Survivor birthday: Adam Klein (Millennials vs. Gen X) turns 27

Screengrab via CBS
Screengrab via CBS /
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A great winner who had his ups and downs throughout his journey in Survivor Millennials vs. Gen X, Adam Klein turns 27 years old today.

Player: Adam Klein
Occupation: Homeless Shelter Manager
Hometown: San Francisco, CA
Season: Survivor Millennials vs. Gen X
Tribes: Vanua (Orange Buff), Takali (Purple Buff), Vinaka (Black Buff)
Finished: 1/20

One of the best aspects of Survivor Millennials vs. Gen X, as a season, is how well it develops its characters and grows their story arcs. Everyone who stuck around to even right before the jury phase had their personalities and drives in the game flushed out, even as the gameplay was slow to pick up. Adam Klein, as a winner, best represents the season through his gameplay; uneven, but with style.

Where most of the season’s memorable characters had big personalities, Adam showed viewers that you don’t have to be an overt archetype to be a superfan. He knew where to look for idols, how to make friends and influence people, but he showed mixed restraint. Sure, he kind of got flak for being boastful around Jay and Taylor, but in a season with dynamic play, he made big moves with little fanfare.

That’s because Adam Klein knew that you couldn’t be the top dog early and get to the end and win. He made his idol plays in order to secure safety for others, showing his compassion. He maneuvered voting blocs and kept big players in the game until they targeted each other at a critical mass.

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Most importantly, Adam played with his heart on his sleeve. Playing for his ailing mother, Susie, he managed to keep his psyche and emotions in check during a physically and emotionally tolling game for 39 days. You could see the gut-wrenching journey he took viewers on during Survivor Millennials vs. Gen X, and was rewarded for his efforts with a million-dollar check.

Although Susie, unfortunately, passed away shorting after filming the season, her legacy lives on. Not only did Adam donate a portion of his winnings to various cancer charities, he continues to participate in fundraising events for cancer research and offers motivational speaking engagements across the world, encouraging everyone to Live Like Susie.

Next: Survivor Winners: Ranking All 34 Sole Survivors By Season

We at Surviving Tribal would like to wish Adam Klein a very happy 27th birthday!