Star Toomey is eager to establish her reputation on Survivor season 48. After watching every season of this enduring competition series, she is set on winning the $1 million prize.

Who Is ‘Survivor’ Season 48 Contestant Star Toomey?

At 28 years old, Star is a “sales expert” based in Atlanta, Georgia. She described her job in an interview with Parade, saying, “I provide your internet services, sell cell phones, and even accessories like phone cases when you need them. If there’s a chance to make a sale, whether it’s a phone or a pair of headphones, I’m all in.”

Nevertheless, her strategy involves concealing her sales background and telling others she’s a “stay-at-home” mom. “I’m not even sure if I should say that, because there’s such a fixation on having a backstory,” she said. “There’s a misconception that a compelling story is necessary for Survivor, but it’s not true. What really matters is having that unexplainable spark or personality that makes your presence essential on the show.”

Is ‘Survivor’ Season 48 Contestant Star Toomey Married?

Star is married to her wife, and the pair share a 1-year-old son named Silver-Mars. Star said it was actually during her late nights with her son that she began watching Survivor for the first time.

“So I’m watching Survivor, 12:00 a.m. at night. Silver’s in my arms, I’m rocking him to sleep. Next thing I know, Jeff says, ‘Do you think you have what it takes to be on Survivor?’” she recalled. “I looked around, I looked up, I looked down. I said, ‘Yes, I do!’ By 3:00 a.m. I put my recording in and I did what needed to be done.”

Star Toomey Resonates With ‘Survivor’ Alums Sandra Diaz-Twine and Maryanne Oketch

After binging through the entire series, Star said she identified with season 42 contestants Sandra Diaz-Twine and Maryanne Oketch.

“I can be serious when I’m trying to get that money. I’m trying to finesse somebody into buying this phone,” she told Parade. “Or maybe I might be running late to work, and I gotta figure out what I’m gonna tell my boss. I’m serious. But I also know how to have a good time like Maryanne.”

Star Toomey Says the Death of Her Father Prepared Her for ‘Survivor’ Season 48

The Georgia resident felt that the death of her father prepared her for her future stint on Survivor. The experience taught her how to heal, pick herself up and step up for her and her family members.

“I took on the strong suit when my father died. I feel like I am my father, like a girl version of him,” she said. “And so I carry everybody under my wing like a mama bear, and I just want to protect all of them. But how can you protect everybody when you’re literally falling into pieces? You have to pick yourself up and get it together. If not, you’re really f–ked.”

Star Toomey Became a Fan Favorite After Playing the Game With So Much Heart

Star initially didn’t get along with Lagi tribemate Eva Erickson, but after the young Minnesota native’s emotional revelation that she had autism during week 5, their dynamic changed.

Star told Eva how she has family members who are on the spectrum and respected her decision to tell the other castaways about her condition. In a show of support, Star even let Eva take a crack at unlocking her beware advantage, which she had yet to figure out.

Eva was able to figure out the word that unlocked the immunity idol, and Star promptly gave it to her former frenemy. She told Eva, “You take the idol. It’s yours,” which she happily did.

When the tribes merged the following week, Charity Nelms urged Star to ask for her idol back. The sales expert refused to do so, even if it meant leaving herself at risk. Star even told Eva about Charity’s idea, telling her former teammate she earned the idol “fair and square” by unlocking it and put Charity’s name out there to get voted out for such an aggressive move.

A truly heartfelt moment came later in the April 2, 2025, episode which showed how deeply Star cared about the feelings of other players in the game. She comforted Cedrek McFadden after his failure during a physical challenge cost him and five other contestants a chance at a massive meal.

Cedrek sat alone at camp feeling at his lowest when Star came over to console him. He burst into tears, and she sat down next to the oncologist, telling him “No, no, that’s not what we’re doing.”

She added, “You’re doing it for all the fathers out here. You’re doing the damn thing. Your kids watching will be proud,” as fans rushed to social media to show their support.

“This Star breakout episode is so awesome to see! We’ve been robbed of her beautiful personality this season,” one viewer gushed on X, while another added, “Star seems like such a genuinely nice person who goes out of her way to uplift others, and I’ve loved watching her personality emerge more each episode. And she killed it in the challenge too.”