Amber Siyavus

Full Name: Amber M. Siyavus (Tomcavage before her divorce)
Age: 27 (March 17, 1980)
Home: Las Vegas, Nevada
Status: Divorced
Occupation: Cocktail Waitress


Amber was married April 11, 2000, and divorced after four years of marriage. She has a daughter and says her ex-husband is one of her best friends. She's known for swearing on her daughter's life and being very emotional, most notably crying after most events - Nomination Ceremonies, Veto Competitions, Veto Ceremonies, Evictions (even if she did not really like the person), and sometimes for seemingly no reason at all. At one point, she referred to herself as "ridiculous" for all the crying she does and realizes that she needs to be less emotional or it could cost her the game. Amber has admitted to having a previous addiction to Methamphetamine.

Amber garnered national attention after making anti-Semitic statements to Jameka in the Big Brother backyard. Media watchdog D-listed called Amber a "meth face" after her comments were aired on the live stream of the House, and Hollywood news conglomeration Defamer criticized Amber's sentiments. Notably, aggregate TMZ reported about Amber's remarks, especially those about being able to recognize a Jew by the size of their nose or their last name. After telling Jameka this, Amber yelled at fellow HouseGuest, Eric, claiming that he betrayed her by threatening to use secrets about her past (faked pregnancies, abortions, and a drug addiction) against her while in the House for strategic reasons.

On Day 50, when Daniele won the "Big Brother Speedway" Veto Competition, she and Amber (who came in 2nd place) won a secret trip to New York City to compete in The Power of 10. On Day 52, Amber beat Daniele in the opening round on The Power of 10 with three questions answered correctly. She went on to play for $100,000 but missed the question and won $1,000. On Day 56, Amber, Daniele, Jameka, and Jessica won a 2-minute Shopping Spree in the Big Brother Living Room as a result of the Luxury Competition.

On Day 62, Amber was evicted from the Big Brother 8 House by a vote of 3 to 1. She was the eighth HouseGuest evicted and became the third member of the Jury.

It was also revealed on her eviction night that 78% of America's Player eviction votes were cast against her.

Carol Journey

Full Name: Carol M. Journey
Age: 21 (March 3, 1986)
Home: Lawrence, Kansas
Status: Single
Occupation: College Student


Carol was born and raised in Haysville, Kansas. Carol attends the University of Kansas and is part of their dance team. She is the daughter of Kansas State Senator Phil Journey. Jessica and Carol were best friends as young teens, but had a falling out and went their separate ways.

Carol did not win any competitions in the Big Brother House.

On Day 13, Carol was evicted from the Big Brother 8 House by a vote of 10 to 1 vote. She was the first HouseGuest evicted.

Daniele Donato

Full Name: Daniele Donato
Age: 20 (August 20, 1986)
Home: Huntington Beach, California
Status: Single
Occupation: Waitress


Daniele had not spoken to her estranged father, Dick (another HouseGuest), for two years prior to entering the house. Her budding relationship with HouseGuest Nick was not well received by Dick.

When the show started, she lied to the other HouseGuests saying she was 21-years-old, while she did not turn 21 until August 20 (toward the end of the show). The eligibility requirements for Big Brother state that contestants must be 21 years of age at time of application. It is unknown whether Daniele intentionally falsified her application or she was allowed to apply underage in order to participate in the "Biggest Nemesis" twist.

Daniele won two Head of Household Competitions (Weeks 5 and 7) and five Power of Veto Competitions (Weeks 1, 2, 7, 9 and 10), tying Janelle's record. On Day 36, during the Power of Veto Competition, Daniele agreed to wear a bunny suit for five days and have funk dumped on her twenty-four times in twenty-four hours. On Day 50, when Daniele won the "Big Brother Speedway" Veto Competition, she and Amber (who came in 2nd place) won a secret trip to New York City to compete in The Power of 10. She did not win anything during her New York City trip. On Day 56, Amber, Daniele, Jameka, and Jessica won a 2-minute Shopping Spree in the Big Brother Living Room as a result of the Luxury Competition.

