Rupert Boneham may not have won "Survivor All-Stars," but the burly counselor from Indianapolis became a millionaire because of the show anyway.
Boneham, the bearded giant whose fishing skills, dedication to the game, and overall likability earned him millions of fans, won a million-dollar check from the CBS show Thursday night.
After the million-dollar "All-Stars" prize was awarded to Amber Brkich on May 9, the CBS show announced that it would be awarding another million-dollar prize, this time to a contestant voted for by viewers.
Boneham had been a fan favorite during both his seasons, and from the moment the new prize was announced, many believed he would win the million dollars. 38 million people voted, host Jeff Probst said.
The four finalists were Boneham, "Boston" Rob Mariano, Colby Donaldson, and Big Tom Buchanan. Mariano may not have taken home the check this time, but since he proposed marriage to Brkich at the May 9 show, he'll be sharing her prize.
The show also announced the winners of various other viewer votes. Donaldson was named sexiest male Survivor, while Brkich was named sexiest female contestant. An argument between Boneham and Jon "Johnny Fairplay" Dalton from "Pearl Islands" was named best "Survivor" fight. A scene in which Boneham stole goods from the opposing tribe on his "Survivor Pearl Islands" season was named best overall "Survivor" moment.
The next "Survivor" season, the show's ninth, will be held on Vanuatu in the South Pacific, and will begin airing in September, Probst said.
Gael Fashingbauer Cooper is MSNBC's Television Editor