Ed A's Blog Post
What is your Wheel story?
My “Wheel Story” began when I was a little boy. I would watch the show with my entire family. We would keep score as to who guessed more puzzles. This was back before Pat and Vanna were the hosts and you had to use the money you won to buy prizes in the studio.
I have watched it ever since, for over 30 years. Now I use my DVR to record the episodes so I never miss one. My friends and family get mad at me when we watch together because I always solve the puzzles before them. We would always say how I needed to be on this show...
For years I had been applying to be a contestant and this time, when I sent the video, I was selected to audition in New York. I went through the audition process and two weeks later I received the message that I was selected to be on the show! I thought it was a joke until I called and spoke with Gary, from the contestant department, and he confirmed what I had read... I was going to be a contestant on WHEEL OF FORTUNE! My husband, mother and I booked our flights and two weeks after that we were in Los Angeles ready for what turned out to be one of the best moments of all of our lives!
What was it like meeting Pat & Vanna?
It was so unbelievable meeting both Pat and Vanna, two people who I had been watching on my television screen since I was six years old. I actually got to meet Vanna during rehearsals on the set, prior to the taping of the show. She came walking onto the stage behind all of the contestants. Her greeting was a funny, “I’d like to buy a vowel!” In that moment, I think I had a small out-of-body experience. She was in her normal clothes before going in for hair and makeup, and was still just as beautiful.
When I was finally standing in my “yellow” space, and Pat and Vanna came walking out, I really had a rush of emotion. This was my dream come true... It was really happening! Since I was fortunate during the game, I was able to have many interactions with Pat. He is so funny and quick with his humor. I wish that I could remember what I said or did, but it all happened so quickly. During my interactions with them after the bonus round, the three of us had a wonderful conversation. I always wondered what they were talking about when I would see them on TV... Now I know!
Were there any special highlights of your game?
Well...I had a very eventful game! I won all but the first Toss-Up Round and the final Speed Round puzzle. I got to spin the Wheel many times and I landed on some great spaces...Including the MILLION DOLLAR WEDGE! My heart almost beat out of my chest at that moment...Then shortly after it sank into my stomach when I landed on a BANKRUPT... Grrrrr .... One of my favorite moments was when I landed on the “EXPRESS” wedge and decided to jump on the express and took it all the way to the end and solved the puzzle. That was so much fun!
I also landed on a prize wedge that gave me a furniture gift card...AND I was lucky enough to win the prize puzzle and won a trip for two to ST. LUCIA! My husband and I are looking forward to that trip early next year!
My favorite puzzle to solve was the newer Crossword puzzle. I like those and was happy when I solved that one!
What was it like going to the Bonus Round?
Winning the game and going to the Bonus Round was even more surreal! I had imagined myself at the Bonus Wheel, but never really thought I would ever in my life being standing there spinning it!
But... Unfortunately I did not do well in the bonus round... My puzzle was “OUT OF THE BOX.” I am kicking myself to this day for saying “OUT OF THE BOG” and not hearing it! GRRRRRR... I lost out on a new Explorer, but oh well; I still won so many wonderful prizes during the course of the game.
What I was really happy about was being able to introduce my husband, Anthony, and my mother, Sharon, to all of the viewers...Even if they didn’t get to run out on stage with me!
What was your favorite part of the entire experience from your audition to taping the show?
It’s absolutely impossible to say that I had a favorite “moment” during this entire process. I loved every single step, every person that I met along the way, and every experience that I was given. From the producers who auditioned me to the stage crew and those who work behind the scenes to make everything look good for television, EVERYONE was absolutely amazing.
Of course I would be lying if I didn’t say that the moment I walked onto that stage for the first time didn’t stand out just a little!
What's something Wheel fans should know about you that they won't get to hear in your contestant interview?
During my interview, I got to talk about my family and my dad, who I lost a few years ago. What I didn’t have time to mention was that I also lost both of my sisters around that same time. I know it was the three of them working together that got me through the process and onto the show... which allowed me to become the BIG WINNER of the night! Thanks for your help Dad, Joelle and Tina! :)