During Week 10, when Daniele and Dick were nominated for eviction, Daniele won "The Power of Protection Competition" (the Final PoV Competition of the season). She used it to save Dick from eviction, as she was ensured a place in the Final 3 when Dick, the only HouseGuest able to vote, voted to evict Jameka. This is the second time in Big Brother history (and in one season) that a HouseGuest nominated for eviction used the Veto to remove the other person from the nomination block; Dick being the first in Week 6. She later made it into the Final 2 when Dick won the last Head of Household Competition and evicted Zach.

On Day 81, Daniele became the Big Brother 8 Runner-Up and won $50,000 by a vote of 2 to 5 vote. Daniele received votes from Jameka and Jen.

Dick Donato

Full Name: Richard Louis "Evel Dick" Donato
Age: 44 (June 24, 1963)
Home: Los Angeles, California
Status: Single
Occupation: Bar Manager


Dick was a finalist in the selection process for Seasons 5 and 6. Dick had not spoken to his estranged daughter, Daniele (another HouseGuest), for two years prior to entering the house. Dick and Daniele have started to mend their relationship, and Daniele has told him she loves him. Dick has said he will do anything for Daniele. An example of this is when they were both nominated during Week 6. After Dick won the Power of Veto, he used it to save Daniele rather than himself. This is the first time in Big Brother history that a HouseGuest nominated for eviction used the Veto to remove the other person from the nomination block. Dick is an atheist and his mother is an ordained minister.

Dick is an acquaintance with numerous famous celebrities, one in particular being Cher, with whom he claims to have once had dinner. He is also friends with Dilana from the reality show Rock Star: Supernova. He has stated that he has dated Jerri Manthey from Survivor: The Australian Outback, and although they broke up, he says they remain friends. He has also stated he played Keith Richards' body double in Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End. He also claims to be good friends with the lead singer of Suicidal Tendencies.

Dick has been quite abusive in the House and has even taunted the religious beliefs of some HouseGuests because of their behavior in the House. Although Dick has been admonished as crass, he is nonetheless very popular with the public. Dick has been consistently on top of many popularity polls when viewers are asked to choose their favorite member of the House, including the main poll on the official CBS site.

Dick won three Head of Household Competitions (Weeks 3, 9, and 11) and one Power of Veto Competition (Week 6). He also won a Plasma TV during the Power of Veto Competition (Week 2). In Week 4, Dick stated that he was playing to keep himself and his daughter as the Final 2, so that no matter how Jury members felt about them and their potential betrayals of allies, the Jury must vote the $500,000 prize to either Dick or Daniele. In Week 2, 6, and 10, Dick was nominated for eviction. In Week 10, he was spared when his daughter saved him with the Power of Veto, ensuring him a place in the Final 3. On Day 76, Dick won the Final HoH Competition and evicted Zach, taking his daughter to the Final 2.

On Day 81, Dick was crowned the Winner of Big Brother 8 and won $500,000 by a vote of 5 to 2 vote. Dick received votes from Amber, Eric, Dustin, Jessica, and Zach.

Dustin Erikstrup

Full Name: Dustin Simon Erikstrup
Age: 22 (January 21, 1985)
Home: Chicago, Illinois
Status: Single
Occupation: Shoe Salesman


Dustin and Joe used to be a couple, but had a bitter breakup. Before Big Brother, Dustin made an appearance on Elimidate.

Dustin won one Head of Household Competition (Week 4). His actions during that week's Power of Veto Competition drew criticism from other HouseGuests who called his acceptance of $5,000 and a vacation to Barbados selfish.

In Week 6, Dick won Power of Veto and took Daniele off the block, leaving himself on the block. Dustin had asked to be put on the block against Dick, a move intended to rub in Dick's seemingly imminent eviction. Eric (who is America's Player) was instructed to vote against Dustin and started to campaign in favor of voting Dustin out, thus flipping the House's vote against Dustin.

