John Carpenter, a 31-year-old IRS agent from Hamden, Connecticut, etched his name in television history on November 19, 1999, by becoming the first-ever top prize winner on the U.S. version of “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?” His journey to the million-dollar question was nothing short of remarkable, as he advanced without using any lifelines. However, it was his use of the Phone-a-Friend lifeline that became iconic. Instead of seeking help, Carpenter called his father to inform him that he was about to win a million dollars. His confident answer to the final question, which asked which U.S. president had appeared on the television show “Laugh-In,” was Richard Nixon. With that, Carpenter became the show’s first millionaire, gaining national recognition and making multiple talk show appearances.
Carpenter’s win was followed by a whirlwind of media appearances, including guest spots on “Good Morning America,” “Entertainment Tonight,” “Access Hollywood,” “Late Night with David Letterman,” and “Live! with Regis & Kathie Lee.” He even made an appearance on “Saturday Night Live,” where he participated in a skit with Darrell Hammond as Donald Trump and Jennifer Aniston as the host. Carpenter described the experience as surreal, noting that he came from total obscurity and suddenly found himself in the limelight.
Despite his newfound fame, Carpenter remained grounded. When asked about his plans for the million-dollar prize, he and his wife Debbie, who had been married for just 15 months at the time, had modest aspirations. Their wish list included a J. Crew leather jacket for Christmas and a trip to Paris. Carpenter joked about donating his winnings to the Red Sox to help them sign another power pitcher. The couple also discussed the possibility of expanding their family, noting that the money would make things easier.
Carpenter’s win netted him $600,000 after taxes, and he considered the possibility of leaving his job with the IRS. However, he spoke positively about his experience with the government agency and ultimately decided to stay. He mentioned that the money provided a cushion, allowing him to explore new opportunities if he chose to do so.
In 2020, Carpenter caught up with The Washington Post and revealed that he was still working at the IRS nearly 20 years after his historic win. His life had returned to a semblance of normalcy, but the impact of his win continued to resonate.
Carpenter’s journey to the million-dollar question began with a simple decision to tune into “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?” one night after dinner with friends. Initially uninterested in the show, he was convinced by his friends to watch. He found the questions surprisingly easy and decided to call the show’s hotline for a chance to become a contestant. Carpenter answered all the hotline questions correctly and was on the show within two days.
During his run on “Millionaire,” Carpenter cruised through the first fourteen questions without using any lifelines. The final question, which asked which U.S. president had appeared on “Laugh-In,” was answered with confidence. Carpenter later admitted that he used the Phone-a-Friend lifeline to call his father not for help, but to inform him of his impending win. He believed that not using any lifelines would make him appear cocky, so he faked it.
Carpenter’s win made him the first contestant in the worldwide “Millionaire” franchise to win the show’s top prize. He later revealed that the only question that had flustered him was one about the location of the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral. He eventually remembered that the film “Tombstone” included the gunfight and answered correctly.
Following his win, Carpenter considered quitting his job with the IRS but decided against it. He explained to Kiplinger’s Personal Finance that after taxes, the winnings were not enough to change his life significantly. He also noted that the fame had a bigger impact on his life than the money, stating that “the money doesn’t change your life. What happens afterwards might.”
Carpenter’s fame led to several other game show appearances. In May 2000, he participated in “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire: Champions Edition,” where previous contestants who had won $250,000 to $1,000,000 played again, with half of their additional winnings going to charity. Carpenter won $250,000, bringing his total “Millionaire” winnings to $1,250,000. In 2004, he appeared in “Super Millionaire” as one of the “Three Wise Men” on the episode where Robert Essig won $1,000,000.
Carpenter also appeared on the August 16, 2009, episode of “Millionaire” in prime time for its tenth anniversary. In the audience with him were his father, his wife, and his son. He was the first expert in the “Ask the Expert” lifeline for the eighth season of the syndicated series in September 2009.
John Carpenter’s journey from an IRS agent to a game show legend is a testament to his intelligence, confidence, and humility. His historic win on “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?” not only made him a millionaire but also a pop culture icon. Despite the fame and fortune, Carpenter remained true to himself, continuing his career with the IRS and living a modest life with his family. His story serves as an inspiration to many, proving that with knowledge and confidence, anyone can achieve greatness.
Source: People, Wikipedia
