Malcolm Freberg

Malcolm Freberg
Contestant Profile
Born	May 7, 1987 (1987-05-07)
Hometown	Hermosa Beach, California
Occupation	Bartender
Survivor Career
Version	United States
Tribe(s)	Matsing ► Tandang Dangrayne
Finish	4/18
Alliance(s)	Matsing Alliance Tandang Alliance (affiliated)
Challenge Wins	10
Votes Against	6
Days Lasted	38/39
Tribe(s)	Bikal ► Gota Enil Edam
Finish:	9/20
Alliance(s)	Stealth R Us Cool Kids Alliance (affiliated)
Challenge Wins	9
Votes Against	11
Days Lasted	30/39
Tribe(s)	Mana ► Nuku
Finish	17/20
Challenge Wins	2
Votes Against	5
Days Lasted	11/39

Malcolm Freberg is a contestant from Survivor: Philippines, Survivor: Caramoan, and Survivor: Game Changers.

After a rough start to his Survivor journey weathering the decimation of the Matsing tribe in Philippines, Malcolm established his credibility as a Survivor player through his style of aggressive but calculated gameplay. Highlights of his career include his rags-to-riches trajectory alongside his ally Denise Stapley in Philippines and his contributions to a double idol play in Caramoan that led to the series' first "live" Tribal Council. Malcolm's easy-going nature endeared him to both castmates and fans, and he is recognized as one of the series' biggest fan favorites.

Profile

Retrieved from CBS.com

Philippines Caramoan Game Changers Name (Age): Malcolm Freberg (25) Tribe Designation: Matsing Current Residence: Hermosa Beach, Calif. Occupation: Bartender Personal Claim to Fame: In college, I helped to organize and run a program that paired varsity athletes with underprivileged children in a free-to-join sports league. It still exists today. Inspiration in Life: O.J. Simpson before the legal drama. When he was a kid, he had rickets. For his birthday, when he was still young, his father took him to a signing to meet Jim Brown and O.J. hobbled right up to him and told him he was going to break all his records which he eventually did. I'm a sucker for underdog stories. Hobbies: Exercising, writing/reading and partying. Pet Peeves: Dumb people. 3 Words to Describe You: Charming, brilliant and cocky. If You Could Have 3 Things on The Island What Would They Be and Why? 1) Hair ties – I can't see anything without them. 2) Book of puzzles – Your mind is a muscle and needs to be kept in shape. 3) Whiskey – to unwind after a hard day of challenge domination and competitor manipulation. Survivor Contestant You Are Most Like: I think I will play most like Russell. You can control and rule with an iron first. You just have to be clever enough for them to thank you for it in the end. I'll run the show from Day 1 until I'm handed an oversized check with my name on it. Reason for Being on Survivor: I've been watching Survivor since I was 12 years old. Some kids grow up watching baseball on TV and dream of getting their chance to play in the big leagues. I grew up watching and dreaming about playing Survivor. Why You Think You'll "Survive" Survivor: I'm smart, I'm athletic and I'm nice to look at. Why You Think You Will Be the Sole Survivor: There's no reason to play the game if you're not playing to win. I'm not trying to see 'if I have what it takes' or 'how far I can make it.' The best thing I have going for me is my single-mindedness to be the champion. Name (Age): Malcolm Freberg (25) Tribe Designation: Bikal Previous Season: Survivor: Philippines – 15th castaway voted off/8th Jury member Current Residence: Hermosa Beach, Calif. Occupation: Bartender Personal Claim to Fame: Once I spent over a month with Abi-Maria Gomes, and I'm still considered legally sane by the state of California. Inspiration in Life: O.J. Simpson before the murder trial. When he was a kid he had Rickets. For his birthday when he was still young his father took him to a signing to meet Jim Brown and O.J. hobbled right up to him and told him he was going to break all his records which he eventually did. I'm a sucker for underdog stories. Hobbies: Exercising, writing/reading and partying. Pet Peeves: Ex-TV stars. 3 Words to Describe You: Charming, brilliant and slightly-less cocky than the last time I did this. If You Could Have 3 Things on The Island What Would They Be and Why? 1) Soap - Not for me; for whoever I end up cuddling with at night. 2) Book of puzzles – Your mind is a muscle and needs to be kept in shape. 3) The Hidden Immunity Idol I never played in the Philippines - Early advantage. Seems obvious. Survivor Contestant You Are Most Like: This feels like a trick question. Reason for Being on Survivor: I'm a super-fan of the show. Getting to do it once was incredible. To get a second chance… How could anyone say no? Why You Think You'll "Survive" Survivor: Experience plays a huge roll in any situation in life. I made it through 38 days the first time so I have to like my survival odds the second time around. Oh, and I'm also smart, athletic and nice to look at. Why You Think You Will Be the Sole Survivor: You play the game to win the game. I'm not on Survivor to "have a life-changing experience" or "grow as a person" or "see how far I can make it." Those things may happen, but that's not the reason I'm out there. The best thing I have going for me is my single-mindedness and focus towards a single goal: a seven-digit bank account. Age: 29 Hometown: Hermosa Beach, CA Previously played on: Season 25: Philippines, Finished 4th & Jury Member Season 26: Caramoan, Finished 9th & Jury Member How have you changed since the last time you played? 1. My hair is—incredibly—even thicker than before. 2. Rewatched an unhealthy amount of Disney movies and discovered I relate more to the villains. Gaston was misunderstood. 3. Got a little fat. What skills do you bring to Survivor that will make you a useful member of the group and what skills have you been learning since you last played? I can do all the outdoorsman stuff. We know this. What I've gotten better at is emotions, vulnerability, and feelings and stuff. What are you most proud of from the last time? I don't do base hits. I swing for the fences—for better or worse. What, if anything, do you most regret? Losing. Also, wearing way too much plaid. How will you play differently this time? Same big moves, but more finesse. I'm still going to find all the Idols, still going to wreck folks, but being a little older and a little wiser—LOL—should get me paid this time around. Please bring back the oversized checks for my coronation.

