Carlsbad Resident Wins Big On 'Let's Make A Deal'

CARLSBAD, CA — A Carlsbad resident won big on "Let's Make a Deal."

Drake Kellas, 42, won a car while competing on Monday's episode of the game show, which is hosted by Wayne Brady.

"My wife and I were praying for a new car, and it was amazing that this opportunity came about," Kellas told Patch.

"As we were driving to the taping of the show, she said to me, 'We're either buying a car on the way back or you're going to win a car,'" he recalled. "We laughed at the thought of that. So when the moment came up and I got to play the game '0 to 80 mph,' we both were in shock. When Wayne called my name, I knew it was destiny."

As a fan of the show, Kellas said he enjoys Brady's personality and the "quirkiness of the show."

"Let's Make a Deal" is known for audience members who dress in crazy costumes in order to increase their chances of being selected as a contestant. The costumes were just one of the highlights of the show, Kellas said.

"I really enjoyed the whole day with 'Let's Make a Deal,'" said Kellas, who works in sales for a nutritional supplement company.

"It is nonstop energy for many hours, and you get to meet a lot of different types of personalities and people from all walks of life and hear their stories as you prepare for the show to film," he added. "I really enjoyed when we were filming and the energy with live studio audience as we got to interact with Wayne Brady. It was also fun to dress up in costumes and hear how everyone picked their costumes. Lots of great stories and memories!"

It's not the first time Kellas has appeared on a game show.

Kellas, who has lived in Carlsbad for 20 years, has been on "The Price Is Right" twice, once with the late Bob Barker, and once with current host Drew Carey. He got the opportunity to be on "Let's Make a Deal" through the same casting agency.

"All in all, the experience was absolutely amazing," Kellas said. "I'd encourage anyone to try out for a game show."