‘Survivor’ Jonny Fairplay & His Grandma’s Drama — From Faking Her Death for Votes to Getting Arrested for Alleged Larceny

Jonny Fairplay became famous in the world of reality shows for many reasons, including his ability to lie and steal. Here’s how far Fairplay was willing to go to earn votes from fans.

When actors think of their proudest moment on national television, it probably would not be trying to con the whole world into believing that a close relative was dead just to earn pity and votes, but for a certain reality show contestant, tricking the world is his proudest moment.

In 2003, a charming yet mischievous Jon Dalton aka, Jonny Fairplay, gained a shady reputation when he appeared on "Survivor: Pearl Islands," where he got a friend to lie that his grandmother had died.

Fairplay orchestrated what show host Jeff Probst called the greatest lie ever told on "Survivor: Pearl Islands." During the "loved ones" visit, Fairplay’s friend falsely announced that the former contestant’s grandmother had just died, a move he made to gain pity from contestants to win.

Fairplay’s tribemate teared up on hearing the supposedly sad news and allowed him to win the subsequent reward so he could find out more about his grandmother’s death.

Later on, Fairplay revealed his granny was alive and well. Speaking on his antics, Fairplay noted that he thought outside the box as he wanted to create the first real villain on a reality show.

After his time on "Survivor," Fairplay came back for "Survivor: Micronesia" but then asked to be voted out first.

His deceptive skills helped him secure a third position on the show, but that was not the last time the world heard of Fairplay and his supposed dead grandmother.

According to reports, the reality star was arrested alongside his mother Patsy for stealing housing items, and a necklace from his grandmother, who he claimed was dead.

Fairplay’s aunt accused him of taking advantage of his granny’s dementia and stealing bar stools, a leather chair, an end table, and a silver necklace with $5k from her house.

Fairplay and his mom were booked for larceny, but the former reality star maintained his innocence. Later on, it was reported that the case against Fairplay and his mom had been dismissed.

After his time on "Survivor," Fairplay came back for "Survivor: Micronesia" but then asked to be voted out first so he could be with his pregnant girlfriend.

These days, the former contestant enjoys trying wrestling and being a parent to his kids, but he still looks back on his reality days with a smile.