On “Survivor: Palau,” the show’s 10th season (premiering in 2005), contestant Angie Jakusz became one of these beloved players. She was a bartender and an artist with a look that “broke the casting barrier,” according to fellow season 10 contestant Coby Archa, in reference to her tattoos and dreadlocks that were different from most female contestants at the time. When speaking to People, Archa went on to state that Jakusz appealed to fans because they “related to her story. And a lot of people wanted to see her play again for her strength.” She only finished in 13th place, but not before proving herself valuable in multiple challenges and making it through weeks of eliminations before being voted out.
After leaving “Survivor: Palau,” Jakusz went back to a normal life away from fame in New Orleans. When news spread of her passing in January of 2021, the cause of death was not public knowledge, as it was not mentioned in her obituary. She was only 40 years old (via TODAY).
