Natalie Cole’s Surprise Cameo on The White Lotus and Her Journey with Mike White

Natalie Cole’s appearance on The White Lotus season 3 came as a shock to fans of Survivor, particularly given her complicated history with the show’s creator, Mike White. Cole, a former contestant on Survivor, had a tense relationship with White after their time on the CBS reality show in 2018. However, in a surprising turn of events, White reached out to Cole to offer her a cameo on his hit HBO series, proving that their past disagreements were water under the bridge. Speaking to Entertainment Weekly, Cole expressed her admiration for White’s ability to put their differences aside. “The fact that he could look beyond the way he felt about me in Fiji and ask me to come do a part speaks volumes about him as a person,” she said.

A Fraught History: Cole and White’s Survivor Days

The tension between Cole and White began during their time on Survivor in 2018. The two found themselves on opposing sides of their tribe, and White ultimately cast the deciding vote that sent Cole home. White, who finished in second place that season, held onto the belief that Cole harbored resentment toward him long after the show ended. However, Cole revealed that her initial frustration with the game quickly faded, and she had moved on. She recalled running into White at a mutual friend’s wedding, where he avoidance turned into a heartfelt reunion. “He thought I was mad at him all these years, but I told him, ‘It’s just a game, and I’m cool,’” she explained.

From Reality TV to The White Lotus: How Cole Landed Her Cameo

Despite their Survivor fallout, Cole and White remained in touch as White’s career soared with the success of The White Lotus. The anthology series, which debuted in 2021, follows the lives of guests and employees at a luxurious resort, weaving themes of tension, power dynamics, and mystery. When White floated the idea of Cole appearing in a potential third season, she was initially skeptical. “I didn’t think he was serious,” she admitted, given their rocky past. However, White was persistent, and the two began discussing the possibility. Cole expressed some hesitation about the show’s content, particularly after viewing the graphic nature of season 2, but White reassured her and eventually convinced her to join the project.

Behind the Scenes: Cole’s Experience on The White Lotus

Cole’s cameo on The White Lotus was more than just a brief appearance; it evolved into a meaningful role that allowed her to reconnect with her Survivor personality. She appeared alongside fellow Survivor alum Carl Boudreaux, playing the role of his wife at the White Lotus resort in Thailand. Initially, Cole was told her part would be minimal, but as filming progressed, her lines and screen time expanded. She found it fascinating how her role grew from a simple cameo to a more substantial part across two episodes. Cole also appreciated the opportunity to improvise, bringing her bold and outspoken personality to the character. “I’m the type of person that I’ve always been,” she said, explaining how the role brought her Survivor persona back to life.

Reflecting on the Experience and the Power of Forgiveness

Cole’s journey from Survivor to The White Lotus highlights the power of forgiveness and second chances. Despite their past disagreements, Cole and White were able to put their differences aside and collaborate on a project that allowed Cole to shine. Her experience on the show not only reignited her connection with White but also gave her a chance to revisit the fiery, unapologetic personality that made her a memorable figure on Survivor. Cole’s story serves as a reminder that even in the cutthroat world of reality TV and entertainment, relationships can heal and evolve over time.

Looking Ahead: New Episodes of The White Lotus

Fans of The White Lotus can continue to tune in Sundays at 9 p.m. ET on HBO to see how the drama unfolds in Thailand. With its blend of intrigue, humor, and complex characters, the series remains a must-watch for audiences who enjoy exploring the darker side of human nature. Natalie Cole’s cameo in season 3 adds a unique layer of nostalgia for Survivor fans, proving that even the most unlikely reunions can lead to something extraordinary. As Cole and White’s story shows, sometimes the most unexpected collaborations can result in the most memorable moments.