Each weekday, EW will post the answers from a different player.
Survivor: Africawas no joke.
The problem was that producers were mildly concerned that the players might end up, well…eaten.
Monty Brinton/CBS via Getty Images
And, according to contestant Teresa “T-Bird” Cooper, that’s not all.
“I don’t believe any of that was shown.
As if all that was not unnerving enough, the players were also not even allowed to sleep!
At least not all at once.
“We rotated every few hours.
It definitely made the days even longer than they already were.”
TERESA “T-BIRD” COOPER:Dalton, it is such a pleasure to chat with you.
The time has gone by quickly.
They are my heartbeat, my world, my everything!
My husband, Glenn, is the absolute love of my life.
I am blessed beyond words.
Truer words were never spoken.
I am still a German (speaking) international flight attendant for Delta Air Lines based here in Atlanta.
I am now in my 40th year with the company!
That is some kind of crazy.
I love my job and I love my Delta.
I am an active real estate broker here in Georgia.
We do an entertaining podcast ofSurvivorinterviews.
What is your proudest moment ever from playingSurvivor?
A one-part question with a two-part answer.
My proudest moment ever, wow, there are so many.
I have to start with the fact that I was even cast.
I first applied for season 2The Australian Outbackand then again forAfrica.
That did not discourage me.
I am a psychology major and knew that this was one of the greatest social experiments of all time.
I had to be part of this.
I wanted to make the video I sent in forAustraliafun.
The second video I sent in forAfricawas a very simple video.
What is your biggest regret from yourSurvivorexperience?
It might surprise you.
Well, I wanted to win, I thought I could win!
I played the best game I could with the hand I was dealt.
So, no regret there.
My brother, Steve, passed away in 1990 of AIDS.
It was a cause very close to my heart.
So, my biggest regret was not asking them.
I didn’t think fast enough to ask.
The conditions in Africa were challenging… okay, maybe even brutal.
Our water source (or lack of it) made it rather grueling.
Quite a few of the players got sick from the conditions.
Africa was beautiful, the wild animals made it spectacular, but with a large degree of danger.
The locals were posted with guns to protect us should the wildlife turn on us.
I don’t believe any of that was shown.
We rotated every few hours.
It definitely made the days even longer than they already were.
How do you feel about the edit you got on the show?
I know there are players at times that are upset with the way they were portrayed/edited.
I played a low-key, quiet game.
I did not want to draw any attention to myself or aggravate others too much.
I found that in extreme conditions it is quite easy to get on other’s nerves.
I did a lot less talking than I usually, normally, always do in my normal day-to-day life.
What was it like coming back to regular society after being out there?
Was there culture shock or an adjustment coming back?
I left for the game with a lot of irons in the fire.
My kids were young.
I knew I had a lot of catching up to do with them and my family on my return.
And, I had just started my real estate business and needed to get back to flying with Delta.
Ahhhh, yeah, right.
I couldn’t concentrate on anything at all.
Each week or so I would get a call from Dr. Liza.
I didn’t go back to flying or to real estate for quite a few weeks.
I never, never, ever expected that it would be such an adjustment.
I never had any regrets, none, zilch, nada, about going on the show.
This game was made for me.
I love how it totally mirrors life.
I also have no regrets forSecond Chance.
And it was not because I wasn’t passionate about going …I was!
Rejection is simply redirection to a bigger, better dream.Second Chancepulled me even closer to mySurvivorfamily.
When one door closes, another one opens.
Whom do you still talk, text, or email with the most from your season?
Oh wow, I am so blessed to have met 15 lifelong friends because ofSurvivor.
Who’s one player from anotherSurvivorseason you wish you could have played with or against and why?
Dalton, you’re killing me hereone player, one, just one?!
I might need another pass on this one ,too.
The very first one that comes to mind is Kelley Wentworth.
The ones that truly honor and respect the game.
Ugh, you just wanted “one” player.
If you could make one change to any aspect ofSurvivor, what would it be and why?
Dalton, since you asked, let me throw in a couple of things.
I want to see more of the players' social game.
I think a 90-minute show a week would help accomplish this.
I do like a few twists thrown in but not so many!
And, let’s go back to the Final 2.
One bitter juror can tarnish the others with their real or made-up accusations.
Finally, would you play again if asked?
Dalton, would I play again if asked ?
Well, there are so many things to consider.
