The late Kirstie Alley made her first appearance as an actress in the science fiction film, Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan. She gained popularity for her role as Rebecca Howe in the TV sitcom, Cheers. Starting out as an unknown interior designer from Wichita, Alley set her transition to Hollywood in motion when she pitted herself against Betty White and the stunning Jamie Lee Curtis (both of whom would become her future celebrity colleagues) on the game show, The Match Game.
She did exceedingly well, earning $6,000 by appearing in multiple episodes of the fill-it-in trivia show. Alley would gradually become more popular and would soon be offered bigger paychecks for movie roles.
Sally Field
American actress and director Sally Field has been a recipient of various accolades ranging from the Academy Awards to the Golden Globes, as well as a suite of nominations and other prestigious entertainment achievements.
Back when the Mrs. Doubtfire actress was just finding her way around show business, she appeared as a contestant on the popular ABC series, The Dating Game. At the time, she had only starred in the titular role of the short-lived sitcom, Gidget. After the show, Field admitted that she refused to go on a date with her bachelor, even though he might have been the right guy for her.
Vanna White
Before Vanna White became known as an American TV personality and Wheel of Fortune hostess, she was a contestant in the Miss Georgia Pageant and took a shot at claiming the top prize in a rival game show.
Vanna White was a youthful 20-year-old when Bob Parker called her on stage with his famous line, “come on down!” in the game show classic, The Price Is Right. This was back in 1980, and although White didn’t win in that episode, she got the attention needed to slip into a more glamorous role as the hostess of Wheel of Fortune, a career that would span for decades.
Cynthia Nixon
Cynthia Nixon is quite a bundle of talent, known for her iconic role as Miranda Hobbes in the HBO series, Sex and the City. It was a performance that won her an Emmy and a Screen Actors Guild Award. The birth of her entertainment career, however, could be attributed to her mother, who used to worked on the game show, To Tell The Truth.
Nixon was only nine years old when her mother got her a spot on the show. Her personality instantly clicked with the audience, who adored her for playing the role of an “impostor” cowgirl. Cynthia Nixon quickly showed she was a natural performer, not shying away from the cameras. She developed her confidence swiftly, and up to this day, whatever role she’s in, her performances always convince us.
Gina Lee Nolin
Gena Lee Nolin would embark on her career in Hollywood from an unusual platform. By becoming a member of Barker’s Beauties on the popular game show The Price Is Right, Nolin’s exposure would lead to something infinitely more promising. But none of it would have been possible without her first game show modelling role, in which she showcased the prizes that were to be given away.
Soon afterwards, she snagged a role in the soap opera, The Young and the Restless, before taking a starring role in the Baywatch series. Then, she landed a lead role in the film Sheena. All thanks to The Price Is Right and the kick-start it gave to her to fame.