The Survivor community recently said "goodbye" to one of its own. Angie Jakusz was a fierce competitor on Survivor: Palau as she fought to outwit, outplay, and outlast her fellow contestants. But some fights aren't possible to win. On January 8, at the age of 40, Angie lost her lengthy battle with cancer. Survivor alums and fans alike are mourning her death.
Angie was 25 years old when she appeared on Survivor season 10. With her tattoos and piercings, Angie didn't look like the average castaway and was immediately ostracized from her tribe. However, that all changed when "No Fun Angie" began dominating challenges, positioning herself as one of the strongest females among the Ulong group. The Waukesha, Wisconsin native finished the cutthroat game in 13th place.
The artist and bartender defied the odds not only on Survivor, but also in real life. Over the years, Angie fought a difficult cancer battle, braving chemotherapy and radiation two times. According to a GoFundMe page, the cancer returned with a vengeance shortly after the COVID-19 pandemic began. Sadly, nothing seemed to work and her final two months were spent at home in hospice care. Angie died peacefully in the arms of her husband Steven Calandra on January 8. As reported by People, the New Orleans resident was buried in Metairie, Louisiana.
Fellow Survivor: Palau contestant Coby Archa reflected on how Angie revolutionized casting on the competition show. He said, "People have to remember back in 2005, women weren't cast on 'Survivor' with dreads and tattoos. She broke the casting barrier. Fans related to her story so much, and a lot of people wanted to see her play again for her strength. We had heard from her family three years ago that she was battling cancer. We raised some money for her treatments. She wasn't into fame, just the experience of 'Survivor.' She came, she played, and she went back to her life in New Orleans. She liked her life that way." Archa isn't the only reality TV alum to feel saddened by Angie's passing. Big Brother star Nicole Anthony tweeted her condolences. Many Survivor fans also took to social media. See the tweets below.
Despite her untimely exit from both the real world and Survivor, it's clear Angie made a lasting impact. She fought tooth and nail to survive and now serves as an inspiration for many, whether it's someone experiencing a devastating illness or the tattooed girl who's afraid she won't fit in with the six-pack crowd. Angie is proof that being yourself and taking on every obstacle life throws is the way to live.
Source: GoFundMe, People, strongislandni2/Twitter, NorthieMTStangl/Twitter, theintroologist/Twitter