Mike White has kept his Survivor castmates close to him as he has built his Emmy-winning drama, The White Lotus. After his Survivor run, where he was part of the 2018 David vs. Goliath season, White has incorporated several of his former castmates into his show, giving them memorable roles in each season.
Alec Merlino, a former Goliath tribe member, appeared in The White Lotus as Hutch, a carefree bartender at the Hawaiian resort. Merlino had a significant presence, appearing in five episodes, which was more than any other Survivor contestant. His laid-back character contrasted with his intense elimination in the Survivor endurance challenge.
Angelina Keeley, another standout from the Goliath tribe, is known for her viral moment of asking for a jacket after being voted out. She transitioned from island survival to luxury as she portrayed a wealthy beachgoer at the Italian resort in The White Lotus. Kara Kay, also from the Goliath tribe, made a brief but stylish appearance in the same beach scene.
In season 3 of The White Lotus, White continues the Survivor reunion with the additions of Natalie Cole and Carl Boudreaux. Cole, who was eliminated pre-merge thanks to White’s deciding vote on Survivor, makes an appearance as a glamorous resort guest in Thailand. Boudreaux, a David tribe member, who was sent home early in Survivor on day 30, also joins the cast in the same scene.
White’s ongoing use of Survivor castmates is a fun nod to their shared history and adds an extra layer of enjoyment for fans of both shows. As the series continues, it’s exciting to imagine which David vs. Goliath alum might make their way into the next season of The White Lotus.