Here’s the story about how Sandy Hooper competed on ‘Let’s Make a Deal’ during the pandemic, and won!
The following written content by Sandy Hooper
I don’t need to tell you that the news cycle has been relentless this past year, especially for journalists. The last thing that I want to do after a long day of intense news coverage is watch more news (sorry, bosses). So thanks to the pandemic, I’ve rekindled my love for game shows. Watching people win money, vacations and cars is exactly the energy and joy I need.
I’ve loved game shows ever since I discovered the Game Show Network when I was younger. The witty hosts, excited contestants and fun prizes are enough to get anyone hooked. Add in crazy costumes, and “Let’s Make a Deal” easily became my favorite. The reruns with original host Monty Hall seemed like the most fun and exciting place to be. As I got older, I was happy to see that Wayne Brady would carry the torch and host the “biggest party in daytime television.” With my new pandemic work-from-home life, I was finally able to watch as they aired and wished that someday I could be a contestant.
In April, I stumbled across a Facebook post looking for people in Southern California who were interested in being contestants on the show. I quickly sent a message expressing my interest, applied and received word back the same day confirming a Skype interview the next day.
I thought I nailed it, but didn’t hear back for months and figured my dreams were dashed – until a Monday in December when I received a phone call asking if I wanted to be a contestant. My taping would be three days later, as long as I could quickly take and pass a COVID-19 test.
The only thing standing in the way of my bucket list dream was a test for a deadly virus ravaging the world. But I received a negative result and was cleared for the show. (My episode aired Feb. 18.) The upside to the COVID-19 safety protocols? The show had greatly reduced the audience, from which contestants are chosen, to just 10 people from the usual crowd of 150 screaming, costumed fans. Everyone in the audience would have the opportunity to play a game at some point during the show. Read more from USA Today.
