When Smith College alum Ashley Tolbert was eliminated from Netflix’s “Squid Game: The Challenge,” her first thought wasn’t what most would be.
Out of the 456 players players competing to win $4.56 million — Netflix’s largest cash prize in reality television history — many take a second to reflect on the life-changing amount of money that’s slipped through the cracks, destined to move on in the hands of players still in the Squid Game.
Tolbert however, on an adrenaline kick, couldn’t help but wonder what she was going to eat first upon leaving the set.
Being eliminated as a top five contestant, Tolbert was only a few challenges away from winning the monumental prize. But despite what some may imagine, she’s finding comfort in her elimination.
“It was sad to lose 4 million (dollars) but at the same time I don’t know what 4 million feels like to lose. I’ve never had 4 million,” she told MassLive in an interview recently. “But even though I didn’t win the money, I left with so much more.”
The Challenge is based off the nine-episode 2021 Netflix scripted fictional show that also brought together 456 financially desperate players to compete in a series of life-or-death children’s games for a huge jackpot. The new reality TV show competition’s consequences, however, aren’t as extreme.
Tolbert left the show without the cash but took away memories, even meeting someone she considers a best friend — contestant 229, Phalisia. Not to mention a huge new fanbase.
Before the show, Tolbert used her social media to connect with family and friends. Now, her followers on multiple platforms have skyrocketed as fans flock to get to know the real player behind the show.
The civil rights investigator even was recognized by fans out at Disney.
“It was wild. You know, you feel the love,” she shared.
But when it comes to being in the limelight, not everyone wants to be your fan.
Tolbert sparked controversy in the game and online during the “Glass Bridge” game in the show.
In the game, players would choose one of two glass doors to step onto. If players chose the wrong one, the glass would break and fall beneath them, eliminating the player. However, each elimination would show remaining players which glass panel would be safe to step on.
Players in this game hoped the group could come to a decision together, by having each player only make one 50/50 decision jump before the player behind them would take their turn. Tolbert, refusing to jump, allowed a fan-favorite player to jump to his elimination.
Some fans on social media thought her decision was cutthroat. Tolbert simply viewed it as playing the game.
“It wasn’t an easy thing to do,” she said. “Are some people upset with me? Yeah, of course but that’s what the show is supposed to do. That’s the point of the show. We’re supposed to move those emotions, right?”
Despite disappointment from some viewers, Tolbert said there was much more support that surrounded her.
“I’m taking it chin up. The love is so much more,” she continued.
During a brief interview in the show’s fifth episode, Tolbert also reflected on the love she felt for her time at Smith College.
Tolbert, a Black woman, is originally from Atlanta, but she made the move up to Northampton and quickly discovered her environment was drastically different.
“I’m on the campus for the first time, it’s so white. It was a culture shock for me. You know, I’m coming from Atlanta. Atlanta is the Black mecca of the U.S.,” she said.
Despite the change, Tolbert instantly took to Smith College.
“My heart immediately was like ‘girl, this is your school.’ It was so small and so beautiful,” she added. “Being a Smithie helped shape me and the women I met on campus, you know, they’ve made me stronger. I think all that s*** helped me prepare for this competition.”
Coming from a competitive family didn’t hurt her grit to play the game either, she told MassLive. She knew after her first game round in the show, she was ready to play and “get it done.”
Despite that not being the outcome, Tolbert says the opportunity and experience is boiled down to being “amazing.”
“Squid Game: The Challenge” is available to watch only on Netflix. Viewers must have an account to watch.
