My sister called to let me know that WGN is using a snippet of my appearance on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire as part of their commercial for the syndicated version of the show.
So if you see a dorky brunette in a blue sweater saying something, that’s me!
Sure – rub it in – I went up to audition in August – didn’t make it into the contestant pool. 
I only auditioned b/c I’d driven my Hubby downtown for the tryouts & figured since I was there anyway what the heck.
That test was tough.
I passed the test – I just didn’t wow them with my personality in the chitchat with the PA portion of the entertainment.
If you’re a typical 25-40 white male, then you’re at a statistical disadvantage; lots & lots of them take and pass the test, so they would be over-represented if used on the show at the same rate. My Hubby passed the test as well but wasn’t selected.
Having spent a couple of days with other contestants during the tapings, I now have a better idea of what they’re looking for - laid-back extroverts. Each of us was the kind of person who’s likely to strike up a friendly conversation with a total stranger in an elevator, and none of us got annoyed about being babysat and bossed around by the PAs during the tapings. I was surprised that the people who’d done the interviewing in my city were actual hotshots on the show’s staff and not peons. And then it made sense - they pick contestants who aren’t going to give their co-workers trouble, and who (hopefully) won’t freak on camera.
Better luck next time!
Nah, I’m a 49-y-o female with an unusual job (puzzle editor) and an unusual hobby (tap-dancing), not horrifying in appearance and reasonably personable. The “Jeopardy!” people liked my presentation just fine – maybe it was the (ten-year-old) appearance on that show that did me in?
Well now I’m jealous - I’m nowhere near good enough to be on Jeopardy! How did you do? My Hubby passed the test but wasn’t chosen - any insights on how he could improve his odds?
I’ve seen other contestants who mentioned they’d been on Jeopardy, so I don’t think that’s an automatic eliminator. But you know, Hubby and I tried out for the couples show they did on WWTBAM a year earlier, and although we both passed the test we didn’t pass the interview. So maybe it just depends on the producer who happens to meet with you?
Or maybe your score was a little too high & they figured you’d take all their money? I’m pretty sure I just squeaked by.
That is absolutely my theory on this. 
Not a five-time champ or anything: I won three games ($46,000) in January of 1994.
And no, I’m not watching Ken Whatshisface.