What It's Like Surviving Naked in the Wild for 40 Days
A Naked and Afraid contestant spills some survivalist tea.
On the surface, Naked and Afraid XL is reality television voyeurism wrapped up in an irresistible bow. The show serves more drama than The Real Housewives, and has one surprising quality that audiences love: it's totally unscripted. Which brings us to what lies beneath the surface of Naked and Afraid: the very real, very raw personal struggles and of its cast members, a group of 12 men and women who spend 40 days trying to survive in remote South Africa. Oh, and they're naked.
MarieClaire.com spoke to cast member Tawny Lynn to get an inside look at one of the most visceral shows on reality TV—and no subject was off the table. From the group's unlikely bond with their camera crew, to wilderness gender dynamics, to on-screen nudity, Tawny dished. And yep, we definitely asked her the question on everyone's mind: does the cast hook up off camera?
Marie Claire: One of the reasons people love this show is because it can be really, really dramatic. It's understandable: humans are at their worst and best when vulnerable. Was there drama during the 40-day challenge?
Tawny Lynn: We had a really good group. We never had any serious issues. When you're out there for that long, starving, you're gonna get pissed at each other every once and a while. But we were a strong team, and I was happy with who I was out there with.
MC: You prepared for this, but what physical and personal hurdles happened that you just didn't expect?
TL: I wasn't prepared for the feet. When I was in Florida for my first Naked and Afraid challenge, I had no issues with feet. So, I went into Africa thinking: "I got this, my feet are solid." I couldn't have been further from reality. My feet got destroyed. Emotionally, leaving my daughter for the second time, and knowing how strongly she felt about that, was something I didn't expect to hit me so hard. I was blessed to have other mothers with me, they were good about consoling me and encouraging me.
MC: Did you reach any emotional breaking points?
Stay In The Know
Select the newsletters you’d like to receive. Then, add your email to sign up.
TL: When you're severely malnourished and away from everything you love, you become so emotionally vulnerable, and the slightest thing can make you burst into tears. And that's not normally me. It's amazing, the effect it has on you. There are things that happened that make you cry at the drop of a hat. Like, "oh my god, we got a meal." We all cry. Anything that would normally not make me cry, made me cry. Being out there in 103 degree weather and not eating for days at a time breaks you down on every level.
MC: It must be so weird to be unclothed and roughing it with a totally chill film crew watching you. Do you interact at all?
TL: We definitely had a bond with the film crew, because they were experiencing everything with us. There's not a huge interaction because that limits our experience as survivalists, but if you're running through the river being chased, they're running with you because they have to capture that moment. There's a bond. But sometimes, you get to the point where you're irritated with them because they just had a big dinner and slept in a comfortable bed.
MC: Okay, I'm going to ask the question on everyone's mind: do people hook up on the show? There must be such a strong need for companionship.
TL: Within the Naked and Afraid survivalist group, there are rumors about it. I can't confirm or deny that it does or it doesn't happen.... In my experience, it didn't.
MC: Honestly, how long did it take you to get over being naked and so exposed?
TL: It's really uncomfortable to strip down naked with people standing around watching. It goes out the door so quick, the heat hits you, your feet are on hot ground. You're not worried about how you look. You're worried about finding water and shelter. And this is coming from someone who is very conservative, and my biggest fear going into this originally was being naked.
MC: Why was that your biggest fear?
TL: I don't like to present myself that way. I'm very conservative. I don't think it's appropriate for women to expose themselves like that.
MC: It seems like being in such a primitive situation would either bring about a real gender divide, or totally shatter the one that already exists. Which happened?
TL: In certain situations, there was a divide. When it came to taking down bigger game, the men were insistent upon "we're gonna handle this." And the women, we want to be a part of everything, too. In that survival situation, tensions rise because we don't want to feel like the lesser of the group.
MC: You were briefly homeless as a teen. Did surviving in civilization prepare you for for surviving in the wild?
TL: Being homeless at a young age built a mental strength within me that made me able to take on anything. The stuff I went through as a child and early teenage years, it made me a mental survivalist, and that gave me the ability to get through my first and second challenge on Naked and Afraid.
MC: On a *way* lighter note, everyone seems fascinated with your eye makeup. Your liner and lashes are perfect. Were you allowed to bring eyeliner on the trip?
TL: I'm gonna have makeup the entire time I'm out there because I have permanent eyeliner and eyelash extensions. I have pretty good-looking makeup the whole time. I don't know why people don't understand permanent makeup exists! Being a single mother it makes life so much easier to just roll out of bed and go.
Naked and Afraid XL premieres July 10 on Discovery.
Follow Marie Claire on Facebook for the latest celeb news, beauty tips, fascinating reads, livestream video, and more.
Mehera Bonner is a celebrity and entertainment news writer who enjoys Bravo and Antiques Roadshow with equal enthusiasm. She was previously entertainment editor at Marie Claire and has covered pop culture for over a decade.
-
Meghan Markle Connects to Little Boy She Says is "So Close" to Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet's Age
The Duchess of Sussex greeted young fans during a solo appearance at the Children's Hospital L.A. 2024 Gala.
By Danielle Campoamor Published
-
Suki Waterhouse Wears Floral Maxi Dress Alongside Robert Pattinson in First Joint Appearance Since Becoming Parents
The pair welcomed their first child, a baby girl, back in March.
By Danielle Campoamor Published
-
Taylor Swift Will Not Appear on Upcoming Kansas City Chiefs WAGs Reality Show
"She enjoys all the ladies she's met, but she will not be a part of Bravo's storyline."
By Danielle Campoamor Published
-
Actors Who Are Nothing Like Their Most Iconic Characters
Talk about awards-worthy, transformative performances.
By Katherine J. Igoe Published
-
The Question on Everyone's Lips: Did Beyoncé Skip the 2024 MTV VMAs?
It's been a few years since she last graced the carpet with her presence.
By Kelsey Stiegman Published
-
Why Isn't Selena Gomez at the 2024 VMAs?
Her absence became even more noticeable after her bestie Taylor Swift showed up.
By Hanna Lustig Published
-
Jennifer Lopez Thought Ben Affleck Was a "Changed Man" But Being Married to Him Was "Impossible"
"Friends think he is selfish, sullen, impossible to please most of the time and negative."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
'SATC' Star Evan Handler Says He'll "Welcome" Kim Cattrall's Return on His TV Set
She didn't see anyone while filming her cameo.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Everyone Wants Lindsay Lohan on Season 3 of 'White Lotus,' And It Could Actually Happen (If We're Lucky)
Please??????
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
An 'American Idol' Contestant Called Out Katy Perry for "Mom-Shaming" Her
She was really upset by the comment.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Jennifer Coolidge Addressed the Fan Campaign for Pamela Anderson to Play Her Sister on 'White Lotus'
She's a big fan, too.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published