On Day 48, Dustin was evicted from the Big Brother 8 House by a vote of 4 to 2. He was the sixth HouseGuest evicted and became the first member of the Jury.

Eric Stein

Full Name: Eric Scott Stein
Age: 27 (January 25, 1980)
Home: New York, New York
Status: Single
Occupation: Talent Management Assistant


Eric grew up in Yorktown Heights, New York and attended Boston University. He has a 31-year-old brother named Josh and a 23-year-old brother named Alex. Eric runs a small theater company called "Off Center Productions" in which he acts as owner, director and co-choreographer. The company has been on hiatus while he pursues other interests, but past productions have included Godspell and Grease. He has also stated he is of the Jewish faith and although he is not very religious, he does observe the major Jewish holidays. On Day 58, Eric and fellow HouseGuest Jessica shared their first kiss.

He was chosen to be "America's Player," completing 21 out of 28 tasks, and earned $40,000. In Week 3 and 4, Eric was instructed by the viewers to vote for Kail's eviction both times, causing the HouseGuests to wonder who voted that way.

After failing to be chosen to compete in the first seven Power of Veto Competitions, Eric was finally chosen for, and won, "The Cat Scratch Veto" Competition (Week 8).

On Day 69, in a surprise same-day Double Eviction (right after Jessica), Eric was evicted from the Big Brother 8 House by a vote of 2 to 0. He was the tenth HouseGuest evicted and became the fifth member of the Jury.

Jameka Cameron

Full Name: Jameka Linette Cameron
Age: 28 (July 20, 1978)
Home: Waldorf, Maryland
Status: Single
Occupation: School Counselor


Jameka attended Elizabeth City State University.

Jameka has consistently been seen as deeply religious, believing that God wants her to play for the person who drew her name for the Power of Veto Competition, regardless of who it is. She won one Power of Veto Competition (Week 4). On Day 29, during the "Vincent Van Veto" Competition, Jameka rejected $5,000 prize money, but won the competition. On Day 36, during the "Numbers Don't Lie" Veto Competition, Jameka chose to forfeit the next five HoH Competitions, have funk dumped on her twenty-four times in twenty-four hours, and rejected $10,000 prize money. She claims she only did this to support her alliance, despite strong fears that she will not win the show's prize money. Jameka made it to the Final 4. On Day 56, Amber, Daniele, Jameka, and Jessica won a 2-minute Shopping Spree in the Big Brother Living Room as a result of the Luxury Competition.

On Day 74, Jameka was evicted from the Big Brother 8 House by a vote of 1 to 0. Dick was the only vote cast against her. She was the eleventh HouseGuest evicted and became the sixth member of the Jury.

Jen Johnson

Full Name: Jennifer Marie Johnson
Age: 23 (April 25, 1984)
Home: Beverly Hills, California
Status: Single
Occupation: Nanny


Jen is a 23-year-old Nanny, Estate Manager, and Bikini Model from Beverly Hills, California. She never completed her double major in Architecture and Early Childhood Development. On July 29th during the live feeds, she admitted to Kail that she worked as a Nanny for Vanna White. Mike "Boogie" from Chilltown has reported that he helped train her. Her previous television appearances include playing for the NY Euphoria in the 2006 Lingerie Bowl and has said she appeared on an episode of Wheel of Fortune before being employed by Vanna White. Jen was also an extra on the show Las Vegas. She was a girl sitting poolside in a red bikini in the episode, "Wagers of Sin."

While in the House, she has been criticized for being very vain and only thinking of herself. During the first week, she cried over her Memory Wall Photo and, during the week she was HoH, she took down the only picture of her mother from the wall (in her HoH room) because she thought it was a bad picture of herself. Jen's family and friends have told producers and the public that Jen is "playing dumb" in the House and Jen has claimed that it takes time to get to know her real personality.

