'Survivor' Host Jeff Probst's Wife Was Married to This 'Saved by the Bell' Star
Updated March 8 2023, 1:51 p.m. ET
By this point, Jeff Probst is basically an icon. The host (and executive producer) of all 41 seasons of Survivor is known for making the show what it is. He couldn't have done it without his sass, go-to button-down shirt, and of course, his wife. He married Lisa Ann Russell, but this isn't his first marriage or relationship. Jeff was married to psychotherapist Shelly Wright from 1996 to 2001. He also dated a former Survivor contestant before meeting Lisa Ann.
Who is Jeff Probst's wife, Lisa Ann Russell?
Lisa Ann, a former model and actress, was born in Sterling, Ill., but moved to California to pursue her dream of modeling and acting. She modeled for Revlon before attending college. Then, she made a guest appearance on Saved by the Bell: The College Years in 1993. She's also had small roles in movies like Twisted Love (1995), and Sinbad: The Battle of the Dark Knights (1998). In 2013, she appeared on The Jeff Probst Show.
Before marrying Jeff, Lisa Ann was married to actor Mark-Paul Gosselaar. The two were together for 15 years (1996-2011) and share two kids together (Michael and Ava). Lisa Ann and Jeff met at Survivor producer Mark Burnett's holiday party, according to Glamour Biz.
Did Lisa Ann want Jeff to quit 'Survivor'? She mentioned it to him in the past.
According to a 2017 Radar Online article, Lisa Ann wanted Jeff to retire as host of Survivor. A source told the outlet that "Jeff loves his crazy job, and the very peaceful home life he goes home to when he's not shooting, but his wife, Lisa, wants him home permanently ... Now that her kids [and Probst's stepchildren] are teenagers, Lisa needs his help more than ever ... She says the family doesn't need the Survivor money and that they're completely set for life."
Who else has Jeff Probst dated? His past relationship with Julie Berry explained.
In 2004, Jeff hit it off with one of his Season 9 Survivor contestants, Julie Berry. They broke up in 2008. According to People, Jeff emailed Julie as soon as the show ended — so as far as we know, both parties kept things professional during the filming process. Jeff told the celeb news outlet, "Once we started spending some time together, I didn't have any doubt ... all the questions about how you meet and any potential obstacles, they fade away like an old dry leaf."
He added, "I'm with her. I'm with her family, and there ain't no turning back. When you find it, you know, and now I get it." Jeff and Julie made it official at the Survivor: Vanuatu reunion, according to Men's Health.
Ultimately, Jeff and Julie broke up a little less than four years later, but it's unclear why. Both were quiet about their separation, which is cool. Everyone deserves their privacy. Since then, Julie has worked as a story assistant as well as a producer on a couple of shows like Dancing with the Stars and The Bachelor. She's currently a therapist in Los Angeles, according to her LinkedIn profile.
Catch new episodes of Survivor Wednesdays at 8 p.m. EST on CBS.
