Network Backs Casting Former Porn Star On Reality Show

Some of the participants on the CBS reality television show "Survivor" have gone on to work in movies. But one of the participants for this fall's installment has already been there and done that -- in soft core porn films.

According to Variety online, executives at the network knew Brian Heidik's past as a porn star, yet are defending their decision to allow him to participate in the "Survivor: Thailand."

Before appearing in a number of porn films, Variety reported, Heidik had roles in the NBC soap opera "Days of Our Lives," the ABC series "Doogie Howser, M.D." and the syndicated series "Baywatch Nights."

Still, it was CBS' admiration of his current occupation as a used car salesman that contributed to the decision to let him be on "Survivor."

"While (porn acting) is a part of his past, he is now a successful used-car salesman raising a family in the suburbs, and we feel he definitely brings something to the show," the network said in a statement, reported Variety.

Heidik's porn films are not among his credits on the show's Web site, but the network said participants have the right to omit any details they want from their bios.