Every 'Big Brother' Winner (And Where They Are Now)

(From L to R) 'Big Brother' winners Rachel Reilly, Taylor Hale, and Will Kirby

Big Brother is an incredible test of the human spirit physically, mentally, and emotionally. But the houseguests endure the isolation, the cabin fever, the backstabbing, and the punishments for one reason: The chance to become the winner of the season. And across over 20 years, we have seen a wide variety of players be the last one standing, walking out to confetti and a huge boost to their bank account.

Here are all the Big Brother winners, and what they are up to now.

Big Brother winners

Eddie McGee (season 1)

Season 1 of Big Brother was an entirely different beast. Resembling the European version that the show was based on, America would evict houseguests every week by popular vote. Eddie was one of the more outspoken players of the season, one of the only people to talk about his desire to win the money. His initiative, and a heartwarming story about playing as an amputee, had Eddie winning 59% of the final audience vote to take home the first win.

In the years since his win, Eddie has stayed in entertainment. He's been acting since 2001, appearing in a variety of movies and TV shows. He's also dabbled in directing and producing briefly.

Will Kirby (season 2)

Big Brother had a huge change in format for season 2. All evictions were done by the players themselves, with one person winning "Head of Household" every week and nominating two of their fellow houseguests for eviction. Will was one of the biggest characters of the season, a self-admitted "robot" who concocted a strategy of throwing challenges, breaking promises, and making a target so big on himself it made him "invisible." And, despite losing his allies early on, Will's seeming lack of threat brought him to the endgame, where his manipulation tactics were praised by the jury.

Will returned for Big Brother All-Stars in season 7, where he made yet another impressive run before finishing in fourth place. Considered one of the show's greatest players, he has hosted the jury roundtable for the past ten years, moderating a discussion about that season's players. He also briefly "moved into" the house again as a "next-door neighbor" in 2020's version of Big Brother All-Stars. Will has also parlayed his reality TV time into multiple television appearances and journalistic opportunities, most recently as a bounty hunter in The Book of Boba Fett.

Lisa Donahue (season 3)

Big Brother 3 was largely the story of the secret duo in Danielle and Jason. But Lisa was also a constant force in the house, in good with everyone. She also showed she was capable of making her own big moves, like not voting her showmance Eric back into the house for fear of being targeted. Overall, her solid game, along with the jury's dislike of Danielle from her Diary Rooms, gave her the win.

Lisa was one of only two winners in the mix to return for Big Brother All-Stars, but did not ultimately make the cast through popular vote or producer choice. After dabbling a bit in acting, it was revealed on Lisa's 45th birthday that she had been diagnosed with stage 2 cervical and ovarian cancer and had undergone a hysterectomy.

Jun Song (season 4)

Jun had to play with an additional wrinkle on Big Brother 4, having to live and compete alongside her ex-boyfriend Jee. In spite of that complication, Jun mastered a strategy of "floating" under the radar and hopping from alliance to alliance. Though that did not earn her a positive reputation in the house, she was able to benefit from her even more negatively-received partner in Alison, giving Jun the win handily.

Several years after winning Big Brother, Jun left the country to live in Belgium, where she opened up a Korean restaurant. She currently lives there with her son, Noah, who she has recently gotten into the show.

Drew Daniel (season 5)

Drew started Big Brother 5 in power as part of the "Four Horsemen" men's alliance. After the group quickly fell apart, he abandoned it alongside Cowboy. He struck up a new bond with Diane that turned into a full-fledged showmance. At the Final Three, Drew made one of the most cutthroat decisions in the show's history when he cut Diane in favor of Cowboy. Despite the brutality of the move, Drew still won the season.

Like the winners that came before him, Drew dabbled in acting after appearing on Big Brother. In 2012, he was charged with domestic violence after supposedly attacking another man.

Maggie Ausburn (season 6)

Big Brother 6 is one of the show's most polarizing. The house was divided between the incredibly popular "Sovereign Six," and the villainized "Friendship" alliance. At the helm of the Friendship was Maggie. And despite getting in several tricky spots, she was able to make some key strategic plays to defeat the other alliance and have the Friendship prevail. And though her fellow finalist Ivette had made better bonds with the jurors, Maggie's persuasive tactics were commended (with some even comparing her to a cult leader) and she got a narrow win.

Like Drew, Maggie has largely gone off the radar of Big Brother fans following her win. Many attribute it to the unpopularity of her and the Friendship alliance as a whole.