Survivor

Philippines

Main article: Malcolm Freberg/Philippines

• Challenge History
• Voting History

Episode	Tribe Affiliation	Challenge	Challenge Type	Sit-Out?	Result
1	Matsing	Share the Wealth	Reward/Immunity	No	Lost
2		Manila Folders	Reward/Immunity	No	Lost
3		Deep In Thought	Reward/Immunity	No	Lost
4		Swing Break	Reward/Immunity	No	Lost
Switched Tribes, Day 12
5	Tandang	Idol Hands	Reward	No	Won
		Thrash, Splash & Bash	Immunity	No	Won
6		Bog Roll	Reward	No	Lost1
		Philiping Out	Immunity	No	Won
Tribes Merged, Day 17
7	Dangrayne	Wrist Assured	Immunity		Lost
8		Catch of the Day	Reward		Won
		Snake in the Grass	Immunity		Lost
9		Muddy Waters	Reward		Won
		Paddle Out	Immunity		Lost
10		Snare the Drum	Reward		Won
		Push Your Luck	Immunity		Lost
11		Survivor Auction
		Brains and Brawn	Immunity		Lost
12		Mud Slinging	Reward		Won
		Fish and Game	Immunity		Won
13		Sliders	Reward		Invited
		One Track Mind	Immunity		Won
14		Dragon Slayer	Reward		Won
		The Ball Drop	Immunity		Lost
Voted Out, Day 38
Notes: ^1 Tandang forfeited the challenge in exchange for Kalabaw's rice.

Episode	Malcolm's Votes	Voted Against Malcolm
1	Zane	-
2	Roxy	-
3	Angie	-
4	Russell	Russell
5	Tandang Tribe Immune
6	Tandang Tribe Immune
7	Jonathan1	-
8	Pete	-
9	Artis	-
10	Pete	Abi-Maria, Pete
11	Jonathan	-
12	Carter	Individual Immunity
13	Abi-Maria	Individual Immunity
14	Denise	Denise, Lisa, Michael
Voted Out, Day 38
Voted for Sole Survivor	Denise

^1 In "Not the Only Actor on This Island", Jonathan used a Hidden Immunity Idol, negating Malcolm's vote against him.

