View gallery

Big Brother US has captivated audiences and become a significant cultural phenomenon ever since its debut on CBS in 2000. The wildly popular reality series is set to return for its eagerly anticipated season 27 on July 10, 2025. Fans can expect an exhilarating experience filled with backstabbing, blindsiding, and emotional turmoil—oh, what a ride! As dedicated viewers know, during the season finale, another Big Brother champion will be crowned, with the winner taking home a staggering grand prize of $750,000. This season promises to be unforgettable, as it continues to engage and entertain fans across the nation.

The Big Brother franchise has also expanded to include three exciting seasons of Celebrity Big Brother, with celebrity winners such as Marissa Jaret Winokur, Tamar Braxton, and Miesha Tate. While some Big Brother winners have remained in the spotlight, others have chosen to retreat from public life. In this article, we provide an insightful update on all the Big Brother champions over the years, exploring their journeys and what they are currently up to after their time on the show.

Discover Eddie McGee’s Journey: The First Big Brother Winner (Season 1)

Eddie McGee proudly claimed victory as the first-ever champion of Big Brother US in September 2000. The unique format of the inaugural season allowed viewers to play a critical role in determining the outcome of the game, a format that CBS later modified for subsequent seasons. Eddie, who inspired many as a contestant with one leg, captured the hearts of audiences nationwide. Following his triumph on the show, he ventured into the entertainment industry, appearing in various movies and television series. Recently, Eddie has made brief guest appearances in episodes of acclaimed shows such as Hunters, See, 9-1-1, and The Equalizer, showcasing his enduring presence in the industry, according to his IMDb profile.

Unraveling Will Kirby’s Legacy as a Big Brother Champion (Season 2)

Dr. Will Kirby skillfully utilized his charm, intelligence, and charisma to secure the win in season 2 of Big Brother. He later returned to compete in season 7, titled Big Brother: All Stars, where he placed fourth. Will has made sporadic guest appearances on Big Brother, delighting fans with his return. In addition to his reality TV success, he has made notable appearances in other popular shows like The Young and the Restless and The Book of Boba Fett. Currently, Will serves as the Chief Medical Officer at Laser Away and works as a beauty reporter for Life & Style Weekly. He married Erin Brodie in 2017, and together they are raising two children.

Lisa Donahue: The First Female Winner of Big Brother (Season 3)

Lisa Donahue made history as the first female winner of Big Brother, triumphing in season 3 after defeating Danielle Reyes in a decisive final jury vote. Following her victory, Lisa briefly pursued a career in acting, seeking to capitalize on her newfound fame. However, she later transitioned to become a successful entrepreneur, establishing her photography company in Los Angeles. In a profound public revelation, Lisa shared her battle with health issues, disclosing that she underwent a hysterectomy after being diagnosed with stage 2 cervical and ovarian cancer in 2021, showcasing her resilience and strength.

Jun Song’s Strategic Victory in Big Brother (Season 4)

Jun Song cleverly implemented the “floater” strategy to achieve her victory in Big Brother 4, making her the first Asian winner of the franchise. Currently, Jun works as a content strategist, demonstrating her versatility outside of reality television. Her life now includes residing in Belgium with her son Noah. In a personal turn of events, she separated from her husband, Davy Goethals, in 2017 after seven years of marriage, navigating the complexities of life after the show.

Drew Daniel’s Memorable Win and Controversial Moments (Season 5)

Drew Daniel emerged as the champion of Big Brother 5, a season well-remembered for its iconic Twist Twist and Project DNA. Following his win, Drew briefly pursued acting roles in movies; however, his life took a troubling turn when he was arrested in 2012 for domestic violence after an alleged incident involving another man, according to TMZ. After this incident, Drew has largely maintained a low profile, stepping back from the spotlight and focusing on his personal life away from the public eye.

Maggie Ausburn’s Strategic Gameplay and Aftermath (Season 6)

Maggie Ausburn narrowly secured her victory by defeating Ivette Corredero in Big Brother 6. This season was notorious for the intense rivalry between Maggie’s alliance, known as The Friendship, and Janelle Pierzina‘s alliance, The Sovereign Six. Following her win, Maggie chose to retreat from public life, opting for a quieter existence away from the fame and scrutiny that comes with reality television.

Mike “Boogie” Malin: The All-Star Champion (Season 7)

Mike “Boogie” Malin triumphed in the first All-Star edition of Big Brother US, having first appeared in season 2. He returned for season 7, where he skillfully dominated alongside his Chilltown alliance member, Dr. Will Kirby. Boogie attempted to play the game for a third time in Big Brother 14, ultimately placing 10th. After his second appearance, he welcomed a son named Brady. In 2019, Boogie faced legal troubles when he was arrested for making threats against Will, as reported by US Weekly. He was found guilty of felony stalking in 2021, resulting in a sentence of three days in LA County Jail and two years of probation. Furthermore, he filed for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy in 2022, as noted by US Weekly.

