The first-ever US winner of Who Wants To Be A Millionaire, John Carpenter, created an unforgettable moment in television history using his only lifeline in style. Back in November 1999, he graced the iconic game show and impressively reached the million-dollar question without spending any of his lifelines – a feat in itself.
Carpenter, who worked for the IRS, then made a memorable decision by selecting the 'Phone A Friend' lifeline during the finale. The question that stood between him and the grand prize was to identify the American president who appeared on Laugh-In, a sketch comedy series.
Presented with choices of Lyndon Johnson, Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford, and Jimmy Carter, Carpenter surprised everyone when he opted to use a lifeline. But there was a twist in store.
Knowing the answer all along, Carpenter called his father just to announce, with a laugh, "I don't really need your help. I just wanted to let you know that I'm gonna win the million dollars."
His playful deception not only shocked the audience but led to laughter and applause reverberating through the studio as he correctly answered Richard Nixon and secured the coveted million-dollar jackpot, reports the Express.
The US version of the show aired from 1999 until 2019 before it was cancelled. ABC renewed the popular quiz a year later, with Jimmy Kimmel landing the role of host and inviting celebrity contestants onto the show.
The classic UK version is still running and hosted by former Top Gear presenter Jeremy Clarkson. Over the years, six contestants have bagged the £1 million prize, with the first winner, Judith Keppel, scooping the money in 2000.
During the latest episode on Sunday, March 23, a contestant experienced a moment of severe embarrassment after making an awkward mistake right after requesting to change a major rule of the iconic game show.
During the game, contestants have the chance to employ four lifelines - 50:50, Phone a Friend, Ask the Audience, and Ask the Host - to aid them through the challenging series of 15 questions standing between them and the jackpot. Unfortunately for one contestant, her journey was cut short without using any lifeline after a regrettable gaffe.
After Jeremy let her retract her initial answer and try again, she gave her response confidently without using any lifelines, only to discover she was wrong. Graciously accepting the misstep, Lisa quipped: "I should have asked the audience then."
Who Wants To Be A Millionaire is screened in the UK on ITV1 and ITVX
English (United States) ·