Jackie F.

Wheel of Fortune is a core memory for me. I started watching over 35 years ago with my Tata Victoria (grandma). She watched every single night, and since we lived with her, it became a tradition for us. It helped her learn English—she’d call out letters even though she didn’t know the words or the puzzles.

I remember taking her to a taping 20 years ago. She absolutely loved it—she thought Pat was so funny and adored Vanna’s dresses. She was always impressed with how quickly I solved the puzzles and would ask me, “When are you going to be on the show?” I’d tell her, “One day, Tata. One day. I’m trying! I submitted my videos, but they don’t want me!”

WELL—NOW THEY FINALLY WANT ME!

It was her dream for me, and now it's my dream come true too. This has been on my bucket list for 20 years. I know she was watching me from Heaven, so this was for her. I’m convinced she helped guide that small wheel during the bonus round!

I was always in awe when contestants would land on the MILLION or $100,000. Like—of all the envelopes, how were they that lucky? And then... BOOM. Here comes Ryan, opening the envelope, and—NO WAY.

All I remember is letting out a big shriek (sorry, Ryan)!