‘Survivor’ contestant aims to keep limelight

LEWISTON – “Survivor” contestant Zoe Zanidakis has put her 40-foot lobster boat up for sale as she pursues other options aimed at surviving post-reality show obscurity.

Zanidakis, 35, of Monhegan island has two books in the works and another calendar under way. She also is taking acting lessons with ambitions for the big screen.

She has a busy summer schedule of promotional appearances, at supermarkets, picnics, festivals and restaurants. She is booked nearly solid for July.

Zanidakis, who signed autographs at a Hannaford’s supermarket Friday, said that after 15 years of lobstering, she’s thinking of calling it quits. But she won’t get out of fishing altogether.

“I’m always fishing, I’ve always been a fisherman of life,” she said, flashing on some of the same Zen practicality she exhibited on the Marquesas Islands.

“Survivor” viewers watched Zanidakis for nine of the 12 episodes this spring as she fished, crafted a kite and tried to blend into the background, keeping out of the political fray. After a flare-up with teammate Tammy, she was voted off the island on April 25 by a vote of 7-1.

Zanidakis said the “Survivor” participants e-mail each other often. “We don’t hold any grudges at all.”

She hopes to have the entire cast join her in Maine this fall to have a cookout and raise money for Outward Bound and the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

“In real life, I think a few of us could work together on projects,” Zanidakis said.

Her own projects include two books: an autobiography of growing up on an island and a cookbook from the Lobster Lady (her nickname). Acting lessons are also in the works.

“I’m always sort of acting out anyway – from running a restaurant to an inn, different things I’ve always done in my life,” Zanidakis said. “You’re always putting on some kind of act.”