Richard Hatch is no stranger to winning. As a participant in the first season of CBS' "Survivor," in 2000, Hatch outwitted, outlasted and outplayed his opponents to emerge victorious and $1 million richer.
Following that win, his competitive spirit would be displayed in a host of competition reality shows, with appearances on "Dog Eat Dog," "Battle of the Network Reality Stars," "Celebrity Apprentice" and a return to the show that made him a household name for 2004's "Survivor: All Stars."
It's no secret the reality star has had his share of tribulations since nakedly storming the country on "Survivor." His widely publicized arrest for tax evasion in 2006 saw him convicted of the crime, and he served 51 months in a federal prison.
While Hatch claimed his conviction was flawed, he did his time and, 10 years later, a very different Richard Hatch, now 54, has his heart set on losing with his latest foray into reality television as a contestant on NBC's "The Biggest Loser."
No regrets whatsoever! It's a really great process, and anyone given the opportunity to participate would greatly benefit.
You released a book, "101 Survival Secrets," in 2000. Did this experience provide a possible new chapter for an update?
I'm actually writing a book at the moment, although this one is a lot more serious. That book was my attempt at dipping my toes into some serious conversation. I'm writing a book called "Reality Matters." It's about truth and the reality tag kind of helps. It's little more serious and does deal with some of the issues that I hope will help people live happier lives.
Did you watch Kelly Wigglesworth on the last season of "Survivor"?
Indeed I did. I've actually never missed an episode. This was one of the best seasons ever, a really good mix. It played itself out in a way that I've been waiting for for a long, long time — where people were actually playing [because], for far too long, people weren't. To me, it seemed they were unaware what the game was about, but this season, people played hard and it showed. It was a very interesting season to watch.
There were mitigating circumstances surrounding you participating on another "Survivor," but would you consider it?
I would because I love the game of "Survivor" and understand it in ways that people who haven't played it wouldn't understand. The flexibility required to play well is something I think I would be good at. I'd definitely consider doing it again.
As someone who knows Donald Trump, what is your take on his presidential campaign?
It's fascinating to me from a personal perspective. I know the man and have spent a lot of time with him, not just on "Celebrity Apprentice." I knew him before that and worked in his building. We spent time together, and he invited me to sit on the dais at his roast at the Friars Club, which I did. I understand who he is. I'm impressed with a choice he's making, but I don't really respect it. This idea of expediency over offensiveness. I believe he's doing what he thinks is expedient and what he needs to do to get where he would be helpful. I think he feels he would be helpful as a president, but the way in which he's going about it is challenging for me to watch.
So he won't be getting your vote?
No, not from me. It's entertaining, but, unfortunately, reality matters, and the idea of someone that's irresponsible, I guess is how I would describe him, and that disconnected from what I think is important about who we are as people isn't someone suited for the presidency.
What else are you doing these days?
Well, I did the corporate training thing for 16 years, that was my thing. Besides the book I'm writing, I'm starting a health-related business here in Rhode Island that I can't really talk about just yet. And, who knows? I do hope to maintain a relationship with "The Biggest Loser." I think I could contribute in seasons to come with contestants in ways that are pretty unique. I'm not sure that anyone else has the experience of being on a reality show before and with production and everything. So I think I could really be an asset. We'll to see how it works out.
It's no secret you have been through a lot over the years, so how is Richard Hatch these days?
I'm doing really well. I'm happy. I'm a really lucky guy. I've been through the ringer and then some. I married an amazing man and we could not be happier. So, I'm lucky as far as that goes. Things are good!
