What Happened to Amanda Lee Kimmel?
Amanda Kimmel is an American reality television personality, model, and former beauty queen best known for her three appearances on the competitive reality show 'Survivor', where she reached the final tribal council twice. After her reality TV career, she transitioned to a more private life, marrying Matt Cooper, raising children, and establishing a career as a realtor in Montana, while also engaging in environmental and wellness advocacy.
Quick Answer
Amanda Kimmel, known for her multiple appearances and strong performances on 'Survivor', has largely stepped away from the public spotlight of reality television. As of August 2026, she is married to Matt Cooper, with whom she has children, and works as a realtor in Montana. She continues to engage with the 'Survivor' community through podcasts and panels, and is involved in environmental campaigns and wellness initiatives. She was reportedly considered for 'Survivor 50' but declined due to scheduling conflicts.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline12 events
Born in Billings, Montana
Amanda Lee Kimmel was born in Billings, Montana.
Crowned Miss Montana USA 2005
After placing first runner-up in 2003 and 2004, Kimmel won the Miss Montana USA 2005 title.
Competed in Miss USA 2005
Kimmel represented Montana at the Miss USA 2005 pageant held in Baltimore, Maryland, but did not place.
Competed in Miss Earth 2005
After passing on her Miss Montana crown, Kimmel traveled to the Philippines to represent the U.S. in Miss Earth 2005, placing in the Top 8.
Crowned Miss Earth USA
Kimmel crowned Amanda Pennekamp as Miss Earth USA, in the second live pageant held in the United States for the title.
Debuted on Survivor: China
Kimmel competed on 'Survivor: China', the 15th season, where she finished in third place.
Returned for Survivor: Micronesia
She appeared in 'Survivor: Micronesia — Fans vs. Favorites', becoming the first player to reach the Final Tribal Council twice and finishing as runner-up.
Competed in Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains
Kimmel returned for her third season, 'Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains', where she placed ninth.
Married Matt Cooper
Amanda Kimmel married Matt Cooper.
Son Liam Born
Amanda and Matt Cooper welcomed their son, Liam.
Considered for Survivor 50, Declined
Kimmel was reportedly in consideration for 'Survivor 50' but declined to participate due to scheduling issues.
Current Status: Realtor and Advocate
As of today, Amanda Kimmel is working as a realtor in Montana, is married with children, and continues to engage in Survivor-related media, environmental campaigns, and wellness initiatives.
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🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Amanda Lee Kimmel, born on August 3, 1984, first gained public recognition in the world of beauty pageants. She won the Miss Montana USA title in late 2004, after placing first runner-up in both the 2003 and 2004 pageants. She went on to compete in the Miss USA 2005 pageant and later represented the United States in the Miss Earth 2005 pageant in the Philippines, where she placed in the Top 8, achieving the highest placement for a U.S. delegate at that time.
Kimmel's national fame significantly increased through her participation in the CBS reality competition series 'Survivor'. She first appeared in 'Survivor: China' (2007), where she finished in third place. Her strategic gameplay and social acumen quickly made her a fan favorite, leading to her return in the very next season, 'Survivor: Micronesia — Fans vs. Favorites' (2008). In 'Micronesia', she made history by becoming the first player to reach the Final Tribal Council twice, ultimately finishing as the runner-up. She returned for a third time in 'Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains' (2010), placing ninth.
Following her extensive 'Survivor' career, Kimmel transitioned to a more private life away from the constant media scrutiny. She married Matt Cooper in 2015, and they have at least one son, Liam, born in 2016. While an October 2021 report suggested they had ended their relationship, more recent information from January 2024 and August 2026 indicates she is married to Matt Cooper and has children. She has since established a career as a realtor in Montana, where she resides with her family.
As of August 2026, Amanda Kimmel remains connected to the 'Survivor' community, making appearances on podcasts, live panels, and analytical features that delve into past seasons and game dynamics. Beyond entertainment, she has leveraged her platform to support environmental campaigns and wellness initiatives, aligning her personal growth with broader social impact. Notably, she was reportedly considered for 'Survivor 50' but ultimately declined to compete due to scheduling conflicts, indicating her continued relevance within the show's legacy while prioritizing her current life and career.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Amanda Lee Kimmel made different choices?