Boonthanom died of brain injuries after being hit with a barrel during a stunt. While the Thai event wasn't officially linked to the show, this tragedy never would have occurred without its influence. It's the best reason of all for those who hope "Fear Factor" is finally gone for good.
Full Answer
What is the Fear Factor?
Learn More. When Fear Factor premiered in 2001, its concept was novel: stress out viewers by asking contestants to do increasingly terrifying or disgusting tasks, like eating live bugs or completing death-defying stunts, for a chance to win $50,000.
What happened to the Thai contestant on Fear Factor?
In 2005, a popular contestant in the Thai version of Fear Factor died of a contusion to the head while taping. Contestants & TV Hosts have died in several other reality shows around the world while doing sports such as skydiving.
What happened to the original Fear Factor on NBC?
The original Fear Factor ran from 2001 to 2006 on NBC and was first canceled due to low ratings. The network brought the show back “with even bigger stunts” in 2011 with host Joe Rogan, but it didn't last long. It was canceled again just one year later, and one disturbing stunt is to blame.
What was the fear of heights in Fear Factor?
There was a Fear Factor stunt that involved the fear of heights. And when I say heights, I mean six storeys high. Some safety equipment failed during a run of the stunt and the stunt performer running it fell from six storeys up and broke both of his ankles.
Who is the host of Fear Factor?
It's great that a man named Ludacris is the new host of the new run of Fear Factor. Because the show certainly is ludicrous. Just in the first episode alone, there are a bunch of close calls. They pretty well all have to do with contestants not being able to breathe. I know that the show hones in on people's fears but forcing contestants to go without breath is not something that should really be played around with. And that first episode was a sibling episode where brothers and sisters were given challenges to face together. Imagine if one of those siblings didn't start breathing again after being shoved into freezing cold water under a sheet or ice, or while their head is held fast in a tank made to drown people. When you have to "struggle to find air in a tank of water in the hopes of winning $50,000" like TV Guide says...there's a problem.
What happened to Lebo Babe on Fear Factor?
Contestants were dragged behind 4x4's across sand dunes. The one who could stay on the longest won. Well, Lebo Babe held on a little longer than she needed to. She was to let go if she got injured, but held on to win the $42,000 for that round. According to Variety "A decision was made not to use helmets, as this could unbalance contestants and make them more vulnerable to neck injuries." This ended up severely injuring Babe. Her head hitting the sand ended up leaving her intensely bruised, scarred, and with only half her hair left on her head.
How did Vaikoon Boonthanom die?
"Pop singer Vaikoon Boonthanom, 22, died from massive brain injuries on Sunday, after being hit on the head by a 20kg barrel," reported IOL. The pop singer was an up-and-comer in the Thailand music scene. In fact, the company that was holding the Fear Factor event was the very company that signed Boonthanom in the first place. Essentially, this was the classic man rides rope to the ground while heavy barrel goes up. In cartoons, this usually ends up with the character being hit with the barrel when he lets go of the rope. Unfortunately, that's exactly what happened in this case as well. Except for the fact that there was a crane operator who could have saved the singer. This same crane operator didn't show up for questioning with police once the investigation was opened. I smell foul play.
Was Fear Factor a spin off?
There was a show that was basically a spin-off of Fear Factor (or at least a rip -off); Brooke Burns' show Dog Eat Dog. Essentially it was a game show where contestants did incredibly stupid things. It just didn't have Joe Rogan in it.
How did Vaikoon Boonthanom die?
Pop singer Vaikoon Boonthanom, 22, died from massive brain injuries on Sunday, after being hit on the head by a 20kg barrel while participating in a "Fear Factor" event, named after the US show, at the Bangkok International Trade and Exhibition centre (Bitec).
How did the Thai pop star die?
Pop singer Vaikoon Boonthanom, 22, died from massive brain injuries on Sunday, after being hit on the head by a 20kg barrel while participating in ...
What is Fear Factor?
Fear Factor inspired copycats. In the beginning, "Fear Factor" was a fresh and exciting American version of the original Dutch show "Now or Neverland.". It gained a strong following out of the gate — much to comedian and UFC commentator Joe Rogan's surprise.
How did Vaikoon Boonthanom die?
Boonthanom died of brain injuries after being hit with a barrel during a stunt.
What is the Fear Factor?
For the handful of you who don't know, Fear Factor was a reality show in which contestants' worst fears and phobias were used against them, with the promise of $50,000 if they made it through all of the horrifying and/or stomach-turning challenges and were the last ones standing.
How did Vaikoon Boonthanom die?
Per IOL, Thai pop singer Vaikoon Boonthanom, only 22 years old, died from brain injuries in 2005 after getting hit on the head by a barrel at the Bangkok International Trade and Exhibition Center.
Who was Joe Garrelli on Fear Factor?
Before he shot into fame as the host of Fear Factor, Rogan first appeared on NBC as handyman Joe Garrelli on the much-beloved sitcom, News Radio from 1995 to 1999.
How many seasons did Rogan play on Fear Factor?
But it was his six-season tenure on NBC's Fear Factor from 2001 to 2006 (and once more in a short-lived 2011 revival) that made Rogan a household name.