Lakeland student among castaways on CBS's next edition of Survivor

LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- The day has barely begun here in sunny L.A., -- I'm still recovering from a Fox party where I talked with Sharon Osbourne, new American Idol judge Kara DioGuardi, and 24 star Kiefer Sutherland to name a few -- but I've been greeted with news that a 19-year-old student from Lakeland is among the cast for its 18th edition of Survivor, set in Brazil.

Spencer Duhm, 19, of Lakeland is listed among that cast released today. I don't know much about him yet, but CBS is beginning its portion of the TV Critics Press Tour today, so I'll be on the hunt for more info.

Reality Blurred.com editor Andy Dehnart is reporting that Duhm is the youngest contestant ever to compete on Survivor -- the show recently dropped its age limit from 21 to 18 -- and is a Survivor fanatic who is openly gay. According to Dehnart, Duhm was an alternate who was subbed in at the last minute to join the cast. Survivor: Tocantins -- Brazilian Highlands debuts Thursday Feb. 12.

I'll be talking with Duhm later today. But until I cobble together something better, check out CBS's press bio on Duhm, a kid who is so out about being gay that CBS lists it in the media materials. Now that's a modern attitude.

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Here's his personal bio:

Soon to see his teenage years in the rear-view mirror, Spencer Duhm is ready to look forward to the journey ahead of him. A fan of SURVIVOR since day one, which began when he was still in grade school, Spencer can practically do a Castaway roll-call all the way from SURVIVOR: Borneo. His fanaticism will give him a built-in edge that can make a direct contribution to how far he goes in this game.

Born and raised in Lakeland, Florida and currently a student at the University of Florida, Spencer majors in telecommunications and minors in business and European Union studies. Aside from being the recruitment chair for his UF crew team, where he also rows competitively, Spencer is a huge sports fan. Involved in myriad athletic activities since age 7, Spencer has developed a strong competitive streak and determination to achieve success. Rooting for his college Gators or beloved Cubs familiarized him with all of the peaks and valleys associated with being a contender, which may help him navigate the ups and downs associated with castaway life.

With a resume like his, this self-professed lover of “water cooler gossip” can’t stand slow-talkers or laziness and is very  ambitious  and very outgoing. He is even willing to face his fear of heights for one million dollars but there is one fear that he refuses to face. When asked what he would not do for a million dollars he responded, “Snakes in general, I just don’t do snakes.” This young, goal-oriented man has been presented with his childhood dream of competing on his favorite reality show and truly feels that he has what it takes to become the next sole SURVIVOR.

Spencer is a gay, single man and currently resides in Gainesville, Fla. His birthday is December 20.

(Photos: CBS)

CBS today announced the 16 castaways who will compete on SURVIVOR: TOCANTINS — THE BRAZILIAN HIGHLANDS, when the 18th installment of the Emmy Award-winning series premieres Thursday, Feb. 12 (8:00-9:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network. SURVIVOR: TOCANTINS will prove to be one of the most rugged locations ever visited and the only relief from these harsh conditions will be a river oasis known as the Rio Novo. Left stranded in the majestic interior of Brazil for 39 days, these castaways will battle scorching temperatures, torrential downpours, and dangerous wildlife all in an effort to outwit, outplay, and outlast one another in order to win the title of Sole Survivor. This season, the castaways will be divided into two separate tribes from the very beginning and these diverse individuals must immediately begin their game based solely on their first impressions of each other.  In advance of any formal introduction and before the castaways speak their first words to each other, one person from each tribe will be chosen to remain behind and will not continue with their group on the journey that lies ahead.  Will this mean the end for these two individuals or will they get a second chance to make a first impression? Castaways competing on SURVIVOR: TOCANTINS (separated by tribes) are:

Jalapao Tribe:

Name: Sandy Burgin
Age: 53
Hometown: Louisville, Ky.
Occupation: Bus Driver

Name: Joe Dowdle
Age: 26
Hometown: Austin, Texas
Occupation: Real Estate Sales

Name: Spencer Duhrm
Age: 19
Hometown: Lakeland, Fla.
Occupation: Student

Name: Carolina Eastwood
Age: 26
Hometown: West Hollywood, Calif.
Occupation: Bartender

Name: Stephen Fishbach
Age: 29
Hometown: New York
Occupation: Corporate Consultant

Name: Taj Johnson-George
Age: 37
Hometown: Nashville, Tenn.
Occupation: Former Pop Star

Name: James "JT" Thomas, Jr.
Age: 24
Hometown: Samson, Ala.
Occupation: Cattle Rancher

Name: Sydney Wheeler
Age: 24
Hometown: Raleigh, N.C.
Occupation: Model

Timbira Tribe:

Name: Tyson Apostol
Age: 29
Hometown: Lindon, Utah
Occupation: Professional Cyclist

Name: Deborah "Debbie" Beebe
Age: 46
Hometown: Auburn, Ala.
Occupation: School Principal

Name: Erinn Lobdell
Age: 26
Hometown: Waukesha, Wis.
Occupation: Hairstylist

Name: Sierra Reed
Age: 23
Hometown: Los Angeles
Occupation: Model

Name: Jerry Sims
Age: 49
Hometown: Rock Hill, S.C.
Occupation: Sergeant -- U.S. Army

Name: Candace Smith
Age: 31
Hometown: Dayton, Ohio
Occupation: Attorney

Name: Brendon Synott
Age: 30
Hometown: New York
Occupation: Entrepreneur

Name: Benjamin "Coach" Wade
Age: 37
Hometown: Bolivar, Mo.
Occupation: Soccer Coach

SURVIVOR: TOCANTINS – THE BRAZILIAN HIGHLANDS is hosted by Emmy Award-winning host Jeff Probst and produced by SEG, Inc.  Mark Burnett is executive producer and David Burris and Leisa Francis are co-executive producers.

Comments

[Demetrius]

This show is great. I look forward to the new season.

[Oscar]

I knew Spencer as a student in high school. Great kid who talked about Survivor all the time. I am glad he made it. This really was a goal of his. I haven't watched this show in years, but I will be anxious to see how he does. The gay thing may raise a few eyebrows in Bartow though.