Caramoan

Main article: Malcolm Freberg/Caramoan

• Challenge History
• Voting History

Episode	Tribe Affiliation	Challenge	Challenge Type	Sit-Out?	Result
1	Bikal	Water Slaughter	Reward	No	Won
		It's a Long Way to the Top	Immunity	No	Lost
2		Plunge, Pull, Pop	Reward/Immunity	No	Won
3		Cell Block Sea	Reward/Immunity	No	Won
4		Head and Shoulders	Reward	No	Won
		Smash and Grab	Immunity	No	Won
5		Nut Bucket	Reward	No	Won
		Crate Outdoors	Immunity	No	Lost1
Switched Tribes, Day 15
6	Gota	Crate Outdoors	Immunity	No	Won
7		Hot Pursuit	Reward	No	Won
		Phoenix Rises	Immunity	No	Won
Tribes Merged, Day 20
8	Enil Edam	Caramoan Catering	Immunity		Lost
9		Jump Shot	Reward	No	Lost
		Last Gasp	Immunity		Lost
10		Muddy Waters	Reward		Lost
		Keel Hauling	Immunity	No	Lost
11		Survivor Auction
		Drop A Log	Immunity		Lost
Voted Out, Day 30
Notes: ^1 Bikal opted to forfeit the Immunity Challenge, giving the win to Gota by default.

Episode	Malcolm's Votes	Voted Against Malcolm
1	Francesca	-
2	Bikal Tribe Immune
3	Bikal Tribe Immune
4	Bikal Tribe Immune
5	Brandon	-
6	Gota Tribe Immune
7	Gota Tribe Immune
8	Sherri	-
9	Reynold	-1
10	Phillip	Cochran, Phillip2
11	Andrea; Ineligible	Andrea, Cochran, Erik; Brenda, Cochran, Dawn, Eddie, Erik, Sherri3
Voted Out, Day 30
Voted for Sole Survivor	Cochran

^1 In "Cut Off the Head of the Snake", Malcolm used a Hidden Immunity Idol, but did not negate any votes against him.
^2 In "Zipping Over the Cuckoo's Nest", Malcolm used a Hidden Immunity Idol, negating 2 votes against him.
^3 In "Come Over to the Dark Side", the vote ended with a 3-3-3 tie between Malcolm, Andrea, and Reynold, forcing a revote. Brenda, Dawn, Eddie, and Sherri changed their votes to Malcolm on the revote, eliminating him from the game.

Game Changers

Main article: Malcolm Freberg/Game Changers

• Challenge History
• Voting History

Episode	Tribe Affiliation	Challenge	Challenge Type	Sit-Out?	Result
1	Mana	The Marooning	Reward	No	Lost
		Blue Lagoon Bustle	Reward/Immunity	No	Lost
		Serpent Turf	Reward/Immunity	No	Lost
Switched Tribes, Day 7
2	Nuku	Austin's Elemental Obstacle Course	Reward/Immunity	No	1st
3		Ram-Ball On	Reward	No	1st
		Ow-Pairs	Immunity	No	Lost
Voted Out, Day 11

Episode	Malcolm's Votes	Voted Against Malcolm
1	Ciera	-
	Tony	-
2	Nuku Tribe Immune
3	Sierra1	Brad, Debbie, Hali, Sierra, Tai
Voted Out, Day 11

^1 In "The Tables Have Turned", Sierra used a Hidden Immunity Idol, negating Malcolm's vote against her.

Post-Survivor

• After his first appearance on Survivor aired, Malcolm briefly made a guest appearance on one of CBS's hit daytime shows, The Bold and the Beautiful, as a designer also named Malcolm.
• Malcolm competed and won in Rob Has A Podcast's Mister Survivor competition. He beat Aras Baskauskas and Tyson Apostol for the title.
• In July 2014, Malcolm hosted an online travel series with 20 episodes around the U.S. called Wayfaring.
• In August 2014, Malcolm won the award for Hottest Male in the Reality Awards category.
• On October 9, 2014, he filled in for Jeff Schroeder as host of Survivor After Show, interviewing John Rocker; a week later on October 16, he would again fill in for Jeff while interviewing Drew Christy.
• Malcolm dated Worlds Apart castaway So Kim.
• Since 2021, Malcolm has been a regular contributor for Insider, where he shares about his Survivor experiences.
• Malcolm appeared alongside other Survivor alums Yul Kwon and Earl Cole and Naked and Afraid alum Jeff Zausch in a special pilot episode of the reality competition show Snake in the Grass. Malcolm won $100,000 by revealing himself as the "snake" when the majority wrongly accused Yul.

