EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: One World’s TROYZAN!
We’ve already introduced you to Survivor: One World’s Troyzan, the 50-year-old monkey whisperer (as I like to call him) who, based upon first impression, seems to have everything it takes to be a leading competitor in Season 24.
Don’t let his age fool you, Troyzan is in amazing shape and should have no problem keeping up with those castaways who are twenty years younger. He has charisma (ask the monkeys!), a background fit for Survivor, AND he knows the game.
I’ll admit, when I first saw his casting video (see the link above) I thought he might be ‘showboating’ a little too much and that can sometimes be a jinx. You know those showboat boxers who dance their way into the ring with a menacing song blaring, fog machines pumping, lasers bouncing off the walls, but when they enter the ring they get knocked the funk out with a quickness? Yeah, that was my first thought. However the thought was fleeting and after watching his video a few more times and learning quite a bit more about him, I have to admit, right off the bat, this guy is the one I am most excited to watch compete on Survivor: One World.
Recently I had a chance to ask Troyzan (real name Troy Robertson) a few questions about himself and I am thrilled to share them with you. What does Troyzan think of being compared to Coach? Who are his inspirations and what are his pet peeves? And of course, what would he bring with him on a deserted island? His answers might shock you. Read on to learn more about Troyzan before Survivor: One World starts Wednesday, February 15 at 8pm on CBS!
Even though the season hasn’t started yet, we notice that you are being compared a lot to Coach. We can see the similarities between you two, but what are the differences?
It’s so strange I’m being compared to Coach so much. I’m NOTHING like him. Well…maybe the hair and that’s it! The biggest difference is that I’m not a crazy-ass Christian like he is. I would never bring Jesus into the game as much as he did. As far as I know, Jesus was not on that island wearing a buff when he was there, and The Lord wasn’t there while my tribe lived there as well. But who knows? He might have been hiding up in a coconut tree. I really don’t think God or Jesus, or whomever you pray to, gives a crap whether one tribe wins a challenge or not.
You are obviously very fit. How do you keep yourself in such great shape?
I keep myself in shape by cycling and swimming almost daily. I’ve been cycling since I was 18. I try to swim at least 2500-3500 meters 4 times a week. I also put myself through the P90X program last year. I’ve always had good eating habits. I eat mostly organic fruits and veggies. No carbs at night. I’ve been taking the same (BEST on the planet) multi-vitamins for the past 22 years. Andrew Lessman’s Men’s Complete 100. And a major part in staying young has been to live stress free. Enjoy everything you have ‘NOW.’ Woryring about anything in my life never brought me closer to what I wanted!
Also, staying self-employed and never being married. Hahahaha
If you were stranded on an island (go figure) what three items could you not live without?
Can the items be my two dogs Dudley and Taylor? I use my Leatherman® tool almost daily!
Your photography is amazing. How did you get started in this profession?
I’m a self taught photographer and have loved looking at photos from early in my childhood. You can read my Bio on my website for more info. TroyRobertson.com.
What is something we would be shocked to learn about you?
I’m not sure if I’ve ever really been ‘in love’
Who inspires you?
My father first -I’m a chip off the ol’ block. Muhammad Ali, Lance Armstrong.
Do you have any pet peeves?
People that constantly text while I’m having a conversation with them, bad drivers and women with manly hands.
We know of your love for monkeys, and animals in general. How did you begin working with them?
I grew up with animals and have been around them my entire life. I’m better with animals than humans! I adopted Tiki my first marmoset monkey in 1992 and got him a mate, Tavi, a year later. Over the years they had twelve babies. I studied them everyday and was fascinated by their similarites to humans.
Being in the primate world I had a chance to meet Patti Regan who runs the Center for Great Apes in Wachula,Fl. I volunteered for her for several years and that enabled me to work closely with young chimpanzees as well as orangutans and Capuchin monkeys. I feel at home the most when I’m around primates. It’s very natural for me, and extremely inspiring and peaceful.
You have photographed many of the world’s top supermodels. Who is your favorite of the bunch?
Oh geez, if I pick a favorite then I could get myself in hot water!! Haha I’m gonna have to give you my Fab 5 – Brooklyn Decker, Chrissy Teigen, Alyssa Miller, Jessica Gomes, Anne V (and that was in no particular order) oh shit …one more, Bar Rafaeli.
Name something on your bucket list.
I’ve checked off so many things in the past few years…but I still have one dream. I want to travel deep into the Amazon Rainforest and photograph an indigenous Indian tribe.
Is there a motto that would be fitting for your life?
Wow, I have so many, but I like this one: ”You are surrounded by gifts every living moment of everyday. Let yourself feel appreciation for their presence in your life and take the time to acknowledge their splendor.”
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Bunny lady