“Survivor” Legend Rudy Boesch Has Died At The Age Of 91

I’ve been a ride or die fan of Survivor since day one when Rudy Boesch took one look at Richard Hatch’s sunburnt naked ass and muttered, “What in the hell is this?” A star was born that day, and sadly, People reports that that star has died. The former Navy seal and crotchety legend has died at the age of 91 after a battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

Rudy appeared on the very first season of Survivor: Borneo, and later came back to compete on season 8, Survivor: All-Stars.

Rudy Boesch, one of the first contestants to ever appear on Survivor, has died after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease, PEOPLE confirms. He was 91.

Boesch had a full life before entering the world of reality TV.

He enlisted in the United States Navy at the end of World War II in 1945. He was chosen as one of the first Navy SEALS in 1962. He completed two combat deployments during the Vietnam War, earning the Bronze Star for heroic action. He retired from the Navy in 1990 after 45 years of continuous service.

Boesch, a former Navy Seal, was cast on the inaugural season of the long-running reality show in 2000. Then 72, Boesch finished the season in third place and quickly became a fan favorite due to his lovably cantankerous persona.

Rudy frequently butted heads with Richard, who was ultimately crowned the first ever winner of Survivor, and later went on to serve time for tax evasion! Eventually, the pair became unlikely allies on the show. Rudy famously declared “the homosexual, he’s one of the nicest guys I’ve ever met”, proving a rare ability to see past his own bias, even if it was only in order to get the job done. Hey, at least he was upfront about it!

I’m still a massive Survivor fan because of its ability to reflect America’s social issues every year it airs, starting back in 2000 when retired Navy SEAL Rudy Boesch struck up a friendship with @HatchRichard. Rudy passed away today at 91. https://t.co/Cu8NbSayzF

— Dave Jorgenson 🧈 (@davejorgenson) November 2, 2019

Upon his passing, Richard posted a farewell message to Rudy on Twitter.

Ours was an interesting bond, Dear Rudy! You and I helped open minds and undermine predjudces. While your time here has passed, you will remain loved and iconic, dear friend!

— Richard Hatch (@HatchRichard) November 2, 2019

Rudy was such a great foil for Richard’s antics. And Rudy’s no-nonsense, straight forward personality and badass fortitude helped to make that first season of Survivor, and reality television in general, the phenomenon that is today. And if there was no Survivor, would we even have The Real Housewives? Dare I say Rudy walked so Andy Cohen could sit on a couch and talk shit?

Rest in peace, Rudy.

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To some he was the old guy without a filter on the first Survivor. To others he was considered to be a legendary Navy SEAL. He enlisted in 1945, became a UDT/SEAL in 1951, was a founding member of SEAL Team 2, a decorated wear hero, and the "Bullfrog" with 45 years of military service. He had "PT" (physical training) as his religion on his dog tags. In his 60's he ran with SEALS during their regular PT, outdoing many of them on the Obstacle Course. Once said to be "a walking Bible on Special Operations". During the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962 he regularly communicated with President Kennedy regarding the SEAL Team's readiness to deploy. He set the bar very high and was a true warrior. RIP CMDCM Rudolph Ernst "Rudy" Boesch (January 20, 1928 – November 1, 2019) #rudyboesch #rudy #usnavyseal #udt #navy #military #patriot #navyseals #legend #bullfrog #survivor #rip #warrior #hero #veteran

A post shared by Ryan (@bam_bam_kaboom) on Nov 2, 2019 at 3:33pm PDT

Pic: Wenn.com