15 Celebs Who Had Memorable Pre-Fame Game Show Appearances

Hot people will always find a way to get on TV
15 Celebs Who Had Memorable Pre-Fame Game Show Appearances

When it comes to television, there are few people who have made as big an impact as the individuals featured in this list. From Simon Cowell’s humble beginnings on a game show for a mere £20 to Stephen Fry’s impressive University Challenge debut, these people have come a long way. From the £100 prize money that Lady Gaga forfeited on MTV’s ‘Boiling Points’ to the physical altercation that broke out between three bachelors on Farrah Fawcett’s ‘The Dating Game’ appearance, these stories are full of surprises. And who could forget ten-year-old Britney Spears on Star Search, or John Ritter charming the audience on ‘The Dating Game’?

It’s remarkable to think that these people, who are now global superstars, all started out on game shows and reality TV shows. From Aaron Paul’s ‘The Price Is Right’ appearance to Arnold Schwarzenegger’s ‘The Dating Game’ debut, these stars have gone from small-time contestants to big-time celebrities. So without further ado, let’s take a look at some of the most memorable game show and reality TV appearances of our favorite stars

“Sex and the City” star Cynthia Nixon: She’s been in the spotlight since 2nd grade!

CRACKED CYNTHIA NIXON: FROM TO TELL THE TRUTH TO SEX AND THE CITY! AL THA AND Sex and the Cu A NEW CH Cynthia Nixon is an actress best known for her role in the TV show Sex and the City. She made her TV debut as a 2nd grader on the game show To Tell the Truth.

Today / IndieWire 

Dating Game gone wild: Farrah Fawcett’s bachelors brawl.

CRACKED FARRAH FAWCETT CAUSED A FIGHT BETWEEN THREE BACHELORS. Farrah Fawcett was a contestant on The Dating Game in the 1970s, where three bachelors got into a physical altercation while competing for her attention. It was later revealed to be an April Fool's Day episode, and she chose Bachelor #2, winning an Austrian ski vacation with him.

TV Insider

A.J. McLean’s ‘Guts’: Five baskets, then The Jackal.

CRACKED A.J. MCLEAN: BASKETBALL CHAMP OR VANQUISHED BY THE JACKAL? A.J. McLean competed on Nickelodeon's competition show 'Guts' in 1992, where he took first place in the first game after scoring five baskets. However, he was eventually beaten by a contestant called The Jackal in the subsequent events.

Cheat Sheet / People 

Kirstie Alley’s lucky guess wins her $5,000 on Match Game.

CRACKED KIRSTIE ALLEY'S LUCKY GUESS PAYS OFF. ® Sir SiriusXm usXn Kirstie Alley made her first television appearance on Match Game in 1979 and won $5,000 for guessing the correct answer on the final celebrity.

Cheat Sheet

Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt: Featuring Jon Hamm’s Epic ‘90s Pick-Up Line.

CRACKED JON HAMM: '90s PICK-UP LINE MASTER. Jon Hamm appeared on a real '90s dating show called The Big Date, which was edited down and included in an episode of Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt. While some details were changed, the pick-up line he used was kept intact.

Bustle / TV Fanatic 

Fry's 1980 debut: Queen's College Cambridge student reaches University Challenge finale.

CRACKED STEPHEN FRY'S FIRST TV APPEARANCE: UNIVERSITY CHALLENGE. Stephen Fry made his TV debut on University Challenge in 1980 at the age of 23, competing on behalf of Queen's College, Cambridge and making it to the final round.

My London

Simon Cowell: His first TV appearance was worth just £20.

CRACKED SIMON COWELL: FROM £20 COOKING UTENSILS TO GLOBAL FAME. GT Simon Cowell made his TV debut on a game show in 1989 and won the first round, but only won £20 worth of cooking utensils in the end. Не appeared on the show as a favour to his friend.

Amp / US Magazine 

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