February 9th 2025.
Jonny Fairplay made a heartfelt announcement on Saturday, revealing the passing of his grandmother, who he famously mentioned on reality TV in 2003. This time, it was not a ploy or a stunt - it was the real deal. Fairplay's appearance on Survivor back in 2003 was a defining moment in reality TV, one that would be talked about for years to come.
The reality star shared the news of his grandmother, Ellen Jean Hauser's, passing at the age of 90. It has been over two decades since Fairplay used his grandmother's "death" as a means to stay on the show and avoid elimination. Despite the controversial tactics, Fairplay expressed his love and admiration for his grandmother, stating that she always wanted what was best for him and would do anything to help him achieve it.
The incident in question took place during an episode of Survivor: Pearl Islands, where Fairplay was reunited with a close friend as part of a game. In a pre-planned move, the friend falsely informed Fairplay that his grandmother had passed away, tugging on the heartstrings of the other competitors and allowing Fairplay to win the challenge and spend time with his friend at the campsite. This move not only secured his spot on the show but also solidified his place in reality TV history.
However, when viewers found out that Fairplay's grandmother was, in fact, alive and well, there was an uproar. The stunt became front-page news and raised questions about the ethical boundaries of reality TV. Despite the backlash, Fairplay's move has become a cultural touchstone and is still referenced in reality shows around the world.
In an interview at the time, Fairplay revealed the truth behind the trick, stating that his grandmother was at home watching Jerry Springer. His fellow contestants only found out about the lie after the season ended, causing many to feel betrayed and questioning Fairplay's actions.
The incident propelled Fairplay to fame, and he continued to appear on various Survivor spin-offs, including All-Stars seasons, House of Villains, and The Traitors. His grandmother's last words were a testament to her love and support for her grandson, as she expressed her desire to see him on Survivor 50, The Traitors, and Deal or No Deal Island, leaving Fairplay surprised at how many streaming services she knew about.
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