Colleen Haskell is best known as one of the standout contestants on the very first season of the groundbreaking reality TV series Survivor in 2000. Born in Bethesda, Maryland, she quickly won hearts with her genuine charm and bright personality. But who is Colleen beyond the screen? Let’s dive into her story to see the woman behind the fame.
You might think reality TV fame comes overnight, but Colleen’s path was quite the adventure. From studying theater to traveling across the world, her background is packed with surprising experiences that shaped her unique personality. Plus, her leap from reality star to actress is a story worth unpacking.
So, what exactly did Colleen do after Survivor? How did she move on from reality TV? This biography will walk you through her early life, career highlights, physical traits, achievements, and some fun, lesser-known facts. Get ready for an engaging look at a beloved pop-culture figure.
Quick Bio
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Colleen Marie Haskell |
| Real Name | Colleen Haskell |
| Date of Birth | December 6, 1976 |
| Birthplace | Bethesda, Maryland, USA |
| Family Background | Father: John Haskell (Geico support director), Mother: Patricia Haskell (Career counselor) |
| Education | Walter Johnson High School, University of Georgia (Theater Degree), Internship at London Film Festival |
| Career Start | Interned at Arena Stage, waitress, bookstore clerk |
| Breakthrough | Contestant onSurvivorSeason 1 (2000), finished 6th |
| Acting Roles | The Animal(2001),That ’70s Show,Maybe It’s Me |
| Physical Appearance | Height: 5’5″ (1.65 m), Weight: approx. 125 lbs (57 kg), Brown hair and eyes |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Caucasian |
| Religion | Not publicly documented |
| Net Worth | Estimated modest |
| Hobbies | Traveling, cooking |
| Social Media Presence | Low profile, not very active publicly |
| Notable Achievements | Reality TV fan favorite, early reality star influence |
Early Life and Education
Full Name
Colleen Marie Haskell
Real Name
Colleen Haskell is her birth name, with no stage names used.
Date of Birth
Born on December 6, 1976, in Bethesda, Maryland.
Childhood
Colleen was raised in Bethesda, Maryland, where she attended a Catholic all-girls school, the Connolly School of the Holy Child in Potomac, during middle school through her junior year. For her senior year, she transferred to Walter Johnson High School in Bethesda, graduating in 1994.
Family Background
Her father, John Haskell, worked as a director of support systems for Geico Insurance. Her mother, Patricia Haskell, was a career counselor. The family gave her a supportive environment enriched with learning and personal growth.
School/University
After high school, Colleen pursued a Bachelor’s degree in theater at the University of Georgia in Athens. She also completed a six-month internship with the London Film Festival while studying abroad. Following graduation in 1998, she spent time traveling in Ghana, West Africa, and France, expanding her cultural horizons.
Career Journey
Before Fame
Prior to her reality TV debut, Colleen interned at Arena Stage in Washington, D.C., worked as a waitress, and clerked at Books & Books in Miami Beach.
Early Career
Her acting talents came to light soon after Survivor when she landed roles in TV shows like That ’70s Show and appeared as an assistant producer on The Michael Essany Show.
Breakthrough
In 2000, Colleen’s big break came as a contestant on the first season of CBS’s Survivor. Her genuine personality made her a fan favorite, and she finished in sixth place.
Peak Years
Her acting career peaked in 2001 with her role as Rianna Holmes in the comedy film The Animal. She continued to work occasionally in television before stepping away from acting.
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Physical Appearance
Age
As of today, Colleen is 48 years old.
Height
She stands about 5 feet 5 inches (1.65 m) tall.
Weight
Her weight is estimated around 125 lbs (57 kg).
Body Measurement
While exact numbers are not widely publicized, her body is described as slender and athletic from her Survivor days.
Physical Attributes
Colleen has brown hair and expressive brown eyes, often remembered for her approachable and natural look.
Major Achievements
Awards
No major public awards, but earned significant fan recognition through Survivor.
Records
Rose to fame as one of the most beloved contestants in reality TV history.
Notable Works
- Survivor (2000, contestant)
- The Animal (2001, film role)
- TV guest roles on That ’70s Show and Maybe It’s Me
Contributions
Colleen set a standard for authenticity and likability that helped shape early reality TV culture.
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Personal Life
Nationality
American
Ethnicity
Caucasian
Religion
Not publicly documented.
Relationships
Details about personal relationships are kept private.
Net Worth
Estimated net worth is modest, reflecting her brief entertainment industry tenure.
Hobbies
Traveling and cooking.
Social Media Presence
She is not highly active on public social media.
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Interesting Facts
- Colleen turned down an offer of $100,000 to pose for Playboy.
- She declined to return for Survivor: All-Stars.
- She took soap as her luxury item on Survivor.
- Her last words on the show were “Be Nice, Play Fair.”
- She once interned at the London Film Festival.
- She is described as talkative, independent, and a bit spacey.
- After Survivor, she completed her education and pursued graphic design and advertising.
Legacy or Influence
Colleen Haskell left a lasting legacy as one of the original reality TV stars who showed viewers it’s okay to be yourself. She inspired many contestants who followed to stay genuine and true to their personality. Her transition from reality TV to acting opened doors for others aspiring to parlay their TV fame into new opportunities.
FAQs
Who is Colleen Haskell?
Colleen Haskell is an American former reality TV star known for Survivor Season 1 and a brief acting career.
When was Colleen Haskell born?
She was born on December 6, 1976.
What is Colleen Haskell known for?
She is best known for being a beloved contestant on Survivor and her role in The Animal.
Did Colleen Haskell win Survivor?
No, she finished in sixth place on the first season.
What does Colleen Haskell do now?
She stepped back from entertainment and focuses on personal pursuits like traveling.
Conclusion
Colleen Haskell’s journey from a theater-loving student to a beloved reality TV star and actress is nothing short of inspiring. Her genuine charm won over millions and set a precedent for authenticity on reality television. Although she stepped away from the spotlight, her impact remains, reminding us that staying true to yourself always matters. If you enjoyed this deep dive into Colleen’s life, share your thoughts below, subscribe for more biographies, and explore related stories about reality TV pioneers.
Read more about Colleen Haskell on IMDb Profile
