Meet the 'Survivor 48' Cast! Stunt Performer David Kinne Says His Arrogance is an Asset

David Kinne is different from the vast majority of players we've encountered in the new era so far. The stunt performer's physicality is something he's not afraid to quite literally flex, earning many preseason nicknames among his competitors. The 39-year-old admits that he had not watched Survivor in decades before applying, wanting to play not out of any sense of fandom but as an opportunity to challenge himself. But David is not letting his limited history with the show break his confident stride. Regardless of his knowledge, he feels he has the physical acumen, the social skills, and the arrogance necessary to win the million dollars, and make his dream of becoming a pilot take flight.

Read on for my interview with David, and check in with Parade.com daily for interviews with this season's contestants and other tidbits. Survivor 48 premieres on Feb. 26 with a two-hour premiere on CBS.

Related: Meet the Full Cast of Survivor 48

Interview with David from Survivor 48

To start, give me your name, age, and occupation.
My name is David Kinne. I'm 38 years old, and I currently work as a stunt performer. Although I'm kind of changing careers.

I saw in your bio that you are also a pilot. So you mean performing stunts in the air?
Not in the air. I mean, I do work. I have my commercial pilot's license. That's where I'm transitioning and stepping away from stunts. I want to slowly accumulate enough wealth so I can start a family. It's kind of my dream. But I do stunts, mainly just high falls, fighting, falling on the ground. A lot of wire work, rope work, things like that.

How did you get involved in all of that?
I actually got into stunts pretty late, actually. 2016 or so, so a little less than 10 years. But it's been a wild ride since then. A lot of bruises, lot of bumps along the way. But I love it.

How did you find a career in that? Were you just that kind who always fell out of tall trees and wanted to make a living off of it?
You know, I guess I've kind of always been a little bit of an adrenaline junkie. I worked as a white water rafting instructor in Colorado for six summers, and obviously played sports throughout my whole life. And I've always kind of been chasing the thrill of random things that some people might, I guess, be a little squeamish of. I don't want to say that I'm pretty fearless, because it sounds a little arrogant. But then again, I am a little arrogant. So yeah, always been a little fearless. And so I kind of put performance and I guess athletics together, and you get stunts.

Then where did this desire to become a pilot come in?
I love doing stunts. But again, at 30 years old, the wear and tear on my body started to hit pretty hard, no pun intended. And so I wanted a career that I guess would provide the stability that I lacked doing stunts. And so that's why I decided to become a pilot. Really what happened is I had gotten my sports pilot certificate as a hobby. I'm a man of many hobbies. And literally, I was at a wedding one of my good friends getting married. And he had just got his pilot's license, and he turned to me and he's like, "Hey. You do everything. I have nobody to fly with. You ever thought about getting your pilot's license?" And I was like, "Okay, yeah, sure." That was literally my reaction. The next day, I signed up for a pilot's license. And then eventually, after I got my sports pilot's certificate, I realized, "You know what? This can probably be a pretty good career. I might as well just go for this.

So what made you go from wanting to be a pilot to a game of pilots and passengers in the game of Survivor. You said you're an adrenaline junkie, so is that what drew you to the show?
Absolutely. I love to challenge myself. And what other challenge is there like Survivor? I feel like everything that I've done in my life has kind of led me to this moment, or at least trained me for this moment. Because I think my social skills, my physical skills. Even puzzles, for example, I think I'm fairly good at puzzles as well. And I think pretty much everything that I've done so far in my life is gonna give me an advantage in this game. And so therefore, I had to apply, number one, to challenge myself, to see if I'm as good as I actually think I am. And you know what? Maybe it'll allow me good fortune, and I'll go home with a million dollars.