Jen won one Head of Household Competition (Week 2) and two Power of Veto Competitions (Weeks 3 and 5). She also won a red Unitard during the Power of Veto Competition (Week 2).

On Day 36, during the Power of Veto Competition, "Numbers Don't Lie," Jen agreed to wear a bunny suit for five days, have funk dumped on her twenty-four times in twenty-four hours, eat slop for thirty days, and give up half of her prize money should she make it to the end of the game. This meant that Jen was only eligible to win $250,000 if she won Big Brother. On Day 52, during the Power of Veto Ceremony, Daniele (as HoH and Veto Holder that week) used the Power of Veto to take Amber off the block and replace her with Jen. Later that day, Jen became the first HouseGuest to defy the slop rules, eating a turkey burger, cottage cheese, and an apple. She originally received a Penalty Nomination for the following week, but on Day 53, this was replaced with a Penalty Eviction Vote against her in the next Eviction.

On Day 55, Jen was evicted from the Big Brother 8 House by a unanimous vote of 6 to 0 (including the Penalty Eviction Vote). She was the seventh HouseGuest evicted and, although Jen had threatened she would not participate in the Jury, became the second member of the Jury and stuck it out until the end of the game.

Jessica Hughbanks

Full Name: Jessica Lynne Hughbanks
Age: 21 (December 22, 1985)
Home: Haysville, Kansas
Status: Single
Occupation: College Student


Jessica is a Wichita State University student, Wichita Wild Indoor Football, and Wichita Thunder dance team member. Jessica is also a "Maxim Hometown Hottie" and appeared on Maxim's website. Jessica and Carol were best friends as young teens, but had a falling out and went their separate ways. On the show Jessica has referred to African Americans as colored people. Jessica and fellow HouseGuest Eric shared their first kiss on Day 58.

Jessica won the Head of Household Competition on Day 41, beating Jen in the final round of the "Let's Make a Duel" HoH Competition. It was during this week that she put Dick and Daniele up for eviction, but neither one of them were voted out. Jessica won her second Head of Household on Day 55, beating Dick in the "Tanks for the Memories" HoH Competition. Jessica had considered nominating either Dick and/or Daniele again for eviction, but Eric (as America's Player) felt that evicting Amber was in his personal interest. Eric insisted that Jessica had to trust Dick and Daniele that they would honor their alliance to become the Final Four. However, Jessica's suspicion was confirmed and in the next round, Zach immediately nominated her for eviction (in secret alliance with Dick and Daniele). On Day 56, Amber, Daniele, Jameka, and Jessica won a 2-minute Shopping Spree in the Big Brother Living Room as a result of the Luxury Competition.

On Day 69, Jessica was evicted from the Big Brother 8 House by a vote of 2 to 1. Dick and Daniele voted against her; Eric voted to keep her. She was the ninth HouseGuest evicted and became the fourth member of the Jury.

In her goodbye message from Eric, Eric had told her that he loved her just minutes after Jessica had told Julie Chen that she loved him.

Joe Barber

Full Name: Joseph Barber II
Age: 23 (September 28, 1983)
Home: Chicago, Illinois
Status: Single
Occupation: Receptionist


Joe is a 23-year-old receptionist from Chicago, Illinois. Joe and Dustin were a couple but had a bitter breakup. Joe once made an appearance on Elimidate.

Joe did not win any competitions in the Big Brother House.

On Day 20, Joe was evicted from the Big Brother 8 House by a vote of 9 to 1. He was the second HouseGuest evicted.

Kail Harbick

Full Name: Kail Lucille Harbick
Age: 37 (October 5, 1969)
Home: McKenzie Bridge, Oregon
Status: Married
Occupation: Business Manager


Kail was a finalist in the selection process for Seasons 5 and 6. She is a 37-year-old business owner from McKenzie Bridge, Oregon who works as a Real Estate Agent for Prudential Financial. In addition to her estate business, she and her husband own several businesses in Blue River, Oregon: a grocery store, a motel, a restaurant, and a resort.

