Record-holding Survivor star Kim Johnson dies at 79 – ‘She was an inspiration’
Survivor alum Kim Johnson has sadly passed away this July. The record-holding and “inspirational” contestant was 79 years old at the time of her death. Kim rose to fame on Survivor: Africa. The series was the third to air, kicking off over 20 years ago. Despite becoming a Survivor star all the way back in […]
Survivor alum Kim Johnson has sadly passed away this July. The record-holding and “inspirational” contestant was 79 years old at the time of her death. Kim rose to fame on Survivor: Africa. The series was the third to air, kicking off over 20 years ago.
Despite becoming a Survivor star all the way back in 2001, Kim made a huge name for herself and will always be remembered for her time on the CBS show. She made Survivor history when she was 56 years old as “the oldest woman to ever win an immunity challenge.”
Kim Johnson dies
Tributes pour for Survivor: Africa star Kim Johnson this July as fans learn of her passing at 79 years old.
On Monday, July 29, Ethan Zohn, who won Survivor: Africa in 2002, paid tribute to Kim on Instagram.
He wrote: “Rest in peace Kim Johnson. It was a blessing to call you my friend and a privilege to experience the final tribal council with you. I will forever have that planters punch in your honor!”
Commenting on Ethan’s post, many people said “RIP,” and more said Kim will always be their “favorite player.”
Kim was a runner-up to Ethan on Survivor season 3 and the two developed a strong friendship.
She made Survivor history
Survivor host, Jeff Probst, also took to Instagram to share a heartfelt tribute to Kim.
He describes Kim as a “pioneer” and highlights how she was a record-holder and made Survivor history in his post.
On behalf of the whole Survivor and CBS Team, Jeff wrote:
“…we are deeply sorry to learn of her passing. She still holds the record for the oldest woman to ever win an immunity challenge, earned her place in the final two and even received votes to win the game. I remember even then at just 56, how inspiring she was to other ‘older’ people because she showed that age was merely a number and that if you were willing to risk failing you might just amaze yourself.”
Jeff adds: “She definitely left her mark on the game and on all of us who were lucky enough to work on that season and tell her story.”
Many people took to the comments to share some kind words about Kim. Some said she was “kindhearted,” while others penned: “A true survivor legend! Prayers to Kim and her family.”
More fans also took to X (Twitter) to share how saddened they were by the news: “Oh god not Kim. My heart is broken, I’ll never forget watching this season with my mom when i was 11 and seeing the impact Kim had on the women of her generation back when Survivor was still a new TV phenomenon. She helped build this series and will never be forgotten.”