When the cast for Survivor 50: In the Hands of the Fans was announced, many observers were surprised by how many "new era" players were returning. Still, several of the season's cast members are players who debuted on the show many years ago. Some of those players who are returning after years away from Survivor have lived a lot since the last time that fans saw them.
Even though every Survivor 50 cast member has already made their mark on the show, some of them didn't get a lot of attention after their return was announced. One of those initially ignored returning players is an old-school player who previously revealed that they have had a fascinating journey away from reality TV and explained what led to their return.
Stephenie LaGrossa Kendrick quit reality TV to support her husband
Since it has been many years since the height of Stephenie LaGrossa Kendrick's Survivor fame, some fans have forgotten how beloved she once was. Stephenie was so popular that after she debuted in the reality show's 10th season, she was brought back for season 11 and season 20. Stephenie's popularity crested at that time, likely because she completely disappeared from the reality show spotlight for many, many years.
In 2023, Stephenie returned to reality TV when she competed during The Traitors season 1. Since then, Stephenie has continued to be part of the community by doing things like making podcast appearances and signing on to compete during Survivor 50. Now that she is back, it is fascinating to learn why she disappeared for years. During a February 2023 appearance on "The Jack Vita Show," Stephenie explained that she left reality TV to support the career of her Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher husband, Kyle Kendrick.
Here's what she said:
"Kyle and I always had an understanding that — when I met him and we decided to get married and have children, I said to him, I will support you your entire career. I will follow you wherever you go. My life will become your life. I will give it all up for you."
After the 2017 Major League Baseball season ended, Kyle retired. As a result, there was no longer any reason for Stephenie to prioritize supporting her husband's career over any reality show opportunities that came her way. During the same appearance on "The Jack Vita Show", Stephenie stated that she and her husband had always agreed that once his career was over, she would return to reality TV if she got interesting opportunities. Clearly, Stephenie found the prospect of competing on Survivor again and debuting on The Traitors to be exciting opportunities.
"But when [Kyle was] done playing, if the situation presents itself, and the time is right for me and our family, whatever that may be, and it's a good opportunity, I'm going to take it. And [Kyle] always was supportive of that and okay with that."
You can watch Stephenie on Survivor 50 starting in February 2026!