Kail won one Head of Household Competition (Week 1). On Day 34, she stated in the Diary Room that she wanted to leave the House and walk; however, she was talked out of it by the show's producers. On Day 36, during the Power of Veto Competition, "Numbers Don't Lie," Kail agreed to wear a bunny suit for five days, have funk dumped on her twenty-four times in twenty-four hours, eat slop for thirty days, and chose to forfeit the next five HoH Competitions.

On Day 41, Kail was evicted from the Big Brother 8 House by a vote of 4 to 3. She was the fifth HouseGuest evicted.

Mike Dutz

Full Name: Michael S. Dutz
Age: 26 (August 20, 1980)
Home: Three Lakes, Wisconsin
Status: Single
Occupation: Painting Contractor


Mike is a 26-year-old Painting Contractor from Three Lakes, Wisconsin, and is a model with BMG Model & Talent Agency. He has appeared on the Lifetime show Gay, Straight or Taken?. He was the straight and available one.

Mike did not win any competitions in the Big Brother House, however he did win a Dinner Date for two during the Power of Veto Competition (Week 2). He was known in the House for being quiet and not connecting with the other HouseGuests. Mike was nominated alongside Kail by Dick. Fellow HouseGuest Dustin said, "Mike, I'm sorry, you've been in the House for three weeks, and I know four things about you: You're from Wisconsin, you like planes, you're a model, and you eat a lot of meat."

On Day 27, Mike was evicted from the Big Brother 8 House by a vote of 7 to 2. He was the third HouseGuest evicted.

Nick Starcevic

Full Name: Nicholas Anton Starcevic
Age: 25 (March 5, 1982)
Home: Kimball, Minnesota
Status: Single
Occupation: Ex-Pro Football Player


Nick is a 25-year-old former College American Football Player from Kimball, Minnesota and was once crowned MTV's "Spring Break King" while on vacation in Cancún. Nick has worn t-shirts of his former teammate and Eastern Washington University Eagle Jake Young, having last played for EWU's Big Sky Conference championship teams in 2004 and 2005. He played American football for the University of Minnesota Crookston for the 04-05 season. He spent time playing football for a Finnish team Seinäjoki Crocodiles in a European Federation of American Football (EFAF). Before moving into the House, Nick lived in Shepparton, Australia to teach physical education.

Nick did not win any competitions in the Big Brother House. When Daniele left the house to play on the game show Power of 10, Nick was brought in as her supporter. However, Daniele did not make it to the main round and did not get to see Nick.

On Day 34, Nick was evicted from the Big Brother 8 House by a vote of 6 to 2. He was the fourth HouseGuest evicted.

Zach Swerdzewski

Full Name: Zachary Joseph Swerdzewski
Age: 30 (April 17, 1977)
Home: Burbank, California
Status: Single
Occupation: Graphic Designer


Zach is a 30-year-old Graphic Designer from Tallahassee, Florida. Zach graduated from Florida State University, where he was a member of the Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity. He owns a company called Dolphin Crash. On the show, he has been seen wearing shirts with the company's name and logo, and sports the logo as a tattoo on his upper-left shoulder on his back. Zach once made an appearance on an episode of E!'s Style Court. Zach mentioned that he and his friends had a robot finish in 2nd place on Comedy Central's BattleBots.

On Day 36, during the Power of Veto Competition, "Numbers Don't Lie," Zach agreed to wear a bunny suit for five days and have funk dumped on him twenty-four times in twenty-four hours. On Day 62, Zach won the "Tea Party" Head of Household Competition. He won the "Niagara Balls" Power of Veto competition on Day 69. In Week 10, Zach won his second HoH competition, guaranteeing himself a spot in the Final 3.

On Day 76, Zach was evicted from the Big Brother 8 House when Dick won the Final Head of Household Competition and chose to take Daniele with him to the Final 2. He was the twelth HouseGuest evicted and became the seventh member of the Jury.