“Evel Dick” Donato’s Complex Legacy in Big Brother (Season 8)

“Evel Dick” Donato clinched the victory in Big Brother 8, overcoming his estranged daughter Daniele Donato. Their relationship experienced significant ups and downs during their time in the house, but they faced further challenges post-show. Both returned for Big Brother 13, yet Dick had to exit the game prematurely after testing positive for HIV. Now residing in Florida, Dick hosts his own podcast where he shares insights and discussions about Big Brother and its contestants.

Adam Jasinski’s Controversial Path After Winning Big Brother (Season 9)

Adam Jasinski emerged victorious in Big Brother 9, which marked the only winter season of the regular Big Brother series. However, Adam’s post-show life took a dark turn as he faced legal issues, being arrested for drug possession and tax evasion. He served four years in prison from 2011 to 2015. Fortunately, Adam has turned his life around, becoming sober and authoring a book titled My Kids On Drugs, Now What, which offers resources and guidance for parents whose children are grappling with addiction. Currently, he works as a contractor, sharing insights about his journey on his Instagram.

Dan Gheesling: The Unanimous Winner of Big Brother (Season 10)

Dan Gheesling is often hailed by fans as the greatest Big Brother player in history. The former football coach achieved an unprecedented victory in Big Brother 10, being the first contestant to win by a unanimous jury vote. He returned for Big Brother 14, where he finished as the runner-up. Dan has embraced the digital age by creating friendly game content on platforms like Twitch and YouTube. He and his wife, Chelsea, are proud parents of three children, further enriching his life beyond the game.

Jordan Lloyd: A Reality Romance Blooms (Season 11)

Jordan Lloyd captured the crown in Big Brother 11, where she also found love with her now-husband, Jeff Schroeder. The couple returned for Big Brother 13, with Jeff finishing in 7th place and Jordan in 4th. They further expanded their reality TV presence by competing on The Amazing Race 16 and Marriage Boot Camp. Jordan and Jeff are proud parents to two sons, Lawson and Layton, and have recently launched the Togethermess Podcast ahead of Big Brother 25, sharing their journey as a family.

Hayden Moss: The Survivor Contender (Season 12)

Hayden Moss strategically leveraged his all-male Brigade alliance to secure victory in Big Brother 12, triumphing over Lane Elenburg. Following his success, Hayden made history as the first Big Brother contestant to compete on Survivor, participating in Survivor: Blood vs Water alongside his then-girlfriend Kat Edorsson, where he placed 7th. Currently, Hayden is in a relationship with a music artist, reflecting his evolution since the show.

Rachel Reilly’s Tenacity and Triumph (Season 13)

Rachel Reilly secured her victory in Big Brother 13, marking her second attempt on the show. She first gained attention during her time on Big Brother 12, where she formed a lasting bond with her now-husband, Brendon Villegas. After BB13, Rachel showcased her competitive spirit by participating in The Amazing Race three times: twice with Brendon and once with her sister Elissa Slater. Rachel has also competed in other reality shows, including Fear Factor, Snake in the Grass, and The Traitors. The couple is now blessed with two children, daughter Adora and son Adler.

Ian Terry: The Strategic Mind Behind the Win (Season 14)

Ian Terry achieved victory in Big Brother 14, besting Dan Gheesling in a strategic showdown. Ian returned for Big Brother 22, the show’s second All-Star season, where he finished in 11th place. Currently, Ian resides in Houston, Texas, and works as a consultant. He graduated from Tulane University with a degree in chemical engineering, showcasing his academic achievements alongside his reality TV success.

Andy Herren: Breaking Barriers as the First Openly Gay Winner (Season 15)

Andy Herren made history by becoming the first openly gay contestant to win Big Brother. The champion of season 15 currently resides in Chicago and maintains an active presence on social media, where he engages with fans and shares updates about his life. Despite stepping away from the competitive spotlight, Andy continues to stay connected with the Big Brother community.

Derrick Levasseur: The Undisputed Champion of Big Brother (Season 16)

Derrick Levasseur showcased his strategic prowess in Big Brother 16, ultimately securing the title over Cody Calfiore. After his victory, Derrick transitioned into a role as an investigator on Investigation Discovery’s Breaking Homicide, leveraging his skills from his previous profession as a police sergeant. Additionally, he authored a book titled The Undercover Edge, sharing insights from his experiences. Derrick and Cody also co-host a podcast called The Winner’s Circle, where they discuss game strategies and their time on the show. Derrick shares two daughters with his wife Jana, whom he married prior to his participation in the show.

Steve Moses: The Creative Mind Behind Big Brother (Season 17)

Steve Moses emerged victorious in Big Brother 17 after successfully evicting professional poker player Vanessa Rousso in the final three. Following his win, Steve pursued higher education, earning his MFA in sound design from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. He later relocated to Orlando, Florida, where he established a new career by opening Oasis Senior Advisors, utilizing his creativity to help others in a different capacity.

