Each weekday, EW will post the answers from a different player.
“The temple ‘episode’ was probably my proudest moment,” says Leslie.
“It was truly a defining moment in my life.
CBS
I even prayed that God would help me keep it in perspective, and he did in that moment.
Apparently, though I walked out respectfully, many viewers were offended.
But the Chinese culture and the other contestants respected what I did and completely understood.”
Monty Brinton/CBS
LESLIE NEASE:It’s been 13 years, so a lot has happened!
I love them so much.
I’ve got tears in my eyes right now because I already miss them!
What is your proudest moment ever from playingSurvivor?
The temple “episode” was probably my proudest moment.
It was truly a defining moment in my life.
I even prayed that God would help me keep it in perspective, and he did in that moment.
Apparently, though I walked out respectfully, many viewers were offended.
But the Chinese culture and the other contestants respected what I did and completely understood.
What is your biggest regret from yourSurvivorexperience?
I regret getting a parasite early on in the game.
It completely destroyed my game.
The fans would have probably enjoyed seeing that I did actually play the game with strategy and alliances.
I had strategy and actually had a lot of game in me.
We were going to get together at the merge.
It was all so perfect!
The alliance was dissolved.
I always wonder what would have happened if I had been able to stay.
Like I said, I feel like I was shown as very one-dimensional.
It didn’t show my strategy, my game play.
But it was definitely a good edit and I’m so thankful for that.
They showed the side of me that most people already know, so that’s good.
I never did unless I was asked, though (by production or others in the cast).
What was it like coming back to regular society after being out there?
Was there culture shock or an adjustment coming back?
It wasn’t too bad for me.
I was only out there for nine days.
I drink a LOT of water.
I have a panic attack if I don’t have it sometimes!
It was very hard being so dehydrated (and sick at the same time) out there.
I think I may have a little PTSD from it.
I never regretted it, not once.
I did regret not making it further, but hey, someone’s gotta go early.
I suppose being sick made me an easy target.
Whom do you still talk, text, or email with the most from your season?
I’m closest to Todd at this point.
That was a real shock for us all.
Yes, of course!
Who’s one player from anotherSurvivorseason you wish you could have played with or against and why?
Oh, that’s hard.
How about if I say one man and one woman who I’d want to play with?
And the woman I’d want to play with would probably be Sandra.
I know her personally and have come to adore her.
That would be Sandra!
If you could make one change to any aspect ofSurvivor,what would it be and why?
I wish they would spend more on the stories behind their cast members like they used to.
It was so personal and fun.
It’s so powerful to get to know people and see what you have in common with them.
Finally, would you play again if asked?
Gosh, in a heartbeat.
