Rob and Amber Mariano met on Survivor season 8, and they’ve been growing their family ever since. Between appearances in a couple of installments of the iconic series, and two The Amazing Race stints, Rob and Amber started a family, and it’s time to talk about their marriage, kids and more. Their iconic status is one good reason why the show’s still going strong. The most recent episode of Survivor season 46, “My Messy, Sweet Little Friend,” aired on May 8, 2024.
When cast members are attending Tribal Councils and competing in rigorous challenges, romantic partnerships are bound to form. However, some reality stars keep those bonds under wraps as they’re afraid of having targets on their backs. Unlike most Survivor couples, Boston Rob and Amber’s relationship has lasted.
Rob and Amber started in the same tribe, and their chemistry was obvious. Their relationship formed on the show in 2004, during Survivor season 8, which took place in Panama. Rob holds the record for most Survivor appearances, as he has starred in six different installments. He first competed on Survivor season 4, where he placed 10th, and was asked to compete in the first returning players season, Survivor: All-Stars.
Rob and Amber now have four beautiful daughters. They are Lucia Rose, Carina Rose, Isabetta Rose, and Adelina Rose. Though the pair seem to be living in sunny Pensacola, Florida, Rob and Amber still spend a lot of time in his hometown of Boston, and he still sports his famous Boston hat.
Their origin story is romantic. When Rob and Amber were separated due to a tribe swap, Rob started making deals with other players, saying that he would help them if they kept Amber safe. Amber went on to win the season, with Rob as the runner-up. In a shocking twist, he proposed to her at the live finale. Learn about Rob and Amber’s journey in the clip shown above.
Rob went on to compete in Survivor: Heroes vs Villains. Two seasons later, he won the title of Sole Survivor on Redemption Island. After he and Amber got engaged at the finale, they appeared on a CBS special called “Rob and Amber Get Married” in 2005 – the two have been going strong ever since. They were also fierce The Amazing Race competitors – they placed second and eighth during their two stints. Later, they were cast in Survivor: Winners at War. While they didn’t win, they got an adorable family visit from their daughters.
On May 12, 2024, Rob showed his love for Amber (and his mom) by adding a sweet Mother’s Day post. His caption was touching – he continues to show the utmost respect for his partner, year in and year out. In the age when many reality TV couples air their dirty laundry and go low, he is polite, caring and warm. Rob said:
… got a lot of love from Rob’s fans (he has 296K Instagram followers as of May 13, 2024). Fans seem to respond to Rob and Amber’s love story. One follower said:
Rob is devoted to his girls and his wife, but he’s into his career too, as his promo post for Deal Or No Deal Island shows. He sells baseball caps, has a cookbook (it includes some “island” recipes, such as “crispy rice” and “coconut popcorn”) and branched out by appearing on Deal Or No Deal Island. Rob’s website, Bostonrob.com, is where he sells signed caps and shares his recipes.
On Deal Or No Deal Island, it’s down to Rob and one rival, Amy Fowler. So, Rob still has a shot. The wily Survivor alum’s known for his ability to finesse situations – he’s a charmer and is known for getting rid of (or hiding) clues that point to hidden immunity idols. Yes, Rob will play dirty to achieve his goals. He may use these skills to win Deal Or No Deal Island.
Rob’s really leaning into being a father. He seems to treasure all the special moments. In early May of this year, Rob gushed about two of his daughters. He was clearly so proud that both compete in track and field. On Instagram, he said:
On reality shows, Rob’s a beast. He will do almost anything to win. However, that’s just a game. In real life, with his family, he’s a much gentler person. In fact, he seems to melt around his wife and children. He and Amber have built a large and happy family that Rob is proud of.
While he’s often earned his villain status fair and square on Survivor, off-screen, Rob’s a true family man. His marriage is enduring, and he and Amber tied the knot in 2005! Since they’re a “Hollywood” couple, this is a very long marriage already. Some stars don’t make things work for a year, much less for decades.
Rob and Amber are a “forever” match – it would be truly shocking if they split up. Both seem very content in their relationship. While nothing’s ever perfect behind the scenes, they value what they have. The Survivor icon “Boston Rob” is leveraging his fame to provide for his kids – Amber does the same. They’re a power couple that plenty of fans adore.
Sources: Rob Mariano/Instagram, Rob Mariano/Instagram, Rob Mariano/Instagram, Bostonrob.com