Trivia

Statistics of Malcolm Freberg
Longevity
Seasons competed:	3
Days lasted:	79
Challenge Wins
Tribal wins:	14
Individual wins:	7
Total wins:	21
Tribal Council
Total votes received:	22

• Malcolm mentioned several times on Philippines that he was a teacher in Micronesia before becoming a bartender in Hermosa Beach, California.
• Malcolm is the only member of Matsing to be immune from Tribal Council more than once.
• Malcolm is the fourth person to participate in every reward after the merge, after Parvati Shallow in Cook Islands, Bob Crowley in Gabon, and J.T. Thomas in Tocantins.
  • Because Parvati won her her second season, Malcolm is the only member of this group to have never won the game.
  • In addition, he experienced 12 rewards in a row across back to back seasons.
• Malcolm is the only member of Matsing to be on the jury.
• Malcolm lost 10 lbs. during his time in Philippines.
• Malcolm is one of four castaways to compete on two seasons before their first season aired. The others are Russell Hantz, Michaela Bradshaw, and Zeke Smith.
  • Malcolm is the only contestant to play back-to-back seasons that both featured returning players.
• According to host Jeff Probst, Malcolm was considered to be brought back for Caramoan while filming for Philippines was still underway, around Day 27. Immediately after his elimination, Probst approached Malcolm, intending to ask him if he wanted to compete again, only to be cut off by Malcolm, who knew what Probst was about to ask.
• Every season Malcolm has competed on has been partially or completely composed of returning players.
• Malcolm is the third player to find a Hidden Immunity Idol in multiple seasons, following Russell Hantz and Ozzy Lusth. They were followed by Tai Trang, Troyzan Robertson, and Kelley Wentworth.
• As stated in Caramoan, Malcolm's mother is named Madeline.
  • Malcolm named the merged tribe after his mother as he requested "Enil Edam", which is his mother's name spelled backwards.
• Malcolm is the first person to have an idol be played on him while he was in possession of an idol himself.
• Malcolm is one of three players to play two Hidden Immunity Idols in one season, and have neither affect the outcome of a Tribal Council. The others are two-time winners Sandra Diaz-Twine in Heroes vs. Villains and Tony Vlachos in Cagayan.
• Malcolm lost 22 lbs. during his time in Caramoan.
• Malcolm is the lowest-placing player to win the Fan Favorite Award at the end of a season.
• Malcolm and Erik Reichenbach are the only two contestants to be on an eight-person jury on multiple occasions.
• Malcolm is the first contestant to be voted out at a Joint Tribal Council. He would be followed by Wendy Diaz.
• Malcolm is the lowest-placing man to be voted out as a direct result of a Hidden Immunity Idol being played.
  • Overall, he shares this record with Cirie Fields, Lucy Huang, and Maddy Pomilla.

References

Survivor: Philippines Castaways
Abi-Maria Tandang	Angie Matsing	Artis Tandang	Carter Kalabaw	Dana Kalabaw	Dawson Kalabaw	Denise Matsing	Jeff Kalabaw	Jonathan Kalabaw
Katie Kalabaw	Lisa Tandang	Malcolm Matsing	Michael Tandang	Pete Tandang	RC Tandang	Roxy Matsing	Russell Matsing	Zane Matsing

Survivor: Caramoan Castaways
Allie Gota	Andrea Bikal	Brandon Bikal	Brenda Bikal	Cochran Bikal	Corinne Bikal	Dawn Bikal	Eddie Gota	Erik Bikal	Francesca Bikal
Hope Gota	Julia Gota	Laura Gota	Malcolm Bikal	Matt Gota	Michael Gota	Phillip Bikal	Reynold Gota	Shamar Gota	Sherri Gota

Survivor: Game Changers Castaways
Andrea Nuku	Aubry Mana	Brad Nuku	Caleb Mana	Ciera Mana	Cirie Nuku	Debbie Nuku	Hali Mana	J.T. Nuku	Jeff Mana
Malcolm Mana	Michaela Mana	Ozzy Nuku	Sandra Mana	Sarah Nuku	Sierra Nuku	Tai Nuku	Tony Mana	Troyzan Mana	Zeke Nuku