Nicole Franzel’s Journey from Contestant to Winner (Season 18)

Nicole Franzel achieved victory in Big Brother 18, two years after her initial appearance on Big Brother 16. She won BB18 in a narrow 5-4 jury vote against Paul Abrahamian. Nicole made a return for Big Brother 22, where she was evicted in third place. She met her now-husband Victor Arroyo on BB18, and they later competed together on The Amazing Race 31, finishing in fourth place. Nicole and Victor currently reside in the Midwest with their son Arrow, who was born in July 2021, symbolizing a new chapter in their lives post-show.

Morgan Willett: The Champion of Over The Top (Season 26)

Morgan Willett triumphed in the Big Brother spinoff, Big Brother: Over The Top, which aired in the fall of 2016. Following her victory, Morgan expanded her presence in the entertainment industry by appearing on other shows such as Ex On The Beach and The Challenge. She was in a relationship with The Challenge star Johnny Bananas for two years until 2021. Additionally, Morgan has embraced her role as an influencer, launching her own podcast called Your Internet Bestfriend, where she shares insights and connects with her audience.

Josh Martinez: The Challenge Competitor and Big Brother Champion (Season 19)

Josh Martinez secured his place in Big Brother 19 history by defeating Paul Abrahamian in the finale with a narrow 5-4 jury vote. Post-show, Josh has become a familiar face on The Challenge, participating in five seasons of the MTV series. He is also set to appear in CBS’s The Challenge USA season 2 alongside other Big Brother veterans. Currently, Josh resides in Miami, Florida, where he continues to pursue his passion for competition and entertainment.

Kaycee Clark: The Dual Threat in Reality Television (Season 20)

Kaycee Clark triumphed in Big Brother 20, narrowly defeating her ally Tyler Crispen by a single jury vote. Like Josh, Kaycee has made her mark on The Challenge, winning The Challenge: Spies, Lies, and Allies in 2021. Currently, she is in a relationship with The Challenge star Nany Gonzalez, highlighting her continued involvement in reality television and her personal life.

Jackson Michie: The Showmance Champion (Season 21)

Jackson Michie emerged victorious in Big Brother 21, defeating his showmance partner Holly Allen. After their time on the show, Jackson and Holly dated for a few months. Recently, Jackson married his girlfriend Caitlin on July 7, 2023, sharing beautiful wedding photos on Instagram. The couple currently resides in Nashville, Tennessee, starting a new chapter in their lives together.

Cody Calafiore: The All-Star Comeback Champion (Season 22)

After finishing in second place on Big Brother 16, Cody returned for Big Brother 22 and decisively dominated the All-Star season, winning against Enzo Palumbo with a unanimous jury vote. Post-show, Cody continued his competitive streak by participating in The Traitors on Peacock. He also hosts a podcast with Derrick called The Winner’s Circle, where they share behind-the-scenes stories and game strategies. In October 2022, Cody proposed to his girlfriend Cristie LaRatta, marking another exciting milestone in his life.

Xavier Prather: A Historic Win in Big Brother (Season 23)

Xavier Prather made history as the first Black winner of Big Brother, being crowned champion of Big Brother 23 after all six Black contestants formed the powerful Cookout Alliance. Following his victory, Xavier continued to showcase his talents by competing on The Challenge: USA. Additionally, he recently got engaged to his girlfriend Kenzie Hansen in May 2023, marking a new chapter in his life filled with love and success.

Taylor Hale: A Groundbreaking Victory in Big Brother (Season 24)

Taylor Hale made history by winning Big Brother 24, becoming the first Black woman to ever claim the title. In addition to her victory, Taylor also earned the title of America’s Favorite Houseguest, a significant achievement that resonated with fans. After the show, she dated fellow houseguest Joseph Abdin for several months, navigating the complexities of relationships formed in the house. Since her victory, Taylor has actively pursued opportunities in the entertainment industry, showcasing her talents and charisma.

Jag Bains: The Social Media Sensation and Champion of Big Brother (Season 25)

Jag Bains emerged as the victor of Big Brother 25, a win that catapulted him into social media stardom. His Instagram showcases a blend of comedic videos and witty clips that reflect his lighthearted approach to life, tackling themes such as work-life balance and everyday moments. Additionally, Jag has ventured into real estate, focusing on his career as a realtor following his big win on the show, demonstrating his ability to balance entertainment with professional aspirations.

Chelsie Baham: The Motivational Speaker and Big Brother Champion (Season 26)

Chelsie Baham celebrated her victory in Big Brother 26 and has since transitioned into a motivational keynote speaker and identity coach. Through her work, Chelsie empowers individuals to discover their potential and embrace their true selves. Her journey post-show illustrates her commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of others, as she utilizes her platform to inspire and uplift those around her.