What's your history with watching the show?
Not gonna lie, not a whole lot. So I knew of Survivor, I grew up watching the first few seasons with my family, like a lot of people. And admittedly, never watched it again until after I applied. And then once I got interest from my application, I was like, "I should probably actually go back and watch the show." And it's really a funny story. I got a call from one of the casting producers. She's like, "Oh, hey, great. Love your resume. You can have a one-on-one with Jeff." And I was like, "Great. What's his last name?" I swear to God. And she's like, "...Probst." And I'm on my computer, talking, like, "Okay, how do you spell that?" "P-R-O-B-S-T." And I can hear her hesitation on the phone.

And so she hesitates and says something else. So I type into Google "Jeff Probst," and I'm like, "Oh, that's the host!" His face pops up, and I obviously recognize him. She's like, "Yes, that's the host, you f–king idiot! What do you mean?! What are you doing applying on Survivor?!" And so next thing you know, love/hate relationship she wanted me on the show. But again, I needed to watch the show, so I did go back and watch the new eras. And I kind of watched a couple of the older ones. But yeah, I don't really have a whole lot of Survivor under my belt, to be honest.

Given your limited and recent viewing, give me one winner and one non-winner who you identify with the most.
I'm an arrogant a-hole at times. But I love Austin actually. I think he's just very sincere, very kind. And I think I'll play a lot like Austin. Because at the end of the day, I do need to diminish my threat level. And I do believe in kindness number one. And so I like Austin. I like the game that he played. I like how sincere he was, and, it kind of stabbed him in the back. So I won't be able to play maybe as nice as Austin, but at least that's kind of like my goal, just be likable like him. And I think Dee also played a very good game. Season 45 is definitely my favorite season of Survivor, if you can't already tell. And then also a lot of people compare me to Jonathan Young. I don't know why. [Flexes muscles.] But I think Jonathan's great. But he definitely lacked the social game and the puzzle solving abilities that I have. So we'll see. If I can get to the Final Four or Final Five, then maybe I'll do a little better.

🤩 📺 SIGN UP for Parade's Daily newsletter & get the scoop on the latest TV news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox 🤩🎥

So, especially given your familiarity with the show, what was the prep process like for you before you got out here?
Well, I mean, obviously I've been working out and going to the gym for 22 years. There are things that I did do differently., I've been obviously more about strength, less endurance. I did up the cardio. My friends will tell you that I don't really do a whole lot of cardio, but I can still hold my own. Training-wise, I definitely changed up a bit. But to be honest, I was in pretty good shape when I applied, so I didn't have to do too much. And I think I'm in probably the best shape I've ever been in.

Give me your biggest superpower and your biggest piece of kryptonite when it comes to this game.
I mean, I don't know. I do have a superhuman ability, though. So, when I go diving–because I love to dive. One of my hobbies that I have is free diving and scuba diving. And I don't have to pinch my nose to equalize. I can pop my ears on command. It's a nice little handy thing that happens when I go diving enough to sit there and do that. On airplanes it's great for a pilot. So beneficial net, that's my super human ability.

What about a piece of your personality you feel will be your superpower out here?
Oh, I don't know. I think I can chisel away at people that don't like me. I think I can find common ground on someone. Because, look, I'm a nerd trapped in a jock's body. It might not be obvious, like, but I can connect with pretty much anybody, because I have so many different hobbies and so many different interests. And I think that, even if you don't like me, you'll kind of slowly be like, "Okay, this guy's not so bad. Oh, this guy's pretty cool." I think I have that effect on a lot of people, as long as they just take the time to get to know me. When you're stuck on an island, they're gonna have to.

Unpack your nerd résumé for me!
I'm a huge gamer. PC master race all the way. I can talk to you all day long about that. I lived in Japan for four years, so I did get introduced to a lot of anime. I'm just kind of all over the spectrum. I build my own PCs as well. I love board games. I just love anything with a challenge, really. And I'm kind of a sap, to be honest. I love romcoms; my favorite movie of all time is Notting Hill. Not afraid to admit it. They just don't make movies like that anymore. Although, Anyone But You was pretty good. I really like that movie.

