Lake County native spins the Wheel of Fortune
LAKECOUNTY>> Matt Jones, 29, a Lake County native, recently won $23,856 and a trip to Riviera Maya, a resort in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico, while appearing on the popular network gameshow “Wheel of Fortune.”
Jones was born in Clearlake and graduated from Kelseyville High School. He eventually migrated to Mill Valley in Marin County and it was there that his girlfriend encouraged him to apply to be a contestant on the show.
“I watch Wheel of Fortune a lot,” said Jones. “My girlfriend said, ‘You’re really good at this.’ And she got on her laptop and signed me up.”
“They required a 10 second video and I thought, “Everybody would like my smile, and my good looks, and that I was smart and would most likely win and that I would do it for my 11-year-old son, Xavier. I taped the video as I was lying on the couch.”
According to the game show’s website’s direction to prospective contestants: “Fill out the application and submit a photo and, if you’d like, a video of one minute or less telling us why you’d make a great contestant. Videos aren’t required, but we love to see them!”
According to a recent report in the Marin Independent Journal, “We want good game players and good puzzle solvers,” said Erica Laible, spokeswoman for the show. “We also look for people who play with a nice, natural enthusiasm and a nice big voice.” Laible said while contestants can be selected nationwide, the show has selected contestants within driving distance of Los Angeles because of the pandemic.
Apparently WOF liked the video Jones sent as he was chosen to be on the show at Culver City, Sony Studios. Jones said that from the time he applied to the time he was filming his episode was about six weeks.
“So it was fast, it was random. There was no live audience because of COVID. We couldn’t hug (host) Pat (Sajak) or Vanna (White). Vanna is still very beautiful. They dressed her up very nicely.”
The taping for Jones was at the end of the day, during which they filmed six episodes. “It was really cool to be on the game show set. I felt like I went back in time. Felt like I was in the 80s, even though I was born in the 90s.”
“I don’t remember what Pat said on my show with the lights, the camera, the action,” said Jones. They want the pace of the game to be fast. I’m excited to watch the show to see what happened.”
Each position is six feet apart, due to COVID restrictions, as per Laible. “I got the center position at the wheel. The wheel itself weighs over 2,000 pounds,” said Jones. “If you show up, they won’t let you leave without winning $1,000. At least that money covers your gas, and your flight. Wheel of Fortune is excited for new applicants, always looking for fun people. They train you how to speak loudly, speak clearly, speak quick. Once you get up there, you follow the rules, do a good job.”
When asked how much he’ll have to pay in taxes, Jones respectfully declined to answer. However Forbes Magazine reports that “All winnings on game show are ordinary income, taxed up to 37% by the IRS. This applies to both cash and prizes.”
“My advice,” said Jones, “is go apply.”
To apply, go to: https:// www.wheeloffortune.com