In “Goldilocks and the Three Bears,” a blonde degenerate breaks into Papa Bear’s peaceful home, eats his food, and breaks his kid’s furniture.
In “Survivor” a poker player makes an alliance with Papa Bear, swears on his aunt’s life, then votes him out of the game.
I spoke with Samoa’s version of Papa Bear the morning after he was eliminated from Redemption Island and learned about the origin of his colorful nickname, his alliance (and blow-up) with Jim, and the poorly-designed shelter that nearly wiped out his entire tribe.
Gordon Holmes: What’re the rules on the nickname? I called you Mark in Samoa, but Papa Bear is how you’re known. Can I call you Papa Bear?
Mark “Papa Bear” Caruso: Absolutely, Gordon.
Holmes: I’m always interested in how the public reacts to Survivors when they leave the show, but I think it’s probably safe to assume that they’re all fond of you.
Papa Bear: I was just telling (a CBS Representative) that people on the street who recognize me, nobody calls me Mark. They all scream, “Papa Bear!” I have such a cartoon-type attitude; I say back, “Hey, how are you doing?!” I love people, that’s how I am.
Holmes: I do, however, have an issue with you giving yourself that nickname. That’s a bit of a social faux pas.
Papa Bear: Oh please.
Holmes: We’ll let it slide though.
Papa Bear: You know what’s funny, Gordon? That wasn’t my intention. Mark Anthony is my name. Mark Anthony Michael Caruso. They threw as many Italian names into my name as possible when I was born. It just merged into Papa Bear when I was on that team, because look at the team I was on! They were all young people. Even Dawn is younger than me. They were looking at me as that figure anyway. So, how I got voted off I thought that was strange.
Holmes: Speaking of how you were voted off, they acted like it was either you or Cochran…
Papa Bear: I was a cop for twenty years, I was a detective, I have a listening skill. There are little things in the things people say. Even a joke. There are hidden truths in jokes. When we lost with Semhar, Whitney says, “Don’t worry, Papa Bear, you’re safe.” And I was like, “Why would I have to worry that I was safe?” So, when we lost (last week) Whitney didn’t say anything. I thought, “Oh crap, I’m in trouble!”
Holmes: Was there any potential to make a move to save yourself?
Papa Bear: I went to John (Cochran) and said, “You and I, brother, we’re in trouble.” And I grabbed Dawn and Elyse, cause they were talking about taking different people out. I tried to shake it up, but it didn’t work out. It’s like they got comfortable in their spots. That’s when I went for the idol.
Holmes: Did you have any idea that Ozzy had already found it?
Papa Bear: I didn’t know Ozzy had the idol, but I found the clue. They didn’t show that. It was in the water well. It was hidden behind there.
Holmes: Dawn had a great moment last night, and Semhar seemed to be a big Dawn fan. What’re your thoughts on her play thus far?
Papa Bear: Dawn is a very honest woman. She said, “You know, Papa Bear, I’m going to vote for you if the group votes for you. I don’t want to.” And I in turn said to Dawn, “If the group is going for you, I’d go for you also.” So we had that understanding with each other and that’s a cool thing.
Holmes: Semhar had some less-than-kind words for Jim. What were your thoughts on him?
Papa Bear: We had a huge blowout on the beach. He was saying, “I have your back, we’re cool.” And he broke the alliance.
Holmes: To join with Ozzy and the rest?
Papa Bear: Jim is playing the game. Jim is a poker player as we found out now. One thing I can say for him is; when he got caught, he got caught. In other words, when I went up to him I said, “You’re voting against me, I know it because I was listening to you.” And he said, “Papa Bear, I…I.” And I said to him,” You’re voting for me and you promised me on your aunt’s life you weren’t going to vote on me.” And he says, “I’ve gotta take that back.” So at least he took that back. I voted for him. I knew he wasn’t going to go home, but I wanted to give him a slap across the face with that vote. But I don’t hold anything against Jim. I understand it’s a game. I don’t walk away with any bad feelings.
Holmes: That’s a great attitude to have. A lot of people walk away with hurt feelings. And some people hold onto that for a long time.
Papa Bear: It’s not the things that go wrong in your life, it’s the things that go right in your life. That’s what you hold on to. I’m looking forward to the future. I’m going to dedicate time to charities. And if I can sign an autograph that’s going to help a sick kid or an animal shelter, I’m going to do it. I want to do that. And of course we could have a commercial with Papa Bear in it. (Laughs) I’m kidding, why would you want Papa Bear in a commercial?
Holmes: Why wouldn’t you?!
Papa Bear: Yeah, why wouldn’t you?! You want Papa Bear in a Home Depot commercial or a Dunkin’ Donuts commercial.
Holmes: Alright, before you kick off your advertising career, let’s do some word association. Let’s start with Keith.
Papa Bear: Fantastic.
Holmes: Elyse?
Papa Bear: Sneaky.
Holmes: Cochran?
Papa Bear: Dangerous.
Holmes: Whitney?
Papa Bear: Not trustworthy.
Holmes: Dawn?
Papa Bear: Angel.
Holmes: Ozzy?
Papa Bear: (Laughs) Asleep.
Holmes: And let’s finish with Jim.
Papa Bear: I would say…not loyal.
Holmes: I came to visit Savaii beach on day two and was a little shocked to see that you guys didn’t have a shelter. What was behind that decision?
Papa Bear: We had a shelter on day one, but it collapsed. It was built, and all eight of them got into the shelter and there was no room for me. So, I was like screw these (expletive deleted) I’m not going in there. And the second I said that the whole thing collapsed with all eight of them. And to tell you, Gordon, I almost pissed my pants right then and there. I didn’t know if they were dead.
Holmes: That would’ve brought the season to an abrupt end.
Tags: coach wade, jeff probst, mark caruso, ozzy lusth, papa bear, survivor, survivor south pacific
More Whatnot 