Michigan Man's Game Show Dream Crushed by Uncooperative 'Wheel'

A Detroit man who is looking to start a family tradition of competing on game shows ran into a bit of bad luck on TV's 'Wheel of Fortune.'

Thomas Young from Detroit started out strong on Tuesday's show (4/15), but wound up finishing in second place after being knocked down by a series of 'bankrupt' spins.

A Family Tradition of Game Show Appearances

Young told host Ryan Seacrest that he's hoping start a family tradition of appearing on TV.

"I'm the first in my family to be on any game show of any kind so I want to be that granddad where the youngsters are like 'my granddad or great grandpa was on 'Wheel of Fortune' all those years ago,'" he said.

The introduction was met by laughs from the audience and Young went on to mention that his 13-year-old daughter Ava would be the next in line to carry on the game show tradition.

Detroit Man Starts Out Strong on Wheel of Fortune

Young came out of the gate swinging, solving the show's first two 'Toss Up' puzzles and banking some cash.

See if you can solve these puzzles with the letters the contestants had to work with.

Sony Pictures Television

The answer: The Foot of a Volcano.

Sony Pictures Television

The answer: A Lovely Burgundy.

He also went on to solve the show's 'Round 1' puzzle - the category was 'Say Cheese.' Can you guess it?

Sony Pictures Television

The answer: Posting Pictures of My Breakfast

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The Wheel Suddenly Turned Against Our Friend From Michigan

After three solid solves, the famous wheel started giving Thomas some trouble. He hit a 'bankrupt' in the Mystery Round and hit a 'Lose a Turn' in the show's 'Express Round.'

At the end of the day, Young racked up $10,600 on the show, but it wasn't enough to take him to the 'Bonus Round.'

Young was topped by Julie Allen, a third-grad teacher from Spokane, WA, who won a total of $67,350 in cash and prizes including a 2025 Ford Bronco.

Meet the Flint Area Folks Who've Competed for Real Money on TV Game Shows

Jeopardy, Wheel, Millionaire, you name it, Flint-area folks have been on it.

Over the last several decades, we've seen lots of people from our area competing for and sometimes even winning big money.

Our list includes a former Grand Blanc resident whose Jeopardy strategy is still used today and is reputed to be a maneuver that Alex Trebek hated.

And we even have one gentleman from Flint who's considered a game show expert, appearing on five different shows over the years.

Gallery Credit: George McIntyre

Harrison Township Home Has Its Own 55' Boat House

Take a look at this beautiful home just minutes from Lake St. Clair in Harrison Township. Whether you like your water in a pool, hot tub, lake, or just your very own luxurious bathroom, it's a water lover's dream.

Gallery Credit: George McIntyre