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     The casting process for Gone, however, found Joel in a very different type of situation:  “Dirk is the main character,” Joel explains, “and I was really interested in trying out for the role of one of the other lawyers.  At first the producers wouldn’t even look at me, but finally they agreed to let me do a reading for them.  Halfway through the first page of the script, they told me I had the role.  I was really happy because I was so interested in doing this project.  As with many things I’ve encountered in my life, I was told that I wasn’t going to be able to do something, but I kept pushing for it.  It just goes to show that you should never give up on what you hope to accomplish.”
     Joel isn't the only ex-Survivor attempting to enter the acting field.  Many Survivors have used their appearance on the show to launch acting careers for themselves.  However Joel thinks the castaways of the Survivor sequels are a whole different breed than he and his fellow Survivor 1 contestants.  “With us, we went for the adventure.  We had no idea it would become as big as it is.  These new contestants are going with knowledge of the fame that’s going to follow them.  They’re looking for fame and they’re extremely susceptible to being blinded by a mini-celebrity image.  If I could talk to them, I would warn them that the day you get everything you want will be the most disappointing day of your life.  I’ve had a lot of opportunities, and I’ve had a phenomenal time playing around with them, but I enjoyed them so much more because they were unexpected.”
     Some of the opportunities Joel speaks of include doing various advertisements and having a brief modeling career, but he is now back to his job at ABC Financial, a company specializing in the health club business.  “Modeling,” Joel laments, “is ridiculous.  I can’t believe I did it, and I would never do it again.  It just doesn’t require any talent.  I love the job I’m with now, and that’s very important to me.”
     When he’s not working, Joel finds plenty of time to get involved with charities.  He is involved with the Boys and Girls Clubs, the Children’s Hospital, and coalition and homelessness centers.  He speaks at charity events and helps to fundraise for these causes, which he feels very deeply about.  Explaining his desire to give back to his community, Joel explains:  “You know, a lot of countries think that America has a ton of money and they’re mad that we don’t do anything with it.  Actually though,” chuckles Joel, “if they had any idea how much money we really have, they’d be even more angry!  I believe that everyone should get involved with something that is justifiable in taking up someone else’s time.  That’s what charity is, and it’s great.”
     Apparent in Joel is an intense life enthusiasm, which he attributes mainly to his participation on Survivor.  “You know, all too often in life people don’t appreciate the things they have until after they’ve lost them.  I had such a great experience on Survivor, but unfortunately I didn’t fully appreciate it until it was over.  But that has taught me a lot.  I enjoy everything I do now.  I love my job, and I love the fact that I’m doing a little acting on the side.  I’ve learned to enjoy my life as it’s happening instead of waiting for it to be over to understand how blessed I’ve been.  Everyone would be a lot happier if they could just be satisfied with their lives and appreciate them for what they are, because you never want to look back and have any regrets.”
     Perhaps it was partly his involvement in an apocalyptic film that caused Joel to develop some of his philosophical and noteworthy world views, but whatever the inspiration one thing’s for certain: though he may not have survived his tribemates or the unrelenting Tribal Council, he seems to be doing a fine job dealing with the post-Survivor mania, and the life he’s chosen to lead.

     Here at SurvivorHunks.com we wish Joel the best of luck in the future, and in the meantime urge everyone to check out Gone, scheduled to reach theaters in August.

Click To Visit The Official Gone Website