Mike "Boogie" Malin (season 7)

Big Brother's seventh season saw it's first "all-star" edition. The house was packed with legends from seasons past, including Boogie and his closest ally Will. The two were able to reincarnate "Chilltown" in a new form. Together, the pair were able to run the season, aided by Boogie's showmance with Erika. Though Erika was able to get Janelle to cut Will at the Final Four, Boogie won his way to the finals, where his gameplay all season netted him a victory.

Boogie returned seven years later for Big Brother 14. Initially, he was a coach for the new houseguests, though he eventually became a full-fledged houseguest. He was eventually evicted in tenth place. Unfortunately, Boogie's relationship with Will ended on a low note. In August 2019, he was arrested for threatening Will and his family, allegedly over denying the pair from competing on The Amazing Race. In 2021, he was found guilty of felony stalking and was sentenced to two years probation.

"Evel" Dick Donato (season 8)

One of the biggest villains in the show's history, Dick competed on Big Brother 8 alongside his estranged daughter Daniele. And aggressive and outspoken force in the house, Dick's tactics involved outbursts and personal attacks as a means of intimidation. After being on the ropes in the middle of the game, the America's Player twist helped keep his and Daniele's hopes alive. From there, father and daughter fought against the rest of the house to make it to the end, where Dick's tactics, though controversial, got him the win.

Dick returned five years later alongside Daniele as one of six veterans for a "partners"-themed season. Unfortunately, he had to depart the game within the first week. It was later revealed after the season this was because he had learned he was HIV-positive from a blood test the producers gave him. He currently hosts "Dick at Nite," a web show that covers ongoing seasons of Big Brother.

Adam Jasinski (season 9)

The only civilian Big Brother season to air in the winter, season 9 was themed "'Til Death Do Us Part." Putting the houseguests into pairs of "soulmates," Adam was partnered up with Sheila, and the two served as the most contentious duo throughout the season. Despite that, Adam was able to survive as part of a majority alongside Sheila and his tight ally Ryan. In the end, his friendly nature had "A-Baller" winning the money handily over Ryan.

Adam has one of the wildest postseason stories to come from Big Brother in the show's history. He used his winnings to fund a drug ring, and had simulatensouly become a drug addict himself. Adam was arrested in 2009 by the DEA for the possession and distribution of oxycodone. He was sentenced to four years in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute and tax evasion. After being released from jail in 2015, Adam has rehabilitated his life, and currently provides guidance to those in sobriety and parents of those suffering from addiction.

Dan Gheesling (season 10)

Though he was a Christian schoolteacher, Dan Gheesling's legendary game play on Big Brother 10 was far from saintly. After losing all of his allies early on, Dan helped flip the game on its head halfway through. He joined up in a secret alliance with Memphis, and the "Renegades" never looked back. Dan carved a path of deceit and big-brain moves all the way to the end, where he became the first unanimous winner in Big Brother history. Like Will, he is known as one of the best players of all time, and one of the show's most popular winners.

Four years later, Dan returned as a coach, then houseguest, on Big Brother 14. And despite the target on his back, he was somehow able to mount more impressive moves. The most infamous being the iconic "Dan's Funeral," where he came out of solitary confinement to hold his own Big Brother funeral, only to make backroom deals to instead save himself. Dan made it to the Final Two chairs yet again, only to lose out on a second win. Dan currently has a career in livestreaming across YouTube and Twitch. He also will be appearing on the upcoming season season of Peacock's The Traitors.

Jordan Lloyd (season 11)

Big Brother 11 initially divided the house into "cliques." Part of the popular crowd was Jordan, a bubbly blonde who soon found herself on the outs. But when her showmance Jeff won a cruical coup d'etat power, it turned the house upside down. Despite losing Jeff down the line, Jordan won some clutch competitions to sit at the end, where she handily defeated the more unlikable Natalie.

Jordan came back two seasons later for Big Brother 13 alongside Jeff. She once again outlasted him, making it all the way to the Final Four. The two would go on to compete on The Amazing Race, where they finished in seventh place on season 16. They got engaged in the Big Brother backyard in 2014 and got married in 2016. They have two children and currently have a podcast called "Togetherness."

Hayden Moss (season 12)

Hayden was a key part of one of the most dominant alliances in Big Brother history. He was one of the members of the secret "Brigade" quartet. They ran season 12 behind the scenes, meticulously picking apart the house while simultaneously not getting caught. He made it to the end with fellow Brigade member Lane, where his presence as the alliance figurehead and an impressive four HoH wins gave him a narrow win.

In 2013, Hayden became the first ever Big Brother alum to play Survivor. He appeared on Survivor: Blood vs. Water alongside then-girlfriend (and Survivor alum) Kat Edorsson. Hayden made it all the way to the penultimate episode, most memorably convincing another player to force a tie and go to a random rock draw to protect himself. Hayden and Kat have since broken up.

