Last Updated on September 13, 2024
Jeff Probst is an American reality television host, game show host, television presenter & producer, journalist, and actor.
Probst is best known for hosting the U.S version of the Emmy Award-winning reality television program ‘Survivor’ since 2000. He’s also noted for hosting his very own show – The Jeff Probst Show – from September 2012 to May 2013. The syndicated daytime talk show was produced by CBS Television Distribution.
Jeff Probst Quick Facts
| Full Name: | Jeff Probst |
| Popular Name: | Jeff Probst |
| Gender: | Male |
| Birth Date: | November 4, 1961 |
| Age: | 61 years |
| Parents: | Jerry Probst and Barbara Probst |
| Siblings: | Scott Probst and Brent Probst |
| Birth Place: | Wichita, Kansas, United States |
| Nationality: | American |
| Ethnicity: | Caucasian |
| Education: | Newport High School and Seattle Pacific University |
| Marital Status: | Married to Lisa Ann Russell (since December 5, 2011); was married to psychotherapist Shelley Wright (from 1996 until their divorce in 2001) and also dated ‘Survivor: Vanuatu’ contestant Julie Berry (from 2004 until their breakup in 2008) |
| Sexual Orientation: | Straight |
| Wife/Spouse: | Lisa Ann Russell |
| Children: | Has no biological children but plays step-dad to Michael Gosselaar and Ava Gosselaar, Russell’s children from her previous marriage to actor Mark-Paul Gosselaar |
| Dating: | N/A |
| Net Worth: | USD 50 million |
| Source of Wealth: | Reality Television Hosting, Game Show Hosting, Television Presenting & Producing, Journalism, Acting, and Other Ventures |
| Height: | 5′ 10″ (1.78 m) |
| Weight: | 77 kg; In pounds: 169 lbs |
Early Life
Jeff Probst was born on November 4, 1961, in Wichita, Kansas, United States, to Jerry Probst and Barbara Probst.
Probst attended Newport High School and graduated in 1979. He later proceeded to Seattle Pacific University.
Career Information
Jeff Probst made his television hosting debut in 1999 after he became the host of ‘Rock & Roll Jeopardy!’ He hosted the show until 2001, appearing in 100 episodes.
Probst’s breakout television hosting role came in 2000 when he began hosting ‘Survivor.’ He has hosted all 42 seasons of the show since its inception. Besides hosting Survivor, Probst also doubles up as the series’ producer and executive director.
Jeff Probst made several other television appearances throughout the 2000s. He appeared as a contestant on Celebrity Jeopardy! (2001 and 2003), was cast in 8 episodes portraying Raycliff in Fillmore! (2002 – 2004), and guest-starred in 5 episodes of Mad TV (2003 – 2007). He also directed and wrote the screenplay for the 2001 film ‘Finder’s Fee.’
In 2011, Jeff Probst was featured in an episode of the series ‘How I Met Your Mother.’ The following year, Probst began hosting his very own talk show, ‘The Jeff Probst Show.’ He hosted 170 episodes of the show until 2013 but did not consider picking the program up for a second season owing to dismal ratings.
Jeff Probst appeared in 2 episodes of ‘Two and a Half Men’ in 2013 and 2014. In 2014, Probst appeared in an episode of the television show ‘The (206).’ He also directed and produced the film ‘Kiss Me.’
In 2016, Probst appeared in an episode of ‘Life in Pieces.’ He subsequently lent his voice to the sketch comedy series ‘Family Guy’ in 2017.
Other Ventures
In addition to his various involvements in the television and film industries, Jeff Probst is also a writer and ordained minister.
Probst has authored a book titled ‘Stranded,’ which is based on the Survivor show. As a minister, he has presided over the weddings of many of his friends.
Jeff Probst’s Net Worth
Jeff Probst is one of the longest-serving reality television hosts. Probst’s long television career seems to have translated to millions in his bank account.
As of 2023, Probst had a net worth of $50 million. Needless to mention, much of his wealth comes from his numerous roles in reality television shows, the bulk of which is attributable to Survivor. Jeff currently earns $8 million annually for hosting the series.
Lessons from Jeff Probst
1. Have solid-rock passion for your job
Jeff Probst has hosted the Survivor series for more than two decades. It sure does take passion to maintain a television hosting job for that long.
2. A shrewd businessman knows when to cut his losses
Probst began hosting his own talk show – The Jeff Probst Show – on September 10, 2012. But due to consistently low ratings, Jeff decided to abandon the show at the end of the first season.
3. True success comes from doing things a little differently
Jeff Probst has won four Primetime Emmy Awards in the category ‘Outstanding Host for a Reality or Reality-Competition Program.’ That’s the most wins by a reality television host in the same category. According to the Los Angeles Times, part of the reason Probst has bagged these awards is due to his ability to interact with show contestants on a personal and compassionate level unseen in many of his competitors.
Famous Quotes by Jeff Probst
• Everyone wants to talk, you’ve just got to find a way to get them to talk.
• I’m not one of these guys who says, ‘now I’m on a really hot show,’ better quit soon before I get labeled. That’s the most ridiculous notion I’d ever heard.
• My goal was, and still is, to write first, direct my own stuff whenever possible and control my own creative destiny.
• Reality is a genre that seems to be here to stay. I don’t know how many of the new shows will last, but the more competition you have, the harder that pie is to slice up.
• The thing that surprises me most is, you cannot change who you are.
Final Word
Jeff Probst is an accomplished reality television host with tons of award-winning shows to his name. Thanks to his exceptional hosting skills, Probst has accumulated a $50 million net worth as of 2023.
