Each weekday, EW will post the answers from a different player.
Jonathan Penner was a super entertainingSurvivorplayer.
And never was he ever more entertaining than when mixing it up withJeff Probst.
Jonathan Penner of ‘Survivor: Philippines’.Monty Brinton/CBS via Getty Images
That’s just one of the stories Penner shares in hisSurvivorQuarantine Questionnaire.
JONATHAN PENNER:Well, it’s been nine years, so that’s what?
3,000 days or so.
Jonathan Penner of ‘Survivor: Philippines’.Monty Brinton/CBS via Getty Images
That first Monday, I had In ‘n’ Out burger and went to the movies.
The next day was a Tuesday.
I think I had to go to the DMV….
I spent from then until her death this past January as her primary caregiver.
So I’ve seen some serious highs and lows.
What is your proudest moment ever from playingSurvivor?
I have a couple of proud memories.
Playing really hard and having as much fun as possible.
Making friends with Yul, a truly spectacular human and friend.
Winning individual immunity once, when I needed it most.
Fishing like a caveman.
Bringing the word “bollocks” to American TV.
What is your biggest regret from yourSurvivorexperiences?
InMicronesia,I got injured and let the medical team handle it poorly.
I didn’t know how to advocate for myself.
I was so exhausted I didn’t focus just when I needed to most.
Beside the Ponderosa shenanigans?
And my secret love affair with Artis Silvester?
(Actually, we are just good friends.)
I guess, there was that once, during a pole climbing challenge inCook Islandswhen I was out immediately.
I tried to get her to give it to me.
All I got was Jeff saying, “Penner, you are a real pain in the ASS!”
How do you feel about the edit you got on the show?
Could I have given Jeff even more playful hell?
Absolutely, he gave even better than he took.
What was it like coming back to regular society after being out there?
Was there culture shock or an adjustment coming back?
It was hard in a lot of ways, honestly.
They were SO soft.
They weren’t new, I’d just been sleeping in dirt.
I still walk around barefoot all the time.
She didn’t know where I’d been and assumed I was dying of something.
I looked like hell.
I guess we were both right.
And I regret not playing better.
I just made a number of terrible mistakes.
Whom do you still talk, text, or email with the most from your seasons?
Well, I’m in touch constantly with Yul.
We’ve been good friends now for 15 years.
It’s been amazingly touching and very, very helpful.
She really touched the world.
It was also just incredible gameplay, Natalie was tremendous and Tony was amazing.
Who’s one player from anotherSurvivorseason you wish you could have played with or against and why?
Probably Wanda, as I know I could beat her.
Though I like Tina and Ethan a lot.
I am undecided on this question.
If you could make one change to any aspect ofSurvivor, what would it be and why?
Nah, the producers are much smarter than me.
There’s a reason the show’s been on for 20 years and counting.
My ideas would be regressive and dull.
They’re doing just fine without my help.
Though a “Penner Wins” season might be appealing.
To the fans of course.
Finally, would you play again if asked?
Sure, I would.
Watching me lumbering around like the Mummy might not be too pretty, but why not?
I’m a firm believer in opening the door when opportunity knocks.
