Surviving Paradise on Netflix cast thought they were going to a luxurious villa. But they were met with dread – and had their phones and jewelry removed – when they found out the truth. From Shea Foster to Aaron Blake, meet the contestants from all over the USA who signed up for the show…
“Think Survivor and Big Brother with a sprinkle of Love Island,” Surviving Paradise star Shea Foster told Reality Titbit. The “nuts” new reality show on Netflix is coming out on October 20. We’ve found the line-up of stars who were faced with the freezing wilderness instead of the villa they were promised.
Surviving Paradise cast
Shea Foster
Hometown: Houston, Texas
Job: Entrepreneur and private jet broker
Instagram: @shea_foster
Shea was once told he wasn’t going to be able to run at a high level ever again after having spinal fusion back surgery. However, he has since become an All-American in cross country.
He exclusively told Reality Titbit that he was “completely himself” on the show. When finding out he had to live in the wilderness, Shea thought it was a prank show as he “didn’t sign up for this.”
Aaron Blake
Hometown: Dallas, Texas
Job: Microsoft Associate Consultant
Instagram: @itsaaronblake
Aaron has an MBA, is a Spartan sprinter, and studied Summa Cum Laude at Clark Atlanta University. The brainy contestant also had the Highest Male GPA of the graduating class!
He graduated in 2017, has been skydiving, and then went on to graduate with his MBA on May 15, 2021. “The best part was definitely seeing my parents so happy. Made all of the finals worth it,” said Aaron.
Copan Combs
Hometown: Sentinel, Oklahoma
Job: Senior admissions counselor
Instagram: @copanjoe
Oklahoma State University graduate Copan earned his degree in marketing and sports management, but after interning with OSU Athletics, he realized he wasn’t meant to be in the background.
He wanted to be out meeting people and telling them about OSU. Known for his orange blazer, Copan is a native of Sentinel, Oklahoma — a town of about 900 southeast of Elk City.
Francisco Williams joins Surviving Paradise cast
Hometown: New York
Job: Entrepreneur
Instagram: @siscostory
Known as Cisco, he has gone through tough times, such as losing his father. His first slice of fame was when his TikTok video was shown on Good Morning America!
He does his fair share of working out and modeling, alongside making videos on TikTok. Cisco got his braces off after 15 years in 2020 and played in the Regional Championships for Men’s Basketball.
Hayley Smith-Rose
Hometown: Maine
Job: DJ, radio and podcast host
Instagram: @radiohalystorm
Hayley Smith-Rose runs her own podcast, Fever Dream Diaries, alongside her Hot Radio Maine job. She conducts interviews with her best friend, Becca Howard.
In May 2023, the Surviving Paradise Netflix cast member fulfilled her dream of DJing at a dispensary. Hayley has been in a relationship with her partner for a whole decade.
Sarah Kate Reynolds
Hometown:
Job: Cheerleader
Instagram: @sarahkatereynolds
Sarah Kate Reynolds is married to Landon Goesling, an NBA marketing agent. He popped the question in August 2023. Sarah is also the founder of the swimwear brand SK SWIM.
She is also a Cheerleading World Champion. Sarah became good friends with Shea Foster, who called her a “southern belle taking over” while she called him her “sidekick.”
Justin Assada
Hometown: Boston, Massachusetts
Job: Reality TV star
Instagram: @justinassada
Justin is often seen hanging out with friends and appears to be passionate about music. He plays guitar, often goes to gigs, and is no stranger to a Metallica t-shirt.
Shea said of his co-star: “Sheshhhhh let me tell you my guy Justin is a a different breed!” While Aaron wrote: “That whole experience wouldn’t have been the same without my guy right here.”
Lellies Santiago
Hometown: New York
Job: Actress and TV personality
Instagram: @lelliessantiago
Lellies is the founder of BBDC, a clothing brand, and community that stands for ‘Bad B*tches Don’t Crease’. It is a sisterhood of women who have been faced with adversity and now found confidence.
The model and actress is in a relationship with Kris Kasanova. She has been featured in Voyage LA Magazine, having first begun modeling in ninth grade, from doing school fashion shows to hair shows.
Taylor Olympios
Hometown: New York
Job: Influencer
Instagram: @taylorolympios
Taylor is a 23-year-old TikTok star and younger sister of reality star Corinne Olympios, who appeared in The Bachelor season 21. Taylor was cast in season 3 of the reality series Next Influencer.
Alex Dourassof
Hometown: Miami
Job: Real estate agent
Instagram: @adourassof
A French boy living in Miami, Alex Dourassof has worked for CANVAS Real Estate since May 2020. He was previously a Marketing and Social Media Coordinator for Thanxngo.
In 2018, the Netflix star graduated from Full Sail University with a Bachelor of Science in Entertainment Business. He now stars in music videos, such as in Sami Edelson, Cyclope Beatz, and Red’s How U Feelin’.
Eva
Hometown: Tampa
Job: Photographer
Instagram: @lilmissevaa
Surviving Paradise Netflix cast member Eva is a photographer based across the USA. She takes photos in Tampa and Orlando, is a Pisces, and actually shortens her name, which is Evangeline.
She is passionate about poetry and old books. Eva wrote on Instagram: “I make alliances, shed some tears, and attempt to win my way into a $100,000 cash prize.”
Linda Okoli
Hometown: Greater Houston
Job: Radio presenter
Instagram: @lifeonloc
Linda, 30, is originally from Nigeria. She is an alumnus of Baylor University, where she worked as an office assistant until 2015. The Netflix star also worked as a Fashion Consultant.
Tabitha Sloane
Hometown: Indiana
Job: Model and influencer
Instagram: @tabitha.sloane
Tabitha is the founder of the LGBTQ+ community Out + About. They are based in the Midwest and refer to themselves as a gender-fluid and biracial model with over five years of experience.
The star, who is in a relationship with girlfriend Kyra Beck, got into acting three years ago. Tabitha’s work was featured on Indy’s Finest Vintage 2022 Advertorial Campaign and Calia 2022 Advertorial Campaign.
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