'Blackbeard' has finally received his 'Survivor' bounty and he didn't have to lie, cheat or steal to get it.
Rupert 'Blackbeard' Boneham, the 40-year-old troubled teen councilor from Indianapolis, was awarded a million dollar prize by 'Survivor' fans on last night's special 'America's Tribal Council' edition of the popular reality show series.
Overcome with tears and mouthing "Thank you!" to the viewers at home, Rupert's wife Laura and his daughter Raya (celebrating her fifth birthday) were at his side when host Jeff Probst signed over the million dollar cheque. Of the thirty million votes in total that were cast for the 'America's Tribal Council' show, 8 million were for the million dollar prize winner. It was not announced how many votes Rupert actually received.
Shortly after his win, Rupert's supporters flooded his official site with best wishes.
"I am so happy that a person who played the game the right way was finally awarded the prize," wrote 'tomkatj1'. "Happy birthday to your beautiful little girl. Thank her for giving her father to us for just a little while. There will never be another Survivor like you Rupert."
"Congrats Rupert, You deserved the money, my family and friends, voted for you, and our local radio station, encouraged people to show their support and vote for you. Wishing you and your family, Joy, Happiness, and Good Health," wrote 'Cattie', a 'Survivor' fan from Ontario.
"My husband and I have loved and identified with you from the first time we saw you. We are so proud of you and are so thrilled for you and your family. You have restored our faith that good things really do happen to good people. Enjoy every moment of your hard earned success," wrote 'Butterfly' from New York.
The other 'Survivor: All-Stars' fan favourite finalists for the bonus million were Colby Donaldson ('Survivor: The Australian Outback'), Tom Buchanan ('Survivor: Africa') and Rob 'The Robfather' Mariano ('Survivor: Marquesas').
In the other categories voted on by the fans, Colby Donaldson won 'Sexiest Survivor Male', 'All-Stars' Sole Survivor Amber Brkich was declared 'Sexiest Survivor Female", Rupert and Johnny 'Fairplay' Dalton's heated exchange on 'Survivor: Pearl Islands' won 'Best Fight', Rupert stealing the Morgan Tribe's possessions on 'Pearl Islands' was selected as the 'Favourite Survivor Moment' and Johnnie 'Fairplay' Dalton was picked as the 'Greatest Survivor Villain'.
Dalton, who didn't appear on the 'All-Stars' edition was in attendance for the 'Survivor' special.
"I thought this was the casting for 'All Stars 2'," joked Dalton on the broadcast as he promoted his affiliation with the TNA wrestling promotion.
'Survivor: All Stars' sweethearts winner Amber Brkich and Rob Mariano revealed that several networks have approached them about airing their wedding on national television. When asked by Probst if the couple was seriously considering the offers, Mariano said "If the price is right, Jeff."
Vanuatu, a group of islands in the South Pacific, was revealed as the site of the nineth installment of the series. Vanuatu is known for its tropical cyclones or typhoons, its volcanoes, it's roots in slavery, sorcery and cannibalism as well as being the birth place of bungee jumping. 'Survivor Vanuatu: Islands of Fire' will begin shooting in July and air some time in September.
