Angie Jakusz, CBS program participant Survivor: Palau, died on January 8 in New Orleans of cancer at age 40, according to news reports.
Born in Waukesha, Wisconsin, Jakusz lived in San Francisco and New York before moving to New Orleans.
Jakusz was cast for the show in 2005 while working as a bartender. She immediately attracted attention on the show because of her colorful tattoos. However, it confused low expectations and became a popular competitor among viewers. She survived several tribal councils before being eliminated.