Stars Who Appeared On Game Shows Prior To Fame

Before becoming A-List celebrities, stars including Lady Gaga and Meghan Markle debuted in show business by appearing on popular game shows.

Meghan Markle was briefly a briefcase model on 'Deal or No Deal' and in 2018, opened up about her time on the show. 

“Working on Deal or No Deal was a learning experience, and it helped me to understand what I would rather be doing. I would end up standing up there forever in these terribly uncomfortable and inexpensive five-inch heels just waiting for someone to pick my number so I could go and sit down."

Howie Mandel hosted 'Deal or No Deal' when she was on the show, joking about her being "slightly duchessy" during her appearance.

Executive producer Scott St. John said, “She was not involved in many episodes, but I did remember her. She was a very nice person.”

Lady Gaga is known as a multifaced Grammy and Academy Award winning pop star, but prior to this, a young Stefani Germanotta (her real name) appeared on a 2005 episode on MTV's 'Boiling Points' which targeted her in a prank.

Rebekka Johnson was the actress who had to prank Gaga, and shared her experience working alongside her, noting she was "pretty cool" about it all in the end, but the lead up was rocky.

“I remember when she went downstairs she stayed on her phone for a long time. We almost decided to end the shoot because we weren’t sure when she was coming back up.”

Other high profile names have appeared on games shows after fame. Seth Rogen made an appearance on 'The Price Is Right' in 2019 to raise money for Hilarity for Charity.

Kim Kardashian has appeared on a celebrity edition of 'Family Feud' in 2018.

“That is mine and Kanye [West]’s favorite show ever. I started to get really scared from all the crime shows that I’d watch… I used to be obsessed, and then I got really scared of it and I was like, ‘What can I watch now that I’m afraid of all crime shows?’ And Family Feud was it. It’s like Friends and Family Feud.”

Keep scrolling to see which other stars made appearances on game shows prior to fame:

Arnold Schwarzenegger — 'The Dating Game'

Arnold Schwarzenegger appeared on 'The Dating Game' before his big break as a movie star, leading him to roles in 'The Terminator' and more.

At this time, he was surfacing a series in 1973, but still hadn't made it big time.

Meghan Markle — 'Deal or No Deal'

She wasn't a contestant, but a briefcase girl between 2006 and 2007.

She went on to land her big break as Rachel Zane on 'Suits' for seven season before marrying Prince Harry in 2018 and becoming a Duchess.

She is now mother to Archie and Lilibet, leaving royal life alongside Harry in March 2020.

Steve Martin — 'The Gong Show'

Steve Martin is known for films including 'The Jerk,' 'Little Shop of Horrors,' and 'Father of the Bride.'

But prior to this, he appeared as a guest panelist on one episode of 'The Gong Show' in the 70s. He showed off his banjo-playing skills.

Cynthia Nixon — 'To Tell The Truth'

Before becoming Miranda Hobbes on 'Sex and the City,' Cynthia Nixon appeared on 'To Tell The Truth' in 1975, at the age of 9, starting her child acting career three years later.

Lady Gaga — 'Boiling Points'

Gaga appeared on MTVs 'Boiling Points' which led her to "cursing" out the actress who pulled the prank on her.

Three years later, her first megahit 'Just Dance' was released, leading her to where she is today.

Jon Hamm — 'The Big Date'

Jon Hamm has become a household name playing Don Draper on 'Mad Men.'

He has also starred in films such as 'Bad Time at the El Royale' and 'Baby Driver.'

But before his big break, he appeared on 'The Big Date,' sporting long hair, in 1995.

“I was all of 24 years old and making some questionable decisions in my life, as you could see."

Kirstie Alley — 'The Match Game'

In 1979, then interior designer Kirstie Alley made a TV debut on 'The Match Game.'

Eight years after, she landed her big role on 'Cheers' joining after the departure of Shelley Long.

She then went on to star in films including 'Drop Dead Gorgeous' and 'It Takes Two,' and other TV shows such as 'Veronica's Closet,' and 'Scream Queens.'

Sally Fields — 'The Dating Game'

Sally Fields also appeared on 'The Dating Game' in 1967.

Now, she is an Academy Award winner, known for movies including 'Steel Magnolias,' ' Mrs. Doubtfire,' and 'Forrest Gump.'

Simon Cowell — 'Sale of the Century'

Before becoming the hard hitting judge on 'Britain's Got Talent' and 'X Factor,' Simon Cowell appeared on 'Sale of the Century' in 1989.

He left as the winner of the episode, collecting a set of kitchen utensils. 

Aaron Paul — 'The Price Is Right'

Aaron Paul is known for portraying Jesse Pinkman on 'Breaking Bad' which ran from 2008 to 2013, and joined 'Westworld' is the third season.

Prior to this, he was a contestant on 'The Prince Is Right' in 2000. He lost the Showcase Showdown by overbidding on a car, but got the chance to redeem 17 years later on 'The Late Late Show With James Corden.'

He lost the same portion of the show of a second time.

Chrissy Teigen — 'Deal or No Deal'

Chrissy Teigen was a briefcase girl on 'Deal or No Deal' around the same time as Meghan Markle, prior to becoming a Sports Illustrated model.

She opened up about the experience in 2018 on 'Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen.'

“I think she came in the second season or something. I did it from pilot season to [the] first season, and then I got demoted because I couldn’t walk down the stairs. I got fired or something.”

Joey Fatone — 'Nick Arcade'

90s icon Joey Fatone appeared on a Nickelodeon game show 'Nick Arcade' before becoming huge as a member on NSYNC.

During his time on the show, he incorrectly guessed the name of late President Abraham Lincoln as a Democrat instead of a Republican, which cost his team the win.

At the time, he revealed to host Phil Moore that he liked to sing in the shower.

Tom Selleck — 'The Dating Game'

Tom Selleck, before he became Tom Selleck, appeared on 'The Dating Game' just like Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sally Fields.

He appeared once in 1965, and once again in 1967.

He is now a household name starring on shows such as 'Magnum, P.I.' and 'Blue Bloods,' as well as in movies such as 'Three Men and a Baby.'

Linda Cardellini — 'The Price is Right'

Before she became Lindsay Weir on 'Freaks and Geeks' and Velma in 'Scooby-Doo,' Linda Cardellini appeared on 'The Price Is Right' in 1994.

“I bid $1,000. I was one of the first people called up to contestant’s row, which I have to say was maybe one of the most exciting things that has ever actually happened to me. Like, this business is very exciting, but nothing happens all at once.”