Russell Swan

Russell Swan is a contestant from and .He, with Francesca Hogi are the only African-Americans to play twice and never reach the merge.

A charismatic leader, Russell's leadership saw his original tribe dominate Foa Foa, though he was abruptly pulled from the game in one of the show's most frightening evacuations due to severe dehydration. His later appearance in his second season saw a drastic shift in personality that caused his downfall.

Profile
At 5’11” and 220 “semi-solid” pounds, this attorney spends his working hours suing companies and individuals who violate environmental laws. In addition to practicing law, Russell enjoys spending time with his wife and five daughters and watching independent films.

Growing up in Pittsburgh, Russell’s father fell victim to layoffs at a local steel mill and struggled to support his family. Forced to move into Section 8 housing, his parents eventually divorced but the separation did not weaken any of his relationships, including the one he shared with his parents. Russell’s hero is his dad whom he says, “really loved his family and was a perfect example of what a husband should be to his wife, and what a dad should be to his child.”

Despite tumultuous circumstances (or as a result of), Russell has been attracted to jobs with responsibilities ranging from environmental protection, minority youth education advocacy and representation for homeless individuals. He is a dedicated father and a loving husband and describes a perfect day as spending time with his daughter and ending the day by “talking” privately with his wife.

A passionate man, Russell cannot stand hearing over-generalizations about specific groupings of people and avoids discussing topics relating to race and sexuality because he feels that others usually have a hard time dealing with his conversation style.

Always prepared to joke and laugh at himself, Russell is willing to go to drastic lengths for a million dollars in order to win including making a vow to cut off his dreadlocks if he wins the title of sole SURVIVOR.

Survivor: Samoa
Upon arriving to Samoa, Russell was placed on Galu. Russell was elected leader by his tribemates, but was reluctant to accept the position. At camp, Russell's managed to lead his tribe quite well despite being faced with many difficult decisions he had to make and his leadership skills encouraged Galu to win challenge after challenge. Seeing Shambo's dismal performance around camp and in challenges, he sent the already alienated Shambo to be the observer of the Foa Foa tribe twice in a row and making her miss out on reward. When the downpour came in the second quarter of the game, Russell began to increase his work quota. This proved to be almost fatal when Russell was evacuated and almost died during a challenge when his heart rate plunged. He was sad to leave but knew he couldn't die because his family needed him.

Survivor: Philippines
Russell returned to the game for a second time, becoming a member of the Matsing Tribe. Russell vocally announced he did not want to be Matsing's leader, wanting to avoid what happened to him the first time around. However, Russell still gave out orders, causing fellow tribe members Malcolm Freberg and Angie Layton to consider voting him out at the earliest opportunity. Matsing managed to lose their first Immunity Challenge, but Russell was spared when Zane Knight's strategy of asking to be voted out (to feel out who wanted him around) backfired, and he was unanimously voted out 5-1. Russell would soon gain an ally, Roxanne Morris, with the two wanting to split up Malcolm and Angie. Russell attempted to swing Denise Stapley (who, unbeknownst to both parties, was Malcolm's ally). Matsing would lose a second (but by a much smaller margin this time) Immunity Challenge. Russell was once again spared but decided to vote Roxanne with the majority. At the third Immunity Challenge, Russell struggled to climb up the ladder out of the water, once again putting him in the hot seat against Angie (who also struggled), losing once again by a small margin. At Tribal Council, Russell campaigned, saying that he was more dedicated to the game of Survivor and had more experience than Angie. Russell found himself spared again by a 3-1 vote. With Matsing down to 3, Russell was on the outs as he no longer had any allies, nor would he have many (if any) valid arguments to convince either Malcolm or Denise to turn on each other. Russell tried to find the Hidden Immunity Idol, but failed to do so after Denise caught him. At the Immunity Challenge, Matsing lost for their fourth time in a row, causing Russell to snap by smashing the rice pot used in the challenge, and telling Jeff he wanted to be made of "excellence". Russell believed himself to be the swing as Malcolm and Denise plotted against the other (although this was a ruse to blindside Russell). At the fourth Tribal Council, a shocked Russell was voted out 2-1 and became the fourth person voted out on Survivor: Philippines, finishing in 15th place.

Post-Survivor
After coming home from the Philippines, Russell fell into depression. He fell into denial and felt horrible because he has to re-live it watching the show.

Trivia

 * Russell's evacuation was so severe, this incident marked the first time a challenge was cancelled while underway, with neither tribe awarded the win.
 * Russell lasted only 15 days on his debut season - less than any other male returnee.
 * Russell is one of eight castaways (the others being Rob Mariano, Shii Ann Huang, Bobby Jon Drinkard, Michael Skupin, Francesca Hogi, Colton Cumbie, and Monica Culpepper) that returned for a second season despite not reaching the Jury phase of the game in their original season.
 * Russell lasted only 25 days on his two seasons combined. This was surpassed by Francesca Hogi, who only lasted 9 days over two seasons and later he was surpassed again by Colton Cumbie who lasted 23 days.
 * Russell, Francesca, and Colton are the only returning players to never reach the merge/Jury phase of the game.
 * Russell, Tom Westman, Francesca Hogi and Colton have been affiliated with only two tribes despite having played two seasons.
 * Russell was the only returnee on Survivor: Philippines to not be addressed by his last name.
 * On both of his seasons, Russell appeared 13th in the opening credits.
 * The only occasion where Russell didn't vote with his tribe's majority was when he was voted out in Philippines.