Of course, we all remember this guy from Season 5. He's the energetic contestant who swam in money (I have the tape to prove it) and was also a participant in Tournament 2003. Read my interview with him below.
Stephanie: First of all, I want to say congratulations on all your successes on the show. What made you want to be a contestant, and how did you prepare for your audition?
Charlie: We, my partner Kelly and I, are avid watchers of H2 and watch nightly. At home, it is very easy to play the game. After one show, he said that I should audition and call. No way! Game Show are NOT my thing. I am just having fun. Well, he actually called the show and gave them my work number. I got a call the next day. It all happened so fast for me. I auditioned on a Thursday, I was called the next day to say that I was in the "pool". And the following week I was scheduled to tape. Prepare??? I didn't. I had no idea what to expect. I thought I had bombed the test and was surprised that I had made it to the next round.
Stephanie: What was the best part of your experiences on the show and why?
Charlie: When I kept winning. The rush that surges through you is intoxicating. The audience was incredible. That experience is something that one could get used to. You feel like a celebrity for a brief moment in time. Also, the food is pretty good as well.
Stephanie: How did the Squares staff (producers, host, etc.) help you feel at ease on national TV during your championship run?
Charlie: Fern and Robert, the contestant coordinators are responsible for your care and well being on the show. They are a great team. They keep you calm when your nerves flare up and are just so caring. Henry is a wonderful guy. He treats you like family and always has a smile on his face! Mike L. is the quiet one but a busy worker. He has a fast paced walk but manages to get things done behind the scenes. I wish we had more time with him though. He seems like a fun guy! And then there is Tom! What can you say about this guy. He is the show in my opinion. During the breaks he is always understanding of the contestants needs. Be it water, make up, stress or nerves, he is there with a helping hand! Did I mention the food was good too!
Stephanie: Okay, I bet we're all curious about the "swimming in money" thing when you opened the $25,000 safe. What made you want to do that?
Charlie: When that safe opened - GIRL.....I thought my world caved in! This was amazing. Back stage I was talking to the other contestants in the green room saying, I need more cash to pay for the taxes on all I had won so far. So when it opened - I wanted to roll, swim and play in the all the dough! Some of my friends ask me if that was choreographed...I just laugh....
Stephanie: In your own words, can you take us through your experiences in the Tournament of Champions?
Charlie: I had the flu when we taped the tournament. They had changed the tape date, so I was originally unable to participate. I was in Texas that weekend. So they changed it from Saturday to Sunday. I took a red eye flight from Dallas to LA, arrived at 5:00am, stayed at a friends house and was at the studio at 9:00am. Again, with the flu. So I was not myself. I tried to be, but my nose was running, I could barely talk, and I had the worse headache imaginable. As Fern drew the names, I was glad that I was not the first couple of contestants to go on. I was on Wednesday. So, it gave me a few hours to rest. I won my show, but was completely unable to focus in the bonus round. And the rest is history. The other champions were great. We still keep in touch and are talking about a get together real soon!
Stephanie: Finally, do you have anything to share with all the Squares fans out there?
Charlie: Squares is a classic. I would recommend to anyone to audition for the show. Or at least go and see a live taping. The energy is awesome! And where else can you see all those celebrities in one area?