Our interview with gorgeous actress and CBS “Survivor” and “Survivor: Game Changers” contestant Andrea Boehlke.
Andrea can also be seen as the co-host of PEOPLE Now, bringing you entertainment news and celebrity interviews every Monday – Friday via People Magazine’s website – People.com.
Hi Andrea, please tell us a little about you?
Hi! I’m Andrea Boehlke, and I’m an entertainment host and actress living in NYC. I also happen to be a three-time Survivor contestant, spending over 100 days on the hit CBS reality show. Even though I’m thriving in the big apple, I grew up on a 2,000 acre farm in Wisconsin. I’ll always feel like a farm girl in the big city.
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Spontaneous, Extroverted, Driven
Who has been the biggest influence on your life?
My mom is so grounded and wonderful. I hope someday I can be as resilient as her.
How and when did you start into the entertainment business?
I graduated with a BFA in Acting from UW-Stevens Point in Wisconsin, and then randomly applied for Survivor while still in school. My family was really big into Survivor, and when I got selected, it was a dream come true.
Name one your strengths?
One of my strengths is my people skills. I like connecting with people of all different backgrounds, and love to learn about what makes certain people click. I’m naturally a huge extrovert, so I’ve never shied away from getting to know someone on a deeper level.
Best advice you have followed?
Sometimes you have to be your own best friend! One of my favorite producers on Survivor was talking me through a rough day out there when I was feeling incredibly low. He reminded me that sometimes you have to sit back and give yourself more credit. This resonated with me, since I tend to be my own worst critic, and have always been extremely hard on myself.
Now tell us about “Survivor: Game Changers”?
Survivor Game Changers was my third season of Survivor, and it was an honor to be considered a “Game Changer” on the show that I love. I made it to day 33 of 39 days before I was blindsided by my tribe mates.
How was the experience? Is as hard and challenging as we watch on Tv?
Survivor is the real deal. It is both emotionally and physically draining. I consider it the worst and best experience all wrapped into one. I always feel stronger as a person when I finish a season!
What was the more challenging part about it?
I think the emotional toll was worse this time. I felt like I was losing my mind out there! Not eating much at all can mess with you, I don’t recommend trying it!
What was your favorite and least favorite challenge?
My favorite challenges are always the endurance challenges. I won the first challenge of the merge, where we had to stand on our tip-toes and balance a block on our head. I outlasted everyone in the game, because essentially, I am incredibly stubborn and a glutton for punishment.
What is your own definition of happiness?
Wow, that’s a hard question! I think happiness is waking up every morning and being excited about life. Feeling love for the people around you and the work that you do.
Something people don’t know about you?
I have a fake front tooth! It was knocked out playing basketball.
What would be a deal breaker on a first date?
Oh, there are so many. But number one has to be if the person is super self-centered or narcissistic. If it’s not a two-way conversation I’m not interested.
What is your favorite healthy food?
I’m a sucker for Sweetgreen salads, or a quinoa salad.
And your favorite cheat food?
Cheese. I can’t even buy cheese because I will seriously eat the entire block. I envy people who can do the moderation thing!
Which project is still on your bucket list?
I’ve done smaller scale travel shows, but I would love to host a travel/adventure show! I have the hosting experience as well as the travel/adventure background, so it feels like a perfect fit for me!
And now tell us about your current project with PEOPLE Now?
I host a morning show on People.com and the People/Entertainment Weekly network called People Now! It’s a live show at 8:30/11:30 am ET, and we have celebrity guests, chefs, trainers, and inspiring people on the show every morning.
In five years from now, where do you see yourself and your career?
I would love to be still hosting, either an entertainment news show or something travel-related. I would also love to get into the producing side of things. By then… I must have a dog. It has to happen.
Who is your biggest beauty inspiration?
I love Cameron Diaz and her attitude towards beauty and aging. She thinks aging naturally is beautiful, as do I. Why should we feel that our twenties or early 30’s is our peak? Let’s change the standard of beauty.
What are your makeup bag staples when traveling?
Mascara is my number one staple…. I could be looking rough, but that extra pop of mascara makes me feel fabulous. Concealer is a must, especially when my skin is acting up, and thirdly an eyebrow brush, since my eyebrows can get wonky.
What’s your favorite music?
I love me some folk rock, or bands like Bon Iver, Lumineers and Sufjan Stevens.
Any future plans you want to share with us?
I’m in a new workout series with Shaun T. He’s the creator of Insanity and T-25. The series was released June 12th, and was a blast to shoot. I would love to get into more fitness and body positivity type endeavors.
Do you support any charity?
My best friend Meg Maley suffers from a severe form of Arthritis, so we host a charity event every year to raise money for The Arthritis Foundation. There is no cure for arthritis, and many children are faced with extreme cases of it. I hope to continue to raise awareness and search for a cure.
3 things you can’t leave home without?
I live in NYC so I definitely need a metro card to get places! That’s number one. Secondly, obviously my phone…. It’s 2017, I’m not going to pretend I leave that at home. Thirdly I have my planner with me at all times. I’m super old school and write everything down in my planner… if I don’t physically write it down, there’s no way I’ll remember it!
Idea of a perfect Sunday?
Oh, a perfect Sunday is sleeping in and having brunch with my girlfriends. Maybe a mani/pedi as well! I work hard all week, so Sundays are time to totally relax. Even though I grew up on a farm, I’m totally a girly-girl at times.
What do you think of Social Media?
Social media is great in doses! I’m so happy I was raised when social media wasn’t a thing…. It’s so important not to get too wrapped up in it. Who cares how many likes you get! I do like social media for staying in touch with people you normally wouldn’t see, since they live across the country.
Where we can follow you?
You can follow me @andreaboehlke on Instagram and Twitter!
Song: We Are Young by Fun.
Travel destination: I’ve traveled a lot through Survivor, but I am dying to go to Ireland!
Celebrity Crush: Evan Peters is bae.
Restaurant: My favorite brunch spots in NYC are Friend of Farmer and Blue Dog Cafe! Both are so adorable.
Actor/Actress: Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson was one of my favorite interviews of all time, so I would have to go with him. But I also have a mega girl-crush on Emma Stone.
Sports Team: Packers all the way. Wisconsin represent!
Quote: Well behaved women seldom make history.
Book: On the Road – Jack Kerouac
Movie: Gone Girl. I hope I don’t end up that crazy!
Drink: I’m totally a vodka girl. Vodka soda or vodka on the rocks.
