Bernardsville 'Survivor' Talks About Experience On Show

BERNARDSVILLE, NJ — After 16 years of applying, Bernardsville native Chrissy Hofbeck was finally accepted and is competing on CBS’ “Survivor." The 35th season of "Survivor" debuts on Wednesday at 8 p.m.

“It was such an incredible feeling,” Hofbeck told Patch. “I put my first survivor application in 2001. So you should never give up on your dream.”

Hofbeck, 46, grew up in Bernardsville and married her high school sweetheart, Keith. They now have three children and live in Lebanon Township. However, her family still lives in Bernardsville.

Chrissy and Keith celebrated their 20-year wedding anniversary on the day she landed in Fiji for the show.

"My family was absolutely thrilled when they sent me off and wanted me to go live my dream," Hofbeck said.

Hofbeck has been an Actuary for the past 25 years, which she feels gave her an advantage on the show.

“Being an Actuary is very similar to being on Survivor. You have to come up with events that will come up in the future and figure out what you would do today to account for the future,” Hofbeck said. “I am trained to think about what will happen next… My brain is always thinking about the future.”

Hofbeck noted being on the show was not only physically challenging but mentally.

“It’s psychological warfare to see how far you can push yourself,” Hofbeck said. “You see the diversity in cast and see how they begin to act in later days and weeks with little sleep, little food and no one you can trust.”

(Image via CBS: Chrissy Hofbeck of Bernardsville will compete on the 35th season of CBS' "Survivor.")

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