Michele Fitzgerald

Early Life and Education

Michelle Fitzgerald was born to Ralph and Linda Fitzgerald in Freehold Township, New Jersey, where she also spent her childhood and continues to reside. She attended Freehold High School in Freehold Borough and later studied at Montclair State University in New Jersey. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication and Media Studies.

She has two siblings: a sister named Kim and a brother named Joe. Fitzgerald has often stated that she draws inspiration from Harry Potter, the fictional protagonist of J.K. Rowling’s bestselling book series. An extrovert by nature, she enjoys a variety of hobbies including reading, bartending, traveling, and rock climbing. Her interest in bartending also led her to pursue it professionally for a time.

Environmental Advocacy and Early Career

Fitzgerald started her professional journey as a caterer before interning with Rock the Earth, an environmental advocacy organization. Rock the Earth focuses on raising awareness about environmental causes by attending music events and festivals. She described her time with the organization as particularly rewarding because it allowed her to combine her love of travel and music while contributing to important social issues.

Following this, she worked as a bartender—a role that suited both her outgoing personality and interest in hospitality. It was during this period that she auditioned for and was selected to appear on Survivor.

Reality Television and Survivor Win

In 2015, Fitzgerald was selected as a contestant for Season 32 of Survivor, an installment titled Survivor: Kaôh Rōng. She began as a member of the "Beauty" tribe, Gondol. Initially not considered a frontrunner, she gradually progressed by forging key alliances and maintaining a strong social game.

Despite failing to eliminate fellow contestant Aubry Bracco at the Final Four Tribal Council, Fitzgerald was able to secure a spot in the final three. At the Final Three Tribal Council, she voted to remove Neal Gottlieb from the jury. Gottlieb's exit featured a parting remark that she had no chance of winning—an assessment that would prove incorrect.