Jeff Probst Biography: Age, Net Worth, Siblings, Parents, Height, Movies, Children, Wife

Jeffrey Lee Probst, better known by his stage name, Jeff Probst, is an American television presenter, producer, and young adult fiction writer.

He began his career producing corporate videos before transitioning to television, where he hosted various programs, including Access Hollywood and Rock & Roll Jeopardy!

Probst is best known as the longtime host of the reality competition series Survivor. In addition to his work on Survivor, he hosted The Jeff Probst Show, a daytime talk show from 2012 to 2013.

Beyond television, he is also a filmmaker, having written and directed the indie film Finder’s Fee (2001), which received multiple awards at film festivals.

Profile

• Full Name: Jeffrey Lee Probst
• Stage Name: Jeff Probst
• Born: November 4, 1961
• Age: 63 years old
• Birthplace: Wichita, Kansas, United States
• Nationality: American
• Occupation: American television presenter, producer, and young adult fiction writer
• Height: 1.78 m
• Parents: Barbara Probst, Jerry Probst
• Siblings: Scott Probst, Brent Probst
• Spouse: Lisa Ann Russell (m. 2011), Shelly Wright (m. 1996–2001)
• Children: Unknown
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $50 million

Early Life And Education

Jeffrey Lee Probst was born to Jerry and Barbara Probst on November 4, 1961, in Wichita, Kansas, United States.

He is the eldest of three sons, with two younger brothers, Brent and Scott. His family lived in Wichita before relocating to Bellevue, Washington, when he was 15.

Probst graduated from Newport High School in 1979 and later enrolled at Seattle Pacific University.

However, he left college before completing his degree to pursue a career in television. He is of German and American descent and was raised in a Christian household.

Career

Jeff Probst began his career in the entertainment industry by producing corporate videos before transitioning to television hosting.

His early roles included hosting various programs, such as Access Hollywood and Rock & Roll Jeopardy!, where he showcased his charisma and ability to engage audiences.

These opportunities helped establish him as a dynamic television personality, paving the way for his breakthrough role on Survivor.

As Survivor’s host and executive producer, Probst became a defining figure in reality television. Since the show’s premiere in 2000, he has played a crucial role in shaping its narrative, guiding contestants through challenges, and delivering dramatic tribal council moments.

His contributions to the show have earned him multiple Emmy Awards and widespread recognition as one of the most influential hosts in the genre.

Beyond Survivor, Probst expanded his television career with The Jeff Probst Show, a daytime talk show from 2012 to 2013.

The show featured interviews, personal stories, and discussions on various topics, reflecting Probst’s versatility as a host.

Though it had a short run, the experience further demonstrated his ability to connect with audiences beyond the competitive reality TV format.

Awards and Nominations

Jeff Probst has received numerous awards and nominations throughout his career.

Primetime Emmy Awards

• 2008: Outstanding Host for a Reality or Reality-Competition Program
• 2009: Outstanding Host for a Reality or Reality-Competition Program
• 2010: Outstanding Host for a Reality or Reality-Competition Program
• 2011: Outstanding Host for a Reality or Reality-Competition Program

Method Fest

• 2001: Best Screenplay for Finder’s Fee

Social Media

• Instagram handle: @jeffprobst
• Facebook handle: Jeff Probst
• Twitter handle: @JeffProbst

Personal Life

Jeff Probst has been married twice. He is married to Lisa Ann Russell, a former model and actress.

The couple met in 2010 at a Christmas party hosted by Survivor producer Mark Burnett and later married on December 5, 2011, in a private ceremony at Probst’s home in Los Angeles.

Through his marriage to Russell, Probst became a stepfather to her two children, Michael (born 2004) and Ava (born 2006), from her previous marriage to actor Mark-Paul Gosselaar.

Before his marriage to Russell, Probst married Shelly Wright, a psychotherapist. The couple wed in 1996 but divorced in 2001 after five years of marriage.

Following his first divorce, Probst was in a relationship with Survivor contestant Julie Berry from 2004 to 2008.

Filmography

• Lucky Chances (1990) (TV Movie)
• CBS Summer Playhouse (1991)
• Into the Wild (1992) (TV Series)
• Access Hollywood (1996-1999)
• Survivor (2000-present)
• The Biggest Loser (2006)
• Two and a Half Men (2007)
• How I Met Your Mother (2008)
• Family Guy (2009) – Himself
• The Jeff Probst Show (2012-2013)
• Life in Pieces (2016)
• Madam Secretary (2018)
• Celebrity Big Brother (2019)
• SEAL Team (2024)
• Calendar Girl (1993)
• From Dusk Till Dawn 3: The Hangman’s Daughter (2000)
• When I Find You (2016)

Net Worth

Jeff Probst’s net worth is estimated at $50 million.

He earns approximately $8 million per season as the host of Survivor and serves as an executive producer.

Beyond Survivor, his wealth is bolstered by his work as a filmmaker, author, and television host, creating multiple income streams throughout his career.