Who Is Jeff Probst Married To? A Deep Dive Into His Relationship
Jeff Probst’s Wife: Lisa Ann Russell
Jeff Probst, the iconic host of *Survivor*, has not only captured the hearts of millions of viewers but also found love off the screen. Lisa Ann Russell, a former model and actress, became Probst’s wife in 2011, and together, they’ve created a harmonious life with a blended family. This is the relationship that fans are most curious about, and it’s no surprise why—Jeff Probst’s personal life has been a mystery to many.
Lisa Ann Russell was born in Illinois and began her career as a model, notably working with *Revlon* before branching into acting. She had guest roles in shows like *Saved by the Bell: The College Years*, where she met her first husband, actor Mark-Paul Gosselaar. They were married from 1996 to 2010, sharing two children, Michael and Ava, before amicably divorcing. It was after this chapter that Russell met Jeff Probst at a Christmas party hosted by *Survivor* producer Mark Burnett in 2010.
Their relationship quickly blossomed, leading to a quiet wedding on December 5, 2011, in a private Los Angeles ceremony surrounded by close friends and family. This union, while the second for both, has been marked by mutual respect, support, and love for family. Together, they navigate a blended family life, co-parenting Russell’s two children with Gosselaar.
Table: Jeff Probst and Lisa Ann Russell’s Key Life Events
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Lisa Ann Russell’s Birth | Illinois, USA |
| Lisa’s First Marriage | Mark-Paul Gosselaar (1996-2010) |
| Jeff Probst’s Marriage to Lisa | December 5, 2011 |
| Blended Family | Michael and Ava (Children from Russell’s first marriage) |
Lisa Ann Russell’s Previous Marriage
Before becoming Mrs. Probst, Lisa Ann Russell was married to *Saved by the Bell* star Mark-Paul Gosselaar. Their marriage spanned 14 years, from 1996 until 2010, during which they had two children—Michael Charles Gosselaar and Ava Lorenn Gosselaar. Despite their divorce, Gosselaar and Russell maintain an amicable relationship, co-parenting their children. Russell has spoken highly of Gosselaar’s involvement in their children’s lives, and this open, respectful co-parenting arrangement has allowed Jeff Probst to seamlessly integrate into their family.
Michael and Ava, born in 2004 and 2006, respectively, are now teenagers. They’ve adapted well to their blended family situation, where they share time between their biological father, Mark-Paul, and their stepfather, Jeff. Probst has expressed how much he cherishes his role as their stepfather, noting that he doesn’t view them as “stepchildren” but rather as his own.
The Blended Family of Jeff Probst
One of the most admirable aspects of Jeff Probst and Lisa Ann Russell’s marriage is how they’ve cultivated a warm, loving blended family. The Probst-Russell-Gosselaar dynamic is a testament to the success of modern co-parenting. Probst himself has spoken about how he and Mark-Paul Gosselaar’s second wife, Catriona McGinn, have taken on their roles as additional parents in the children’s lives.
In a 2012 interview, Probst revealed a heartwarming moment that cemented his relationship with Russell’s kids. On the day of their wedding, Michael Gosselaar referred to him as “Dad,” signifying his acceptance into the family. This moment was deeply meaningful for Probst, who had already begun to see himself as a father figure to the children. This harmonious family life is something both Probst and Russell cherish, and it reflects in how they prioritize family above all.
Quote from Jeff Probst:
> “When we got married, Michael looked up and said, ‘Dad,’ and I could tell that he knew now that this big thing was official and it was real.” (*People Magazine*)
Jeff Probst’s Relationship Timeline
Jeff Probst’s personal life has seen its share of ups and downs, but his journey to finding love with Lisa Ann Russell has been both heartwarming and inspiring. Probst’s first marriage to Shelley Wright, a psychotherapist, lasted from 1996 to 2001. After their divorce, Probst entered a romantic relationship with Julie Berry, a contestant from *Survivor: Vanuatu*. This relationship, though high-profile, ended in 2008. Despite this, Probst has always maintained a respectful attitude toward his past relationships, acknowledging that each played a role in shaping who he is today.
His relationship with Lisa Ann Russell, however, has stood the test of time. The mutual respect they have for one another, their shared values, and the bond they’ve built with their children have set a strong foundation for their marriage. Probst has often credited Lisa for her unwavering support, especially during the hectic filming schedules of *Survivor*.
The Private Life of Jeff Probst and Lisa Ann Russell
Despite their public personas, Jeff Probst and Lisa Ann Russell have made a conscious effort to keep their personal life away from the limelight. They’ve created a sanctuary in Los Angeles, where they reside with their children. Their home, purchased from the estate of Gene Autry, spans 8,000 square feet and boasts a serene outdoor space that Probst frequently enjoys.
This commitment to privacy extends to their social life as well. While Probst continues to enjoy his role as the host of *Survivor*, he and Lisa prioritize their family time. Their ability to strike a balance between the demands of fame and their personal life is admirable.
The Role of Jeff Probst’s Marriage in His Career
Jeff Probst’s career as the host of *Survivor* is nothing short of legendary, having been with the show since its inception in 2000. His wife, Lisa Ann Russell, has been a supportive figure behind the scenes. Despite the long hours and international travel required by the show, Probst and Russell have made their marriage work. However, according to reports, there was a time when Lisa encouraged Jeff to consider stepping away from *Survivor*, feeling that their family was financially secure and that it was time for him to focus on home life.
Despite these conversations, Probst continues to helm the show, attributing much of his success to the balance he’s been able to achieve with his home life. As he once mentioned in an interview, “Survivor built this house,” referring to the luxurious life the show has afforded them, but it’s the strength of his marriage that keeps him grounded.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Jeff Probst still married to Lisa Ann Russell?
Yes, Jeff Probst and Lisa Ann Russell are still happily married. They tied the knot in 2011 and continue to nurture their relationship and blended family.
Q: How many children do Jeff Probst and Lisa Ann Russell have?
While Jeff Probst doesn’t have biological children, he is a loving stepfather to Lisa Ann Russell’s two children from her previous marriage—Michael and Ava Gosselaar.
Q: What is Lisa Ann Russell’s career background?
Lisa Ann Russell began her career as a model, working with major brands like *Revlon*. She later ventured into acting, appearing in projects like *Twisted Love* and *Saved by the Bell*.
Q: When did Jeff Probst and Lisa Ann Russell get married?
Jeff Probst and Lisa Ann Russell were married on December 5, 2011, in a private ceremony at their Los Angeles home.
References:
people.com
heavy.com
hollywoodlife.com
