Austinite competes on "Survivor" Season 50

Background: Donaldson now lives in Circle C, in Southwest Austin, working as a welder and tinkering with hot rods — and travels regularly to his family ranch in Sutton County, about three hours west of town.

Our interview is condensed for clarity.

Have you enjoyed the celebrity that comes with "Survivor"?

"Actually, I've enjoyed slipping back into complete anonymity the last decade and a half. Moving back to Texas, that was part of it — even though my encounters with fans of the show have always been positive. I just prefer to be a quiet, off-the-grid person."

So what lured you back?

"The invitation to come back and play on such a historic season was very flattering."

It wasn't about the money?

"I have a long shot at winning the money, longer shot than most, and I'd need a little luck on the way."

Why longer than most?

"At 51, it's not easy to go back and do physically what you did at 25 — when I was much faster and stronger — though it helps that I'm not perceived as a threat."

Why did you move to Austin?

"I love the Hill Country and everything Austin has to offer — and I like its proximity to the ranch. And I already had lived in Houston and Dallas and didn't have interest in going back."