Dirk Been

Dirk Been is a "Survivor." Long before appearing on the #1 CBS series "Survivor," Been learned key survival skills including responsibility and commitment while growing up on his parents Wisconsin dairy farm. Those childhood lessons instilled a self-disciplined attitude that continued with Dirk through high school and college. Throughout his teenage years and after, Dirk continued to work as a sports coach and counselor with young people with organizations including The Boys & Girls Club and YMCA. Basketball has always been a part of Dirk's life especially during college where he was quickly promoted to team captain and Academic All Conference for 3 years. Shortly after graduating from Seattle Pacific University in 1998, Dirk decided to explore the world and traveled around the United States many times sleeping out of his car. Fate soon intervened while Dirk was visiting a friend in Los Angeles in 1999 when his ATM credit card was stolen and his bank account depleted. This incident did not force Dirk to return home but instead motivated him to seek the opportunity of a lifetime when he spotted an ad for a new series titled "Survivor." The day before the deadline Dirk sent in his audition tape and out of 6,000 submissions Dirk soon learned he was one of the first selected to partake in this new adventure. Dirk was one of 16 individuals placed on a remote island and forced to use his own skills combined with teamwork to survive the unknown. Although he did not walk away with the million-dollar prize, Dirk gained new insight to life that cannot be measured in dollars. His new found celebrity status has come as a surprise to Dirk who has been featured on multiple entertainment and news programs across the country including national shows such as Late Night With David Letterman, The Tonight Show, Entertainment Tonight, Access Hollywood, The X Show, Extra, E! Entertainment and Nash Bridges. Dirk's infectious and positive attitude has overshadowed that which was depicted on the television program. Most agree Dirk reminds them of the guy everyone wanted to be friends with in high school. Dirk continues to speak to today's youth encouraging education, mentorship and living a life free of drugs and alcohol. His hobbies include spending time with his family, playing basketball and reading.