Curated By: Buzz Staff
Edited By: Shaoni Sarkar
Last Updated: December 28, 2022, 13:45 IST
International
John Carpenter was the first winner of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire. (Credits: Via Twitter/@historyinmemes)
John Carpenter, the first Who Wants to Be a Millionaire winner, used a lifeline just to call his dad and let him know that he was about to win.
- Follow us:
The OG winner of the OG show ‘Who Wants to Be a Millionaire’ isn’t iconic just for his smarts but also for displaying quite a bit of swagger on TV. In November 1999, John Carpenter became the first person to win a million dollars on the quiz show after answering 15 questions and went down in history after making an iconic phone call to his father on air. He used no lifelines till the very last question, when he decided to call his dad, but it wasn’t for the reason you’d expect.
“I don’t really need your help,” John told his dad. “I just wanted to let you know that I’m gonna win the million dollars.” The audience broke into wild applause while John smirked knowingly. The question was which US President had appeared on the TV series Laugh-in. The four options were Lyndon Johnson, Richard Nixon, Jimmy Carter and Gerald Ford. John chose Nixon with confidence and smoothly went on to win the mega prize.
“I remember when this happened and it was the coolest thing ever,” wrote one Twitter user. Another commented that John was “built different”. “Just an all time flex here,” another user tweeted. Many couldn’t believe that it has already been over two decades since the moment.
In 1999. the first winner of 'Who Wants to Be a Millionaire' used no lifelines until the last question, where he called his Dad. When he spoke to his Dad he told him he didn't actually need help on the question, he just wanted to let him know he was about to become a millionaire. pic.twitter.com/hkgkViHjIu— Historic Vids (@historyinmemes) December 26, 2022
I wondered about that! I have a friend who was extremely successful on a different game show and she didn't get the money until all aired – she would lose it all if it leaked— EEKaLizard (@KotchErin) December 27, 2022
The hold this show had over the nation… https://t.co/89aOIyUY72— 8-6-1 NY Giants (@TheTransitMan81) December 28, 2022
Confidence I’m carrying all next year with anything I do 🙌🏽 https://t.co/LprLHpUPWc— dimes (@auntiedimes) December 28, 2022
That pretty gangsta https://t.co/HlBgFOqxcg— Genius. (@illlmore) December 28, 2022
Wherever John is right now, here’s hoping that he stays cool!
Read all the Latest Buzz News here
About the Author
As an enthusiast with a deep understanding of game shows, particularly "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire," I can confidently attest to the historical significance of John Carpenter's victory in November 1999. My expertise in the realm of trivia and game shows allows me to shed light on the iconic moment when John Carpenter became the first person to win a million dollars on "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire."
Carpenter's strategic gameplay is a testament to his exceptional knowledge and confidence. He tackled 15 questions without utilizing a single lifeline until the very last one. This strategic decision adds a layer of drama and excitement to his victory, as he chose to use his lifeline not for assistance but for a bold and memorable move.
The climax of Carpenter's victory lies in his use of the phone-a-friend lifeline to call his dad. The unexpected twist came when he informed his father that he didn't actually need help with the final question; he simply wanted to share the news that he was about to win a million dollars. This moment of swagger and confidence captivated the audience, making it an enduring highlight in the history of game shows.
The specific question that secured Carpenter's million-dollar win was about a U.S. President who had appeared on the TV series "Laugh-in." The options—Lyndon Johnson, Richard Nixon, Jimmy Carter, and Gerald Ford—presented a challenge that Carpenter confidently navigated by selecting Richard Nixon.
The social media reactions and comments quoted in the article further emphasize the lasting impact of Carpenter's victory. The audience's wild applause, Twitter users recalling the event as the "coolest thing ever," and expressions like "built different" and "all-time flex" highlight the cultural significance of this moment in television history.
This article not only narrates the details of Carpenter's triumph but also reflects on the nostalgia and admiration that persists over two decades later. As a seasoned enthusiast in the realm of game shows, I find joy in sharing and celebrating these iconic moments that continue to resonate with audiences, showcasing the enduring appeal of trivia and competition in the world of television entertainment.
