Who Wants to Be a Millionaire — Top Wins of Celebs That Will Impress You
Before the popularity of games, we had other pastimes that kept us busy and highly engaged. Many of these games have been transformed to offer a modern twist version that continues to intrigue and entertain players.
For example, we have the Who Wants to Be a Millionaire slot game version, which you’ll find at most online with an updated catalog of slots. The original Who Wants to Be a Millionaire highlights everyday contestants and celebrities to test their wits for charity, featuring about 679 episodes to date. Their performances often offer a combination of tension, entertainment, and impressive depiction of knowledge. Here, we’ll look at some top celebrity wins that have left the audience stunned.
Judith Keppel
She is a distant relative of Camilla, Queen Consort. Judith Keppel stunned the audience with her poise and immense knowledge of history and other aspects. She holds the uniqueness of being the first-ever £1 million winner on the UK show in 2000. Her smartness became more evident when it was time to answer the last question, which turned her into a millionaire. The question asked was regarding which King was married to Eleanor of Aquitaine. Her presentation and appropriate response left the audience impressed, with little room for doubt about her victory.
John Carpenter
This IRS officer was the first million-dollar winner of the U.S. version of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire in 1999. He awed viewers through his confidence. From the beginning to the end, he answered each question without using a lifeline. However, for the $1 million last question about which the U.S. president appeared on Laugh-In, he decided to use the “Phone-a-Friend” before answering the question.
You may think that he wanted to ask for help, but this was not the case. He used this lifeline to inform his father that he was about to win the grand prize on this live show. This single act turned him into a legend in television history. That is, coupled with his quick wit and cool behavior.
Martin Sheen
This is a popular actor famous for playing the fictional U.S. president, Josiah Bartlet, on The West Wing. He demonstrated his presidential knowledge on the celebrity edition of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire. While he didn’t reach the million-dollar question, his performance was praised for its intellectual depth and humor. Ultimately, his winnings from the show majorly benefited Charity. Therefore, showcasing his generosity alongside his sharp and brilliant mind.
Rosie O’Donnell
This comedian and talk show host played a memorable round on the celebrity edition. At the end of the show, she went home with a significant sum for a charity of her choosing. Rosie O’Donnell’s win was courtesy of her comedic timing, sharp wit, and her vast knowledge on various topics. Her appearance on the show was both inspiring and entertaining. Although she didn’t win the Million goal-prize, her significant contributions to charitable causes remain noteworthy and legendary.
Tim Vine and Sam Bailey
In a special celebrity duo edition, comedian Tim Vine and singer Sam Bailey portrayed teamwork and trivia knowledge. These UK’s dynamic duo scaled through challenging questions with their great partnership and shared humour. At the end of the day, they didn’t claim the top prize. Yet, their performance stands out for its combination of camaraderie, comedy, and impressive knowledge.
Anderson Cooper
An acclaimed journalist and CNN anchor, Anderson Cooper brought his journalistic skill to the celebrity edition of Millionaire. He is famous for his intellect and calmness under pressure. Through the show, he navigated complex questions with ease. He was able to raise a huge sum for charity at the end of the show. Anderson Cooper’s performance depicted his deep knowledge and commitment to giving back. Other celebrities who stunned the audience with their unexpected wins include;
- Catherine Zeta-Jones and Michael Douglas. This Hollywood power couple partnered brilliantly in their episode. At the end of the show, they were able to raise substantial funds for children’s hospitals.
- Ben Stiller. He was initially known for his comedic roles. Also, he wowed the audience during his time on the show. His diverse knowledge and strategic gameplay remain iconic in the history of the show.
- Regis Philbin. He was the original host of the U.S. version. However, he returned as a contestant on a special edition. While his questions were lighthearted, the experience depicted his legendary role in building the show’s legacy.
The Highlight of Celebrity Wins
Celebrity wins are usually memorable because of their uniqueness. For the everyday contestants, the win goes to their pockets. However, the winnings of these celebs often go toward noble causes, and charities. The allure of celebrity editions lies in the combination of intellect and personality. It is usually fun watching these stars stem out of their comfort zones to tackle challenging questions.
Whether they win big or fold under pressure, their presence on the show remains a delightful addition to the Millionaire legacy. Ultimately, these celebrities entertain and inspire viewers on being brave and aiming for the top prize on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire.
