Along with continuing to review films one of the things I want to do someday is host a game show. What could be more fun and exciting that that?!
Last week I had the chance to meet and interview Todd Newton, who hosts the traveling show, “The Price is Right Live” (when he’s not hosting “Family Game Night” on The Hub, for which he won an Emmy last year). This stage version of “The Price is Right” has been touring the country for 10 years, providing all the thrills and prizes of the TV show for million of fans. (click here for my Behind the Scenes story).
After talking with Todd (who’s a great guy) I started thinking of the other celebrity hosts who I’ve had the chance to meet. And the list is longer than I expected:
– Regis Philbin. Of course, Regis has to be at the top. Most people don’t immediately think of him as a game show host, but he helped to bring the genre back to life in 1999 with “Who Wants to be a Millionaire” (and won an Emmy for it in 2001). He also hosted “Million Dollar Password” from ’08-’09.
– Meredith Vieira. I had the chance to meet Regis’ syndicated “Millionaire” successor when we were both guests on “The Tonight Show” last year and she couldn’t have been nicer. Her calm, personable style has helped keep “Millionaire” popular 15 years after it’s debut. Sorry to see her leave the show.
– Chuck Woolery. One of the all-time greats. I got to see him in action when he was touring with “Chuck Woolery’s Game Show Marathon” back in 2006. And he was a master. And a really nice guy who, since I was only 8 at the time, couldn’t believe I knew who he was. I told him he helped me learn how to read as the host of “Lingo” on GSN back when I was only 4.
– Pat Sajak and Vanna White. During a trip to California in 2009 I went to a taping of “Wheel of Fortune” and got to see this famous in pair in action. Unfortunately I didn’t get to meet them. Hope to some day.
– Jeff Foxworthy and Bill Engvall. Met both of these guys, briefly, when they barged-in while I was interviewing their buddy Larry the Cable Guy a few years ago when the trio was in town with their comedy show. And they couldn’t have been funnier. Along with their comedy careers they’ve both made a name for themselves as game show hosts: Jeff with “Are You Smarter than a 5th Grader”? and “The American Bible Challenge” and Bill with the re-launch of “Lingo” on GSN in 2011.
– Jane Lynch. She’ll be hosting “Hollywood Game Night” on NBC this summer. I had the pleasure of meeting her back in 2010 when she was in town to appear on a local telethon. She was actually one of my first professional interviews, and was incredibly funny.
– Lara Spencer. The “Good Morning America” star is also the host of “Flea Market Flip” on HGTV, and she does a great job. I was lucky enough to meet her twice: once on the streets on NYC as she was leaving GMA and then after attending “Good Afternoon America” last summer.
Which current game show host would I like to meet next? That’s easy – Steve Harvey, who has made “Family Feud” must-watch TV once again. Of course he also hosts his own talk show, and has made history this year by picking-up Emmy nominations for both Best Talk Show Host and Best Game Show Host. I’m pulling for him to win both.