The Shocking 'Where Are They Now' Truth: 5 *Survivor: Nicaragua* Cast Members Who Became Mega-Stars (And One Who Just Passed Away)

Few seasons of Survivor are as polarizing and memorable as Season 21: Survivor: Nicaragua. Premiering in 2010, the season pitted the young "La Flor" tribe against the older "Espada" tribe, delivering a chaotic mix of brilliant strategy, shocking quits, and one of the most unexpected Final Tribal Council outcomes in the show's history. Over a decade later, the cast members have forged vastly different paths, with one finalist becoming a country music sensation and another transforming their experience into a successful career as a motivational speaker. This article, updated in late 2024, reveals the latest and most unique "where are they now" details for the most prominent players.

The legacy of Survivor: Nicaragua is defined by its dramatic moments—from the controversial double-quit of NaOnka Mixon and Kelly Shinn to the improbable victory of the free-spirited Jud "Fabio" Birza over the more strategic players. As the years pass, the post-show lives of these contestants continue to capture the curiosity of fans, particularly the chart-topping career of one runner-up and the recent, sad news that touched the Survivor community.

Complete Cast of *Survivor: Nicaragua* (Season 21) & Key Biographies

Survivor: Nicaragua featured 20 castaways divided by age into two tribes: La Flor (younger) and Espada (older). The season was filmed in San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua.

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• Jud "Fabio" Birza: (Winner) - Student, 21. Known for his laid-back demeanor, impressive late-game Immunity Challenge run, and surprising win.
• Chase Rice: (Runner-up) - Race Car Driver, 24. A key strategic and physical player who ultimately fell one vote short.
• Matthew "Sash" Lenahan: (2nd Runner-up) - Real Estate Broker, 30. The season's primary strategist, known for his relentless deal-making and Hidden Immunity Idol plays.
• Holly Hoffman: (4th Place) - Swim Coach, 44. Began the game emotionally, but transformed into a strong, resilient strategic player.
• Dan Lembo: (5th Place) - Commercial Real Estate Executive, 63. Known for his colorful personality and wealth.
• Jane Bright: (6th Place, Fan Favorite) - Dog Trainer, 56. A beloved, strong-willed competitor and the winner of the $100,000 Player of the Season award.
• Ben "Benry" Henry: (7th Place) - Club Promoter, 24.
• NaOnka Mixon: (8th Place, Quit) - PE Teacher, 27. One of the season's most controversial figures, known for her aggressive gameplay and decision to quit on Day 37.
• Kelly Shinn (Purple Kelly): (9th Place, Quit) - Hooters Waitress, 20. Quit alongside NaOnka on Day 37.
• Brenda Lowe: (10th Place) - Business Owner, 27. A strategic powerhouse early in the game, dubbed the "Black Mamba" by some fans.
• Marty Piombo: (11th Place) - Technology Executive, 48. An aggressive, chess-playing strategist who clashed repeatedly with Fabio and Jane.
• Jill Behm: (12th Place) - Doctor, 43.
• Alina Wilson: (13th Place) - Art Student, 23.
• Kelly Bruno: (14th Place) - Medical Student, 26. The first contestant to compete with a prosthetic leg.
• Yve Rojas: (15th Place) - Home-Maker, 41.
• Jimmy "Jimmy T" Tarantino: (16th Place) - Musician, 48.
• Tyrone Davis: (17th Place) - Fire Captain, 42.
• Shannon Elkins: (18th Place) - Pest Control Owner, 30.
• Wendy Jo Sperber: (19th Place) - Goat Rancher, 48.
• Jimmy Johnson: (20th Place) - Former NFL Coach, 67.

The Country Music Star: Chase Rice's Mega-Success Post-Nicaragua

Of all the Survivor: Nicaragua cast members, no one has achieved greater mainstream fame than runner-up Chase Rice. His journey from a Division I college football player and reality TV contestant to a platinum-selling country music star is one of the most successful post-show careers in Survivor history.

Rice’s career took off after the show, with him co-writing the massive 2012 hit "Cruise" for Florida Georgia Line. He has since released multiple successful albums and charted numerous singles, including the hit "Eyes on You."

