During his four-decade career on the Wheel of Fortune, host Pat Sajak has met many contestants on the popular game show. But most recently, he was asked a special request from a fellow player — and he didn't say no.
Case in point, on Tuesday, WOF contestant Ilene Knebel became the first $100,000 bonus round winner for season 39. Her big win came after solving the "Around the House" category puzzle with the answer "Quilted Bedspread." Amidst the audience applause and cheers, confetti began to rain down on the stage. But instead of celebrating her accomplishment by basking in the colorful paper the traditional way, the Los Angeles resident had a different version of fun in mind.
"The first thing she said after the confetti fell was, 'Where's the broom? I want to clean up,'" Pat said on the show, reiterating Ilene's words. "Here you go. Go, go, go! Don't just stand there. Congratulations again."
"It's true," Ilene said as she grabbed the broom Pat provided.
Viewers were elated to see Ilene take home the cash prize, and many took to Twitter to congratulate her. One viewer tweeted: “So happy for Ilene! Those 30+ years of auditioning really paid off!" Another wrote: “Oh yessss!!!! Finally! Our first 100k winner in 39th season goes to Ilene!! Congratulations, Ilene!! 🎉 🎉 🎉 🎉 🎉." A different fan said: "So happy for Ilene! Couldn't happen to a better person!" A follower commented: "Yes! And l watched her sweep it up too. LOL! #lovedit."
Earlier in the memorable WOF episode, Ilene shared with Pat and fans that she has dedicated decades of her life to service and giving back to her community. Apart from spending her free time volunteering, the mother of three also mentoring Girl Scouts. What's more, it's true that she has wanted to be a contestant on the show for a long time, and what a way to make her WOF debut!
Katherine Tinsley is a pop culture and beauty-obsessed journalist who has worked with Live the Process, The Knockturnal and Dreamlette covering all things beauty, culture and lifestyle. Her work has allowed her to merge all of these interests into her writing and interview style.
