Ryan Seacrest Surprised as Wheel of Fortune Contestant Unexpectedly Grabs Him
Ryan Seacrest was taken aback when a overly enthusiastic Wheel of Fortune contestant abruptly hugged him during an episode of the widely beloved game show.
Ricky Brown, a contestant hailing from Easton, Pennsylvania, joyfully leaped up and down in celebration after successfully solving a particularly challenging puzzle in the episode airing on Wednesday, January 15. Amidst his spirited celebrations, he unexpectedly grabbed host Seacrest, 50, leaving him visibly startled.
Brown had just correctly identified the answer in the “Phrase” category. The three-word phrase, “As you wish,” was a tough one, as the letters selected left Brown with a puzzle that read, “AS / _ _ _ / _ _ S _.”
Despite the challenge, Brown managed to guess correctly just as the 10-second timer commenced, exclaiming, “As you wish!”
“Yes! You got it! How did you do that?” a stunned Seacrest replied before Brown leaped in jubilation and embraced him in an awkward hug.
“Wait, you bent the card,” Seacrest quipped, referring to the prize envelope in his hand, before announcing that Brown had won an additional $40,000. This brought Brown’s total winnings to $64,000, along with a cruise, after successfully guessing the phrase.
Earlier in the show, Brown had a strong start in Round 1, earning $2950 right away. Although he encountered a minor setback during the Mystery Round when he incorrectly answered “Tanzania and New Zealand” instead of the correct “Tasmania and New Zealand,” Brown quickly regained his momentum.
The contestant successfully solved a puzzle in the Express Round, earning a cruise, and excelled in two out of three puzzles in the Triple Toss Up round.
Brown endeared himself to fans during the episode with his entertaining antics, which included penning a song inspired by his time on the game show.
Encouraged by Seacrest, Brown showcased a custom rap as he stood next to the famous wheel alongside fellow contestants Karen Morgan from Clinton, Maryland, and Lisa McDaniel from Norman, Oklahoma.
“Wheel of Fortune is where it’s at. Back home, I watched it on ABC. I’m smiling and having a great time. My wife is here, but I miss my son,” he rapped. “Who knows? I might win a trip to Rome. And to all my family and friends back home… The joy I’m feeling right now is unmatched, I’m chilling with Vanna [White] and Ryan Seacrest.”