The most recent update, as of late 2024, shows Rice making a significant shift in his career. He released his album *Go Down Singin’* in 2024 as an independent artist, marking a change in his musical direction away from the "bro-country" label he had previously been associated with. This move signifies a deeper commitment to his craft as a true singer-songwriter. Furthermore, Rice is reportedly taking time off from touring in the coming year, even playfully suggesting he might resume his college football career, demonstrating his multi-faceted and ambitious nature.

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From Finalist to Motivational Speaker: The Transformation of Holly Hoffman

Holly Hoffman’s emotional arc on Survivor: Nicaragua, starting with her infamous breakdown and subsequent recovery, became a powerful narrative of resilience. She leveraged this personal transformation into a thriving second career as a professional motivational speaker and author.

Hoffman has authored several books, including *Your Winner Within* and *Never Give Up: The Power of Perseverance*. Her speaking engagements focus on themes of survival, perseverance, and finding one's inner strength, drawing heavily on her experience as the last remaining Espada tribe member and the last woman standing in Season 21. This post-show path has allowed her to share a positive message with a wide audience, solidifying her status as one of the most inspiring figures from the season.

The Winner and The Strategist: Fabio Birza and Sash Lenahan Today

The Final Tribal Council saw the "dumb blonde" persona of Jud "Fabio" Birza win the million dollars over the strategic maneuvering of Chase Rice and Sash Lenahan, a result that remains debated among fans.

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• Jud "Fabio" Birza: The youngest winner in Survivor history at the time, Fabio used his prize money to pay off his mother's mortgage. He continues to work in the fashion industry, primarily as a male model, and has been signed to major agencies like Next Model Management. His post-show life has remained relatively low-key compared to his runner-up, focusing on his modeling career and personal life away from the reality TV spotlight.
• Matthew "Sash" Lenahan: Sash was a master of the game's social and strategic elements, known for his numerous deals and his possession of a Hidden Immunity Idol. Despite his strong game, he failed to receive a single jury vote at the Final Tribal Council. After the show, Sash returned to his career as a real estate broker. While he has maintained a lower profile than Chase Rice, he continues to work in the real estate sector, primarily in the Buffalo, New York area.

Controversy, Quits, and a Recent Loss: The Other Notable Castaways

The Survivor: Nicaragua cast is perhaps best known for its controversial mid-game drama and a recent, heartfelt loss.

The Controversial Quitters: NaOnka Mixon and Kelly Shinn

NaOnka Mixon remains one of the most discussed contestants due to her fiery, aggressive gameplay and her decision to quit the game on Day 37, just days before the finale, citing the harsh conditions. In a surprising move, Kelly Shinn (Purple Kelly) quit alongside her. Despite the controversy, NaOnka has embraced her Survivor legacy, giving interviews as recently as 2023 where she reflected on her experience and the complex editing of the show.

The Strategic Player: Brenda Lowe

Brenda Lowe was a fan favorite for her strategic mind and alliance-building skills. Her game in Season 21 was cut short, but her strong performance earned her a spot on the returning players season, *Survivor: Caramoan* (Season 26), where she made it to the final five. Lowe has since focused on her personal life and career as a business owner and TV personality.

The Sad News: The Passing of Jane Bright

In a piece of news that saddened the entire Survivor community, fan-favorite Jane Bright passed away in early 2024 at the age of 71. Jane was a beloved castaway who won the hearts of viewers with her determination and emotional connection to her dog, earning her the Player of the Season fan vote award. Her death marked a poignant moment, reminding fans of the close-knit nature of the Survivor family and the lasting impact of the Season 21 cast.

The Chess Player: Marty Piombo

Marty Piombo, the technology executive who famously tried to outwit Fabio by giving him a Hidden Immunity Idol (which Fabio later lost), was a dominant strategic force on the Espada tribe. Though he has not returned to the show, Piombo is frequently cited by fans as a player who deserved another chance due to his aggressive "chess player" mentality. He has since returned to his high-level executive career, maintaining a private life outside of reality television.