Jeffrey Lee "Jeff" Probst (born November 4, 1961) is a six-time Emmy-nominated (once awarded) American television personality, acting as a game show host, executive producer and a reporter. He is best known for his role as the host of the U.S. version of the
Survivor reality show.
In addition to
Survivor, Probst previously hosted the FX network's original half-hour show dedicated to answering viewer letters, Backchat (1996). He went on to serve as host of the VH1 series Rock & Roll Jeopardy! from 1998 to 2001), and was a correspondent for the syndicated program Access Hollywood, during which he traveled a reported 300,000 miles. He has also written the screenplay for and directed an independent film, released in 2001, called Finder's Fee. Jeff also does voice work for the animated television program Fillmore, as Vice-Principal Raycliff. People magazine named Probst one of the "50 Most Beautiful People" in 2001. He often contributes to Jeopardy! by giving
Survivor related clues from some of the show's venues, and has twice appeared on Celebrity Jeopardy!, first in 2001 and again in 2003.
Probst keeps the snuffer that he uses to snuff the torches (when a contestant is voted out of the game and Probst says "The tribe has spoken. It's time for you to go.", or "Per your wishes" when a contestant chooses to quit) as a souvenir after every season of
Survivor.
In May 2008, Probst confirmed that he has signed on to host 4 more seasons of
Survivor, putting him through season 20.