Rachel Reilly (season 13)

One of the biggest and most polarizing characters on Big Brother 12, Rachel walked into the house the very next season alongside her showmance Brendon as part of the "pairs" twist. It was a difficult season for Rachel, as she had to contend with constant shots on the veterans' alliance, as well as losing Brendon twice. But a clutch twist and some impressive competition wins got Rachel to the Final Two. With an impressive resume--making her one of the show's greatest physical players--she walked away from her second season with a win, as well as some of the show's most iconic quotes ("Floaters, grab a life vest!")

Considered one of the show's biggest players, Rachel has appeared on a variety of Big Brother seasons in cameo roles since her win. She and Brendon continued their love that blossomed inside the house, marrying in 2012 and having two children. Rachel has also gone on to appear on three seasons of The Amazing Race (making the finals twice with Brendon), the first season of Peacock's The Traitors, and an episode of USA's Snake in the Grass. Rachel currently works in reality TV casting.

Ian Terry (season 14)

Ian came into Big Brother 14 as a wide-eyed, albeit socially awkward, student of the game. Though he faltered initially socially, he was able to find his footing with the help of his coach Boogie. Eventually, Ian came into his own, even making a move to cut Boogie. Despite being left on the backfoot as a result of "Dan's Funeral," Ian was able to win out to the end, impressively getting six competitions along the way. In the end, he controversially won over Dan, as the jury had admired his overall story and simultaneously keeping his hands clean compared to the season 10 winner.

Ian appeared in fits and starts on Big Brother over the couple of seasons following his win, even hosting the jury roundtable in season 3 of the Canadian version. He returned to the show as part of the second All-Stars edition in 2020, one of only two winners cast. On the show, he announced he was diagnosed with autism between seasons. Ian would go on to make it to eleventh place and become the first jury member.

Andy Herren (season 15)

One of the show's most controversial seasons, Big Brother 15 made headlines for the racist statements being made by the houseguests. Its winner, luckily, had no involvement in the controversies. College professor Andy played a textbook "floater" game, a key factor in multiple alliances to the point that everyone was thrilled to see him win HoH. But he wasn't afraid to make key moves, cutting close allies at certain points, then masterfully covering it up to maintain relationships. Despite the betrayals, Andy's bonds with the jury prevailed, giving him the win.

Andy is the first openly gay houseguest to win a U.S. season of Big Brother. He currently lives in Chicago, and has gained an online presence while following and commenting on the show.

Derrick Levasseur (season 16)

Big Brother 16 was the biggest season yet, with the "Battle of the Block" twist yielding two HoHs and four nominees per week. So it's incredibly impressive that Derrick made it all the way to the finale without ever hitting the block. The undercover cop was the mastermind of the season, puppeting several majority alliances and keeping a stranglehold on the house. He went to the Final Two with his fellow "Detonator" in Cody, who honored their alliance and paid for it dearly when Derrick won handily.

Considered one of the show's greatest players, Derrick has parlayed his history as a police officer into hosting several series on Investigation Discovery. He currently hosts the podcast "Crime Weekly" with YouTuber Stephanie Harlowe. Additionally, he hosts "The Winner's Circle" alongside Cody and season 23 standout Tiffany Mitchell, where they discuss the current season of the show and give exclusive interviews.

Steve Moses (season 17)

A massive Big Brother fan, Steve spent the first half of season 17 under the radar, purposely playing himself up as a follower to the season's strategist in Vanessa. But, throughout his time in the house, Steve was lying in wait until the moment where he could strike at the poker player. He finally got that opportunity on finale night, crucially winning the final HoH and cutting Vanessa. Despite accusations from the jury of him "floating," he was able to defend his game as deliberate enough to get the win.

Though Steve still watches Big Brother, he has largely removed himself from social media since winning his season.

Nicole Franzel (season 18)

After being done in by the majority two seasons ago, fan favorite Nicole came back on Big Brother 18. Despite being a returning player, she was able to play under the radar, avoiding nomination all the way to the Final Four. She and her showmance Corey navigated the middle between several factions during the jury phase, getting Nicole into one of the final two chairs. Her behind the scenes gameplay, persuasive tactics, and the jury's distaste of Paul's behavior towards them won her the game, making the first woman in Big Brother U.S. history to beat a man in the Final Two. She currently holds the record for most days played in the show's history.

Four years later, Nicole returned for Big Brother All-Stars. Despite being only one of two winners, Nicole was able to make it all the way to finale night once again. But, in the biggest blindside of the season, she was cut by Cody at the Final Three, devastating her. Following Big Brother 18, Nicole began to date fellow houseguest Victor. The two appeared on The Amazing Race together and got engaged in the house during season 20. The two currently live in Michigan with their son.

