'Survivor' Season 41: Here's why Genie Chen compares herself to alumni Cirie Fields
When it comes to taking on the challenges on 'Survivor' being physically fit is definitely an advantage. But, while that's a critical component, it is not the only one. Working within your team and, more importantly, creating strong enough connections is just as vital. After all, the show puts not only your body but your mind and spirit to the ultimate test.
Back with Season 41, 18 new castaways find themselves in Fiji, ready to take on gruelling challenges that are sure to put their minds and body to the ultimate test. With Jeff Probst returning to host the show, this season promises game-changing twists. Are you looking to meet the new castaways? Continue reading!
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Who is Genie Chen?
Genie Chen is a 46-year-old grocery clerk from Los Angeles, CA, who currently resides in Portland, OR. Her hobbies include cooking, video games, thrift store and antique shopping. Chen describes herself as funny, kind and sensible, all of which she believes will help her during the contest. "I'm very likable and sincere so people trust me.
I'm also very nice so no one will suspect me to be strategic." she explains.
Chen plans on taking her own approach to the game
Chen CBS bio mentioned that she doesn't plan on playing like any specific player and wants to approach the competition with a clean slate. "I don't believe in playing like any other contestant before. I'm going to have many alliances so I can always have the best options to further my game." she explained. However, in a conversation with Parade, she mentioned that she sees many similarities between her and Cirie Tiffany Fields who competed on 'Survivor: Panama', 'Survivor: Micronesia', 'Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains', and 'Survivor: Game Changers'.
"I identify with Cirie a lot. I felt like she was very, very strong socially. Everybody seemed to have a nice warm place for Cirie. And I'm thinking that's gonna be my gameplay. Everybody's gonna like me. I mean, I don't know how to say this without sounding very conceited. But people adore me when they meet me; they just do. And I think that's gonna really help me socially. However, what I have over Cirie is that I'm a lot more athletic than she is. So I think that would come in handy a lot. Very handy in the physical challenges, especially individual immunity." she explained.
Although she isn't borrowing any game plans, she does wish she can embody Season 28 and Season 40 winner Anthony Vlachos keen ability to read people. "And one of my favorite winners is Tony. I really admire Tony. I don't think I'm very similar to Tony because the first time he played, he tried to be somebody he wasn't. I could never do that. But I do admire his strategies, the way that he's able to read people and know when they're lying to him. I would want to have some of Tony in me and be able to tell somebody who's lying to me." she said.
Catch the premiere of 'Survivor' Season 41 on September 22 at 8/7c on CBS, the CBS app and Paramount+