Ralph Kiser was a competitor on “Survivor: Redemption Island,” the show’s 22nd season.
- Died: April 20, 2022 (Who else died on April 20?)
- Details of death: Died of a heart attack at the age of 56.
- We invite you to share condolences for Ralph Kiser in our Guest Book.
“Survivor” and beyond
Kiser interviewed for “Survivor” three times, finally getting his shot for the 2011 season filmed in Nicaragua. He was confident about his chances, as he was an avid outdoorsman who knew a variety of survival skills. Kiser had a memorable moment on day four when he stumbled upon the Hidden Immunity Idol while looking for rocks, initially hiding the idol to gain an advantage over his tribe’s rivals. He became known for misspelling fellow contestants’ names in tribal council votes. Kiser made it through day 33 before he was eliminated, coming in eighth. In his life outside “Survivor,” Kiser was a farmer in Lebanon, Virginia.
Notable quote
“It was the time of my life. It was a dream come true for a man like me to be in Nicaragua and playing a game to be on television. What does that happen to anyone? Never, that’s when. I’d do it again over and over.” —from Kiser’s exit interview for People
Tributes to Ralph Kiser
Full obituary: People