Josh Martinez (season 19)

Big Brother 19 is one of the show's most wildly negative seasons, as returning finalist Paul ran an absolute "cult" in the house the entire season. And by his side the entire time was Josh, who was quick to both cause conflict and get into emotional breakdowns. Despite being perceived as a "lapdog" of Paul, Josh stuck by their side, carefully tailoring his messages to the jury. It's a decision that paid off handily as, in an incredibly controversial decision, Paul was denied a win yet again, making Josh one of the most unlikely winners in the show's history.

Despite being one-and-done on Big Brother, Josh has gone on to become a staple on another reality TV franchise: The Challenge. Across six seasons, Josh has become one of the show's biggest modern characters, continuing to bring his knack for conflict.

Kaycee Clark (season 20)

Like season 6, Big Brother 20 came down to a battle between two sides. The dominant "Level 6" alliance sported Kaycee, a pro football player. In the second half of the season, she won two HoHs and five Power of Vetos. And, though she went to the end with the season's main strategist in Tyler, her competition resume and easygoing social nature gave her the close win.

Like Josh, Kaycee has gone on to become a mainstay on The Challenge. She has appeared on five seasons, making it to three finals. She won her first season on The Challenge: Spies, Lies, and Allies. Through the show, she also met Nany Gonzalez. The two started a relationship and got engaged in 2023.

Jackson Michie (season 21)

An aggressive personality, Jackson set himself up well in the first half of Big Brother 21 in the majority alliance. But a mid-season blow-up turned all of his former allies against him and his showmance Holly. Despite his back being against the wall, Jackson adapted, winning competitions to make him safe nearly every week in they jury phase, and telling key lies to get him and Holly out of trouble. As a result, he got to the end with Holly, where his resume got him the win.

Unfortunately for Jackson, he walked out to a less-than-stellar reception. While fans felt he played the better game, he had received criticism for racist remarks, being verbally abusive to Holly, and cheating on his slop diet. Jackson went largely off the grid for the years following his win, eventually breaking up with Holly. In a 2021 TikTok, he admitted that, right before going into Big Brother, he was struggling against addiction to Xanax, Adderall, and cocaine.

Cody Calafiore (season 22)

In season 16, Cody made one of the biggest mistakes in the show's history, taking Derrick to the Final Two and losing as a result. But he made good on his second chance during Big Brother All-Stars. Cody took command of the house from the first week and never relinquished, building a majority that held power through competition wins. When he made it to his second Final Two, there was no question he was the winner, becoming the second unanimous victor in the show's history.

In between Big Brother seasons, Cody has become an actor, most prominently starring in the Amazon Prime original series New Dogs, Old Tricks. He currently cohosts "The Winner's Circle" podcast with Derrick, where they break down the current season of Big Brother. Cody made his return to reality TV on Peacock's first season of The Traitors, where he was betrayed by eventual season 25 houseguest Cirie Fields.

Xavier Prather (season 23)

Lawyer Xavier Prather started the game low-key, pretending he was a lawyer and not talking much strategy. But early on, he crucially got into the "Cookout" alliance with Big Brother 23's other Black houseguests. The group executed a master plan to make the Final Six and guarantee the first Black winner in the show's civilian history. When only the Cookout was left, Xavier had set himself up well with multiple Final Two alliances. He coupled that with some clutch competition wins that caused him to cut some big threats single-handedly, creating an impressive resume to give him the win.

Xavier went on to compete on the first season of The Challenge: USA the year after his win. He made it four episodes into the show before getting eliminated.

Taylor Hale (season 24)

Taylor had the roughest start to a Big Brother winner in the show's history. After being painted as a threat and pariah, she was backdoored in the first week. And, though she survived, she still had to endure being targeted by some of the most outspoken people in the house. But Taylor got into the dominant "Leftovers" alliance with the other outsiders in the house, where they dismantled the other side. Sitting on finale night, Taylor was taken to the Final Two by her showmance Monte, who felt she was an easy person to beat. But Taylor delivered one of the most impactful speeches in the show's history, outlining her journey from powerless to powerful, and handily earning her the win through all the adversity she faced.

Taylor is, to date, the only Big Brother player to win both the season and the America's Favorite Houseguest fan favorite prize. She is also the first ever Black woman to win a civilian season. Following her season, Taylor dated fellow houseguest Joseph, though they broke up in 2023. She has parlayed her time on reality TV into an entertainment career, and is currently doing Big Brother exit interviews for Entertainment Tonight.