Boston Rob Mariano, a renowned figure in reality television, is back in the spotlight as he takes part in the third season of The Traitors, which debuted in January 2025. At 49 years old, Rob has made a significant impact on the reality TV landscape since he first captured audiences on Survivor in 2002. Over the years, he has showcased his competitive spirit by competing in six seasons of Survivor and making a notable appearance on Deal or No Deal Island in 2024.
Beyond his appearances on television, Boston Rob is an entrepreneur. He operates a successful home remodeling business alongside his wife, Amber Mariano. Together, they are proud parents of four daughters: Lucia Rose, Carina Rose, Isabetta Rose, and Adelina Rose. In addition to their family commitments, Rob enjoys sports and poker, showcasing his diverse interests outside of reality TV.
A Glimpse into Boston Rob’s Background
Born on December 25, 1975, Rob hails from Boston, Massachusetts. He earned a degree in psychology from Boston University in 1999, during which he also made a name for himself as an athlete, joining the university’s inline ice hockey team. His dedication to sports continued after college, as he took on the coaching role in 2001 and led the team to a national championship victory after an exhilarating overtime win against Michigan State.
Rob’s television journey began when he appeared on Survivor: Marquesas at the age of 26. Although he placed tenth, his strategic gameplay left a lasting impression on viewers. In 2004, he returned for Survivor: All-Stars, where his partnership with fellow contestant Amber Brkich blossomed into romance, culminating in a proposal during the live reunion show.
Throughout his reality TV career, Rob has participated in six seasons of Survivor, including Heroes vs. Villains and Redemption Island—which he famously won—and Winners at War. His television repertoire also features appearances on The Amazing Race, The Price Is Right, and most recently, The Traitors. Moreover, he has hosted various shows, including The Player and Sci-Fi Investigates.
In addition to his work in reality television, Rob has explored different career paths. He held jobs as a bartender and construction foreman in Boston before embarking on home renovation ventures with Amber. In a 2020 interview on the First Class Fatherhood podcast, he expressed the importance of family, stating:
“We spend a lot of time together as a family. We spend so much time together because we want to.”
On March 18, 2024, Rob shared his enthusiasm for golf on Instagram, posting a picture of himself enjoying a day on the course with his eldest daughter and fellow cast member from The Traitors, Dylan Efron.
An avid poker player, Rob’s interest in the game was sparked after participating in a charity event in Hawaii in 2004. He has since entered numerous professional tournaments, including the prestigious World Series of Poker.
In May 2013, he published The Boston Rob Rulebook, a book offering personal insights and life strategies. Reflecting on his upbringing in a loving, Italian family and a straightforward Boston upbringing, he described the book as:
“The rules and strategies included in The Boston Rob Rulebook are ones I’ve compiled throughout my life thus far, growing up in a strong, loving, Italian family, in a no-nonsense, straightforward, loyal city like Boston.”
During the season 3 premiere of The Traitors, hosted by Alan Cumming, Rob was recognized by fellow contestant Britney Haynes as “one of the best there ever was,” while Chrishell Stause likened him to a “great white shark.” Contestant Tony Vlachos characterized him as “a very duplicitous player, a very devious player.” As he entered the game as a Traitor, Rob confidently declared, “I’m going to murder them all. I can’t wait.”
In an interview with Vulture on January 14, 2025, he elaborated on his game strategy:
“The key to me doing well in these games is always adapting to different situations and understanding the strategy and rules, but then finding the advantages. We found them on The Amazing Race, I found them on Deal or No Deal Island, I found them on Survivor. I will try to find them on The Traitors as well.”
As the season unfolds, Rob is navigating complex alliances with other Traitors, including Bob the Drag Queen, Danielle Reyes, and Carolyn Wiger. Known among contestants as “The Robfather,”his strategic prowess continues to influence the dynamics of the game.