Move over, Ryan Seacrest—there’s a brand-new Wheel of Fortune star in town!
Fans of the iconic game show recently met Patrick Thomassie, who ended up spinning that legendary wheel thanks to a rather sneaky maneuver by his husband, Paolo Presta.
In true showbiz fashion, Paolo secretly submitted Patrick for the audition—and next thing you know, Patrick’s standing on the Wheel of Fortune stage, chatting away with Seacrest.
If Paolo’s name rings a bell, that’s because he’s an American actor and host, best known for his popular online talk show “A Spoonful of Paolo,” which has racked up multiple Telly Awards and a Webby nomination.
Paolo’s own showbiz journey skyrocketed back in 2004 when Oprah Winfrey surprised him with a cameo on Will & Grace, fulfilling his lifelong dream and setting him on a path toward Hollywood.
Today, he pours that same passion into interviewing guests like Oprah (yes, again!) and Whoopi Goldberg—and, of course, supporting his husband’s game show ambitions.
Meanwhile, Patrick Thomassie is no stranger to the spotlight either.
Born in New Iberia, Louisiana, on December 1, 1977, he’s an actor and producer known for roles in indie projects like Alien Abduction (2005) and Wedding for One (2008).
He also serves as executive producer of A Spoonful of Paolo, teaming up with Paolo to keep their award-winning talk show rolling.
Submission Shenanigans
According to Paolo’s behind-the-scenes posts, he went full stealth mode applying on Patrick’s behalf, never actually expecting his unsuspecting spouse to land a spot on America’s favorite wheel.
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But that’s exactly what happened! Though Patrick admits he never saw himself blurting out, “Catch me on Wheel of Fortune,” he rolled with it—much like that big wheel—embracing his 15 minutes of TV fame.
The Big Win
This real-life Hollywood script came with a major prize, too: Patrick bagged a dream trip for himself and Paolo.
We’re not sure if “Bankrupt” or “Lose a Turn” reared their ugly heads during taping, but it’s clear the final outcome was cause for celebration.
The couple’s social media lit up with fans cheering them on, especially those who follow A Spoonful of Paolo and were eager for the dish on how Patrick performed under the bright lights.
Husband Goals
Social media naturally swooned over the pair.
One minute you see Paolo—famed for his genuine, heartfelt interviews—grinning from the audience; the next, Patrick in his bright orange sweater, confidently spinning the wheel.
It’s basically a real-world rom-com, and we love it.
Britney & Game Show Glory
Even better, the show gave Patrick a chance to mention his love for Britney Spears—naturally prompting a fun back-and-forth with Seacrest.
For a guy who’s spent time in front of (and behind) the camera, Patrick made it crystal clear he knows how to snag the spotlight, all while Paolo cheered on his beau.
Love, Laughter & Lucky Letters
In the end, these two delivered a breath of fresh air on a beloved TV classic.
From Paolo’s clandestine submission strategy to Patrick’s big spin and that triumphant dream getaway, it’s the kind of feel-good story that reminds us why we love game shows in the first place.
So what’s next for the dynamic duo?
Maybe an episode of A Spoonful of Paolo recapping the experience—or perhaps an Oprah-esque cameo to celebrate their victory?
With Paolo and Patrick’s knack for seizing every opportunity, anything’s possible.
One thing’s for sure: if there’s a star couple whose life feels like a never-ending, heartwarming adventure, it’s these two—spinning forward into one success after another.
Bravo, guys!
And that’s the final spin, folks—Paolo Presta and Patrick Thomassie, proof that a little behind-the-scenes mischief can lead to some seriously fabulous memories… and maybe a new fridge or a free trip, too!
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