Jersey Shore Local is Set to Compete on Wheel of Fortune

It's the game show we all know and love, an American classic since it first aired in January of 1975... Wheel of Fortune!

I’m sure most of you, like me, have played hundreds, maybe thousands, of times from your very own living room. Screaming out loud when you solve the puzzle first, clapping along with a big money spin, the agony when someone lands on bankrupt or lose a turn, and the heartbreak when a contestant mispronounces a word while solving… noooo!!!

I’ve never actually known anyone on Wheel of Fortune, (although shout out to my mom, because she would be great). But, anytime someone from New Jersey is a contestant, I find myself cheering extra for them. Airing on Thursday night, February 1st, we have a true Jersey Shore local making her Wheel of Fortune debut! Jacqueline DiPasquale from Point Pleasant will be spinning the giant wheel, hoping to win it all!

We were able to briefly catch up with Jacqueline about her time on the show. She too, grew up watching Wheel of Fortune with her family since she was 5 years old. She told us how this show has always held a special place in her heart, and mentioned, “After my grandpa passed away from Parkinson’s Dementia in April 2023, it means the world to be able to honor his life through being on the show.” So exciting for her to have this opportunity!

We asked if there were any fun facts, she could share with us about being on the show, and Jacqueline didn’t disappoint. Turns out, The Wizard of Oz is one of Jacqueline’s favorite movies (honestly, a classic, who doesn’t love it?!)… Well, the Wheel of Fortune studio at Sony Pictures Studios is the same one where the tornado scene was filmed. How neat is that!

Jacqueline went on to tell us, “Shaking Pat Sajak’s hand, watching Vanna revealing the word puzzle letters, hearing Jim Thornton (the voice behind Wheel of Fortune) in-person, and watching Maggie Sajak film promos for the show, felt like a fairytale!” I personally can only imagine the excitement one feels when meeting the people who have basically become part of our nightly routine. This show and these people have brought entertainment into our homes for almost 50 years! Jacqueline also shared something very personal with us. “As a young girl, I struggled with speech delay, was very shy, and was bullied. Rising above these difficult circumstances over the years, culminated to the most life-changing experience.”

She of course mentioned how incredible it was to have the opportunity to meet so many people from across the United States while participating in the show. And also how she became friends with contestants from New York and Maine! This truly sounds like a wonderful experience all-around!!

Jacqueline is hosting a community watch party on the day the episode airs, which is Thursday, February 1st at 7:30pm EST on ABC. The party will be held at an awesome local joint, B2 Bistro & Bar in Point Pleasant Beach, from 6pm to 8:30pm. Anyone is welcome to attend the celebration.

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