Rick Mercurio (232) from Squid Game: The Challenge is a 69-year-old physician. As per Reddit users, he is the show’s oldest contestant. He can be found on Instagram at (@dr.rick.mercurio).
Based on the international superhit series Squid Game, Netflix‘s Squid Game: The Challenge has grown extremely popular among fans of both the original series and the reality television genre. However, there are countless parallels between the two shows that one cannot help but notice, especially since eagle-eyed viewers have been insistent about not leaving any stone unturned in their search for the same.
One aspect that grabbed the interest of many viewers of the reality show is the appearance of one of the cast members, Richard “Rick” Mercurio, the physician who enchanted us all with his playing technique, albeit many were perplexed by how similar his on-screen journey appeared to be to a character from a fictional Korean series.
As a result, many Reddit users have been curious to know more about him including his personal life and his current status. Well, here’s everything you need to know about him and his journey in the show.
Previously, we touched on Stephen Lomas, TJ Stukes, Mothi, Spencer Hawkins, Bryton Constantin, and TJ Ford.
Rick Mercurio From Squid Game: The Challenge Desired to Look Less Menacing in the Game by Taking Advantage of His Old Age!
Hailing from Armstrong County, Pennsylvania, Rick Mercurio (@dr.rick.mercurio) was the oldest contestant (player 232) in season 1 of Squid Game: The Challenge, having arrived to compete in the Netflix tournament following the game of Red Light Green Light.
He revealed how he planned to exploit his age as a pretext to look non-threatening while celebrating his 69th birthday with his friends/competitors. However, it quickly became clear that he was a man to keep an eye on and was undoubtedly astute when it mattered.
Rick Mercurio is the oldest contestant in the Squid Game: The Challenge.
Image Source: Instagram
Rick has a long history in the medical sector. He attended Temple University’s Lewis Katz School of Medicine. Given his job as a doctor, he was frequently referred to as Doc in the Netflix reality show. Having said that, he surely surprised both spectators and his fellow players when he disclosed that he was no stranger to tattoos. He shared,
People are quite surprised that I have some rather large tattoos. I have one that encompasses my whole right lower leg up to my thigh. It’s the story of my life. It’s a tribute to my family. Most people think doctors, older doctors, don’t do those kinds of things. I mean, my hobbies are too numerous to count.
In his own time, Rick takes great pleasure in cultivating orchids and is especially fond of a large life-sized orchid flower that bears the initials of each of his grandchildren and is permanently inked on his leg. His tattoo is rather full, given that he has a large family with eighteen grandchildren, however, he expects to have more grandchildren in the future. In reality, two of his grandchildren received their first communion in May 2023.
Regarding his career, Rick practices medicine in Kittanning, Pennsylvania’s Armstrong County. He is a well-respected doctor who appears to be linked with the Armstrong Centre for Medicine and Health as well as UPMC St. Margaret Emergency Department.
Furthermore, he is known for his specialty in geriatrics and appears to also act as a family doctor. He enjoys spending time with his family, whom he adores when he is not working hard. He is also an animal lover and a proud beekeeper, and he frequently updates social media with news on both fronts.
How to Participate in the Squid Game: The Challenge?
Despite the fact that the first season of Squid Game: The Challenge launched on Netflix on November 22, potential competitors have not been overlooked. Casting for future seasons is already open, and fans from all over the world can apply.
Squid Game: The Challenge is currently streaming on Netflix.
Image Source: Netflix
To apply, go to the show’s official casting page, where you’ll be sent to an application appropriate for your location-whether it’s the United States, the United Kingdom, or the rest of the world. Following that, Squid Game participants over the age of 21 will be required to provide personal information such as their name, contact information, date of birth, and country of residence.
In addition, the form requests that candidates post a one-minute video introducing themselves to producers, stating why they want to be on Squid Game: The Challenge, their winning strategy, and what they would do if they won the $4.56 million prize. Finally, fans will be invited to submit a headshot as well as a full-length photo of themselves.