll start the bidding at $20.
How do you feel about the edit you got on the show?
The truth is, I’m very happy and even grateful for my edit in both seasons.
It freed me to stop lying to myself and others about all my insecurities and fears.
It was tremendously liberating.
What was it like coming back to regular society after being out there?
Was there culture shock or an adjustment coming back?
Readjusting to regular life was difficult when I returned home fromMillennials vs. Gen X.
It was a betrayal and a line I naively thought no one would ever cross.
“Nobody’s gonna save you for ginger,” I replied.
I’m still really sorry about that, Burke!
Returning home afterEdge of Extinctionwas a far smoother transition.
BeforeSurvivor, I had completely retreated from the world.
Perhaps my only real regret is a confessional where I spoke ill of Paul.
I looked up to see Paul in the middle of the pool, grinning at me.
I instantly projected onto him some kind of Russell Hantz 4.0.
But Paul is, in fact, a wonderful guy.
I think about that moment often.
Sorry if I never told you that, Paul.
Whom do you still talk, text, or email with the most from your seasons?
Twenty contestants shared the very special experience that wasSurvivor: Millennials vs. Gen X.
But now only 19 are able to talk about it.
It’s difficult to put into words how much Sunday’s passing hurts.
When we got the news, the entire cast was part of a group text chain.
I felt a strong urge to reconnect with many of them on an individual level.
I spoke with Chris over the phone the day she died.
Jay and I grabbed sushi at a great spot he introduced me to.
I admire his ability to hustle, and just take life as it comes.
Figgy and I reconnected over a very tearful Facetime.
It was like no time had passed.
I’ve had several recent phone conversations with Bret, because I really needed to laugh.
Looking forward to the next time we can have face-to-face beers.
Hannah and I got drinks and I met her new, giant beast of a dog.
And Adam hosted me in his home for a few days.
Fully vaxxed, we were able to engage in pre-pandemic social activities.
It was just the feeling of normal I needed.
I’ll never be able to thank you enough for that, Adam.
From theEdge of Extinction, I text with Eric, Julie, and Rick only occasionally.
Julie, I hope to see you at Syracuse University’s homecoming this year.
And Rick, it’s time for another visit to The Blue Dog!
Also, Reem and I play chess over text.
It’sSurvivormeetsThe Queen’s Gambit.
She’s the Anya Taylor-Joy to my Bill Camp.
Reem, Knight to Queen’s Rook 8.
Absolutely I still watchSurvivorand am excited for its return!
My favorite newbie season isSurvivor: Cagayan.
Is there a better, more entertainingSurvivorplayer than Tony Vlachos?!
My favorite returnee season isSurvivor: Cambodia.
A rootable cast who all spoke to a relatable, underdog theme.
Keith “stick to the plan” Nale?!
A Tribal Council where no votes counted?!
My future tribemate and fellow day 38 club member Kelley Wentworth?!
Remember me?")
It’s got everything!
Who’s one player from anotherSurvivorseason you wish you could have played with or against and why?
I’ve had dreams (and nightmares) about playing with a variety of pastSurvivorcontestants.
Nobody understands the game better than he does.
Nobody has a better sense of humor about it.
Plus, I consider him the first fish-out-of-water nerd who really popped on screen.
If you could make one change to any aspect ofSurvivor, what would it be and why?
Finally, would you play again if asked?
I would like to take this opportunity to announce my retirement fromSurvivor.
Wait, why are you asking?
Do they want me to play again?
What have you heard?!
DALTON, WHAT HAVE YOU HEARD?!?
!
