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'Survivor: Island of the Idols' Season 39 pays tribute to former contestant and 'icon' Rudy Boesch after he dies at the age of 91

Rudy, then 72, was the oldest cast member in the first season when he appeared on the show. He ended up making it to the final three before he was sent home.

'Survivor: Island of the Idols' season 39 returned on Wednesday night, and while it was a nailbiting episode, it was also an emotional one towards the end when the series paid tribute to late Rudy Boesch, a former Navy SEAL, who appeared in the first season of 'Survivor' at the age of 72. 

Rudy was the oldest cast member in the first season when he appeared on the show. He ended up making it to the final three before he was sent home. When Rudy returned to 'Survivor: All-Stars' at the age of 75, he once again was the oldest contestant on the show. 

But sadly, the former fan-favorite contestant passed away on November 1st, 2019 at the age of 91 after a long battle with Alzheimer's. At the end of the episode, the series paid tribute to the legendary contestant. They aired a photo of Rudy along with a tribute note that read, "A Survivor Icon. An American Hero.”

Rudy served his country with passion and excellence. He was also one of the first reality TV stars who was a fan-favorite amongst most of the viewers who had watched season 1 when it premiered in the summer of 2000. Though he didn't go on to win the season, he did get book deals post his appearance. 

Apart from paying tribute to him on the show, host Jeff Probst along with his former teammates took to Twitter and paid tribute to the late Survivor hero. "The Survivor family has lost a legend. Rudy Boesch passed at the age of 91. He played in the first season of Survivor at the age of 72. He is one is the most iconic and adored players of all time. And he served our country as a 45-year Navy SEAL. Rudy is a true American hero," Jeff Probst tweeted. 

Richard Hatch his former tribemate also tweeted saying, "Ours was an interesting bond, Dear Rudy! You and I helped open minds and undermine prejudices. While your time here has passed, you will remain loved and iconic, dear friend!" 

Fans also took to Twitter and paid their respects to the late star. "R.I.P. Rudy Boesch! Thank You for your service to the Country (Ret. NAVY Seal) and for the Memories you gave the Survivor (#Borneo & #AllStars) Fandom. @survivorcbs #Survivor #RIPRudy," a fan tweeted. 

Adding to that another said, "His first love was the US Navy. Bronze Star Medal veteran. An extraordinary human being. #Survivor icon. R.I.P. Rudy Boesch." 

"Aww i had no idea that Rudy Boesch died last week! He was a #Survivor great and I got to meet him very briefly when i was a Waiter at the Emmys while interning in 2000, his year of Survivor. He was old school tough. Sad to hear he's passed. RIP Rudy," shared another fan. 

'Survivor: Island of the Idols' airs every Wednesday night only on CBS. Check your local listings for more information.