AS Survivor premieres its landmark 50th season, an icon from the show has opened up to The U.S. Sun about the explicit chapter of his life he assumed would permanently shut the door on CBS.
The returning castaway said he had assumed CBS would draw a strict line over his “very hardcore” past – especially given the show’s primetime family-friendly audience.
Ahead of his highly anticipated Survivor comeback, Ozzy Lusth, 44, is reflecting on the controversial career pivot that he thought would end his reality TV run for good.
The challenge beast, who is widely regarded as one of the best physical players the game has ever had, was shocked CBS welcomed him back for Survivor 50 despite his OnlyFans career.
“I’m surprised CBS asked me back after everything. I dabbled in some pretty hardcore stuff,” the reality TV veteran told The U.S. Sun.
“It was pretty dark for awhile. I wasn’t in a good place back then and my choices reflected that but I have no regrets.”
The entrepreneur added: “I’m really surprised my OnlyFans wasn’t a reason for them to turn me down. It’s a lot.
“I thought for sure it would be a reason they wouldn’t want me on this, you know, sort of family-friendly show.
“But when I was talking to casting leading up to 50, they assured me they knew about it and it wasn’t a dealbreaker.”
In 2021, Ozzy, whose real name is Oscar, launched an account on the adults-only site that showed him full-frontal having sex and threesomes.
Now, he admitted that his past work came during a difficult chapter in his life and realizes he was “not in a good place.”
Still, the fan favorite made it clear he stands by his choices.
“There are no regrets,” he said, acknowledging the darker period while emphasizing he has moved forward.
In an interview with Entertainment Weekly that celebrated the Survivor 50 cast, Ozzy once again recalled being in a “dark place” when making his OnlyFans content and later realized he had hit “rock bottom” – leading to him making “a huge change.”
He has since stopped posting on the X-rated platform and has poured his energy into opening up Xolazul, an organic restaurant, cocktail bar, and vinyl listening lounge that he built in Guanajuato, Mexico.
The beloved star also frequently hosts reality TV viewing events across the country with Brice and Wen, made up Survivor alums Brice Johnston and Wendell Holland.
From Castaway to Comeback King
Ozzy first burst onto screens in 2006 on Survivor: Cook Islands, where his good looks, athletic dominance and survival skills quickly made him a breakout star.
He finished as runner-up that season, narrowly missing out on the million-dollar prize.
Full Cast of Survivor 50
Hundreds of famous faces from the Survivor franchise battled it out to score a spot on the show’s highly-anticipated 50th season. However, only 24 made the cut. Here’s who:
Jenna Lewis-Dougherty — Survivor: Borneo (S1); All-Stars (S8). One of the original Survivor players
Colby Donaldson — Australian Outback (S2); All-Stars (S8); Heroes vs. Villains (S20). Long-time fan favorite known for challenge strength.
Stephenie LaGrossa Kendrick — Palau (S10); Guatemala (S11); Heroes vs. Villains (S20). Famous for her toughness and alliance loyalty
Cirie Fields — Panama: Exile Island (S12); Micronesia: Fans vs. Favorites (S16); Heroes vs. Villains (S20); Game Changers (S34). Legendary strategic and social player
Ozzy Lusth — Cook Islands (S13); Micronesia (S16); South Pacific (S23); Game Changers (S34). Iconic challenge beast and long-time contender
Benjamin “Coach” Wade — Tocantins (S18); Heroes vs. Villains (S20); South Pacific (S23). Known for boisterous personality and his “Dragon Slayer” persona
Aubry Bracco — Kaôh Rōng (S32); Game Changers (S34); Edge of Extinction (S38). Strong strategic player with multiple deep runs
Chrissy Hofbeck — Heroes vs. Healers vs. Hustlers (S35). Runner-up on her original season and challenge threat
Christian Hubicki — David vs. Goliath (S37). Puzzle whiz and strong jury presence
Angelina Keeley — David vs. Goliath (S37). Bold social player with a list of iconic and memorable moments
Mike White — David vs. Goliath (S37) — Strong social player who finished 2nd. Competed on Survivor a year before creating The White Lotus
Dee Valladares — Survivor 45. Season 45 winner
Kyle Fraser — Survivor 48. Winner of season 48
Savannah Louie — Survivor 49. Winner of season 49
Emily Flippen — Survivor 45
Joe Hunter — Survivor 48
Kamilla Karthigesu — Survivor 48
Charlie Davis — Survivor 46
Genevieve Mushaluk — Survivor 47
Jonathan Young — Survivor 42
Q Burdette — Survivor 46
Rick Devens — Edge of Extinction (S38)
Tiffany Ervin — Survivor 46
Rizo Velovic — Survivor 49, nicknamed himself “Rizgod”
He returned just two years later for Survivor: Micronesia – Fans vs. Favorites in 2008, though his second stint was cut short after a shocking blindside due to him being seen as a huge threat.
In 2011, Ozzy competed on Survivor: South Pacific, where he famously utilized Redemption Island to battle his way back into the game – ultimately finishing fourth.
He made his fourth appearance in 2017 on Survivor: Game Changers, cementing his status as one of the most recognizable competitors in the show’s history.
Now, with Survivor 50 shaping up to be a milestone season, Ozzy’s return marks yet another chapter in his long and complicated relationship with the franchise.
The legendary player will be joined by other icons from the franchise as they battle it out for the $1 million prize and the title of Sole Survivor.
For the highly-anticipated special season, the show is bringing back the live finale in Los Angeles, which it stopped doing in 2020 due to pandemic modifications.
Survivor Season 50 premieres on Wednesday at 8pm on CBS.