PEMBROKE PARK, Fla. – Kevin Solomon is a proud $50,000 “Wheel of Fortune” winner.
The Georgia Southern University graduate from Americus was one of the show’s three contestants on Nov. 8, 2010. He was there with his mother, Georgie, and his aunt, Myrtice. Pat Sajak and Vanna White were the hosts and Johnny Gilbert was the guest announcer.
“I’m from a small town already so everyone was watching that day when I was on,” Solomon said. “To this day I still get people talking about it still. It’s an amazing experience.”
It was episode 5,306 in Las Vegas and he was the first $50,000 payoff of the season. His final total was $83,045 in cash and a trip to Amsterdam. Being a winner was amazing, but his big dream then is the same over 13 years later.
“I love game shows,” added Solomon. “My dream is to be a game show host.”
Solomon said he is proud to be a producer at Local 10 News. His desk at the station that airs his favorite show in South Florida is full of Wheel of Fortune memorabilia. Lately, he has been excited about the show’s revamp and Ryan Seacrest taking over.
“It’s going to be strange not seeing Pat [Sajak] after 40-plus years, but Ryan has so much experience hosting long-running shows like ‘American Idol.’ He’s definitely the right person to take over,” Solomon said. “He’s got a real connection to the audience, and I think he’s going to do great.”
Seacrest’s debut comes after Sajak, the face of Wheel of Fortune for more than four decades, announced his retirement earlier this year.
Solomon weighed in on the transition, acknowledging the challenge of filling such a legendary role but expressing confidence in Seacrest’s abilities.
“Ryan has done everything from live TV to radio to hosting major events. He knows how to keep viewers engaged. It’s going to be exciting to see how he makes the show his own.”
For Solomon, who keeps a desk full of Wheel of Fortune memorabilia at Local 10, the show remains close to his heart.
When asked if he’d consider stepping in if Seacrest ever needed a break, Solomon laughed and said, “If Ryan needs a summer vacation, I’m ready! I’m sure my bosses at Local 10 would let me do it.”
Solomon’s passion for Wheel of Fortune hasn’t waned since his time on the show. He still keeps in touch with fellow contestants from his episode, even attending an alumni reunion in Las Vegas recently.
“We all stay connected, and it’s always fun to catch up and reminisce about our time on the show,” he said.
Solomon’s story serves as a reminder that the magic of Wheel of Fortune goes beyond the TV screen, bringing joy and memories that last a lifetime.
Now, as the show turns the page to a new era, he’ll be watching along with millions of fans, rooting for Seacrest to continue the tradition of spinning the wheel and changing lives — just like it did for him.
Seacrest will make his Wheel of Fortune debut right here on Local 10 at 7:30 p.m. ET.