What about your biggest piece of kryptonite?
Honestly, some people might say my arrogance or my confidence could get me in trouble. I think it's an asset. I think it's better to be too confident than, I guess, humble. Especially in a game like Survivor, or any competitive circumstance. So we'll see. I don't really know. I wouldn't say that I really have a kryptonite. I'm not worried about the food, I'm not worried about the social game, not really worried about the puzzles. I honestly don't think I have really anything to worry about.

How do you think you'll be perceived in this game? Your physicality obviously precedes you. Is that something you plan to steer into?
It doesn't matter if I want to steer into it or not. It's there. I can't hide. There's no way I'm gonna fly under the radar. I can't fit under the radar, okay? Like it's just not gonna happen. So I have to embrace that. And again, I think the key is to just be kind. I can be a physical threat; people are gonna know that. So I'm gonna have to maybe downplay my social abilities, or maybe downplay any sort of puzzle-solving abilities I may have. But at the end of the day, I think just being kind to people, really sincerely just being kind and nice, and hopefully establishing friendships that are gonna take me a little bit beyond the merge at least. And then from there, I might have to make some make some waves, but we'll see.

Well, we just saw this happen with Hunter. It's a matter of all eyes being on you, and you having to adjust from there.
Yes, I think Hunter lacked a little bit of the social game that would have kept him in the game longer. But yeah, I think you're very much hitting the nail on the head. And I think that's what everybody's gonna look at me and think, "Okay, he's gonna be great until the merge, and then first boot come during merge." And honestly, I just hope that I can have enough social game to last me a little longer. And let's be honest, I'm really not gonna need to worry about it, because I'm just gonna win every challenge anyway. This is all Plan B stuff.

[Laughs.[ You basically have that necklace tattooed on your body. What would you say is one life experience that has prepared you the most for this game?
I think honestly, being in a state of pressure constantly, life and death scenarios, even for myself and other people. I do not buckle under pressure whatsoever; I thrive in it. And I think that honestly, is gonna bode very well for this game. So just, again, from whether it's stunts, whether it's flying planes that are older than I am, don't know if they're gonna fall out of the sky, whether it's going down class five rapids. I live under pressure. And I think that's one of my greatest strengths, and I think it's gonna translate very well to this game.

Related: Everything to Know About Survivor 48

So we spoke about your perception. Let's flip that around some of the other people around you. Who are you picking up good vibes from in the preseason?
There's an older woman. And she's always smiling. It's weird to me that everybody just sitting there so stoic and just in their little books and taking down notes. And I'm trying to smile at people, just be nice, because, again, that's just me in the real world. And it's just so weird, how stoic and how, I guess, unenthusiastic people are. And so the few people that do smile and do give me at least something, shows me that they are humans that I pick up on. And so she has been very nice and just pleasant. Just again, we don't talk; we don't really say anything. And it's just the quickest of smiles, but you can just tell that she's sincere and kind. And I really like that. I think kindness goes a long way.

And that's why I look forward to allies. Because when someone's kind, they're more than likely gonna be honest as well. So that's what I kind of look for, is people that are kind in the game, and I'm gonna be friends with them and try to make alliances with them. And so she's at the top of my list. Don't know if she's on my tribe or not. Also, there are a few others. There's a man with glasses. He's also doing the same. He's always looking around, trying to be friendly and just smile. And you can kind of pick up on things, people who say thank you to those who are around. Even if it's something like picking up a dish, and they'll just say, "Thank you," whereas others don't. And to me, that goes a long way.

There are those two for sure. And I think, honestly, there's this shorter Asian guy, and I have a feeling he's gonna do really well in the challenges. I don't know why. But I just have a feeling that he's very athletic, you can kind of tell from his physique. But I think he's gonna be a force to reckon with, for sure.

Are you looking at him as a possible meat shield, then? Or someone to get rid of?
I want to get rid of him. I mean, I want competition. But I wouldn't say big competition. But I would definitely keep my eye on him, for sure.

Anyone else you're not picking up vibes from?
There's a Maryanne-looking girl. And I think she, once again, is kind of giving off that very kind, very sincere vibe. I love to be friends with her. I hope she's on my tribe as well. But aside from that, I mean, I've taken my little notes on everybody that's come across. But those are the ones that kind of stand out so far. Everybody else is still up in the air.

How do you plan to incorporate idols and advantages into your game?
I'm gonna need it, let's be honest. Because as much as I say I'm gonna win every challenge, odds are probably against me. I don't know. Insert small flex. So I know I'm gonna need an idol at some point. I know I'm gonna need an advantage at some point. And the further the game gets, the more desperate I may become. And we'll see how that plays out in the game. But I absolutely know that if I'm gonna win this game, I'm gonna need something.

So does that mean, when a boat shows up to camp, you're volunteering to go on a journey?
Absolutely not. But then again, also, I'm already a threat. People know that, and they're gonna want me. So maybe. I'll have to see how it's going with my tribe, to be honest. Because if I have a really strong tribe, I might not need it. But, at the same time, I think I would be safer than most, being that physical, dominant challenge piece that most people would expect me to be. And so therefore, they want to hopefully hold on to me and carry them to the merge, so we'll see. It's all contextual.

Do you anticipate stepping up into a leadership role just based on that sort of physical stature? Or are you more so like, "Use me for challenges, and then I'm good"?
I do not want to be in a leadership role. Because I do not want to have my threat level raised beyond what already has to be. I would happily be the pack mule. I'll be the farm boy, grabbing your pitch or whatever you need, man. I got you. Just do not put me in the leadership role. Because I don't want to have any other eyes on me more so than they have to be, at least initially. And then my whole goal is to obviously form those friendships and then start to whisper in their ears, "Hey, you know, maybe so and so." And then eventually, yes, I will take on a leadership role, whether there's a mutiny or not. I will take on that role eventually, but definitely not initially.

What's your hottest Survivor take?
So again, I haven't watched a lot of Survivor. But the last season I was watching was Heroes vs. Villains. I would love some of those one-on-one brutal challenges, man.

[Laughs.] Well, of course, you're gonna say that from your perspective!
Of course, I'm gonna say that from my perspective! I mean, what do you want from me?! You're throwing the puzzles at people. Why can't I throw the physical challenges at others? Come on! Where's the challenges for me?!

That was an intense challenge. Shoulders were popped out, toes were broken.
Only for the weak. God, people are gonna hate me back home. Sorry!

[Laughs.] No, this is what we're here for! What's your main takeaway from Seasons 45 and 46 that you're bringing into your gameplay?
I think it goes back to taking on those leadership roles. It seems, more often than not, they have a detrimental effect to one's game. Sort of like Hunter did. He can be a challenge beast, but then he sort of just laid low during the camp life. I think that's kind of the route to take. But he stuck with that far too long. He needed to transition into a position of power, and he just tried to ride that wave a little too long. And so that's where he screwed up, and that's where I'm not gonna screw up, hopefully, knock on wood. But I think honestly, learning to just keep your mouth shut. I grew up with three sisters. I should be pretty good at that. And be patient, bide my time until it's my moment.

What celebrity or fictional character would you bring out for a Loves Ones visit?
I don't know, Anthony Hopkins. I feel like everything that guy says is a poem. Where else could you draw inspiration from? He's my favorite actor. So I don't know; that just kind of sprung to mind, honestly. But yeah, that would be kind of fun.

Lastly, how are you going to make your mark on Survivor 48 to make sure you return for Season 50?
I was told that the most Immunity Challenges won in one season is five. Alright, so I'll just have to do six. I should be a shoo-in at that point! [Laughs.] And if I don't, maybe I go out early, maybe things don't work out in my favor, maybe I suck at challenges. Maybe I'm just all talk. Well, hopefully, I'm entertaining enough that, you know, people are gonna wanna see me fail again. [Laughs.]

Next, check out our interview with Survivor 48 contestant Chrissy Sarnowsky.