The Ultimate List Of Press Your Luck Hosts: From Peter Tomarken To Elizabeth Banks' Billion-Dollar Season

The iconic game show *Press Your Luck* has had a fascinating history, spanning decades and multiple revivals, each led by a charismatic host. As of the current date, December 11, 2025, the face of the popular ABC primetime revival is the versatile actress, director, and producer Elizabeth Banks, who has successfully brought the "Big Bucks" and the dreaded "Whammy" to a new generation of viewers. Her energetic hosting style and comedic timing have been credited with the show's massive success in the modern era, building on the legacy established by the beloved original host, Peter Tomarken. The show's longevity is a testament to its simple, high-stakes premise: answer trivia questions to earn spins, then *Press Your Luck* on the Big Board to win cash and prizes while desperately avoiding the infamous animated thieves, the Whammies. From the classic 1980s run to the latest season, the host has always been the crucial element, guiding contestants through the thrilling—and often heartbreaking—gambles. Below is a deep dive into the four main personalities who have dared contestants to "Stop!" or "Press Your Luck!"

Elizabeth Banks: The Current Face of the ABC Revival

Elizabeth Banks took over the hosting duties for the ABC primetime revival of *Press Your Luck* in 2019, injecting a fresh, modern energy into the classic format. Her role as host is unique, as she is also an executive producer on the series, giving her a significant hand in shaping the show's direction. | Entity | Detail | | :--- | :--- | | Full Name | Elizabeth Irene Mitchell (Banks is her married name) | | Date of Birth | February 10, 1974 | | Place of Birth | Pittsfield, Massachusetts, U.S. | | Spouse | Max Handelman (m. 2003) | | Children | 2 | | Key Career Highlights | Actress (*The Hunger Games*, *Pitch Perfect*, *Spider-Man* franchise), Director (*Pitch Perfect 2*, *Cocaine Bear*), Producer | | Role on *Press Your Luck* | Host and Executive Producer (since 2019) | | Current Status | Hosting the highly-rated Season 6 of the ABC revival | Banks' transition from a prolific Hollywood actress and director to a game show host was a surprise to many, but she has proven to be a perfect fit. She brings a quick wit and genuine enthusiasm to the set, often sharing a laugh or a moment of tension with the contestants. Her celebrity status has helped draw a massive audience to the revival, which has consistently been one of ABC's top-performing summer game shows. The show's recent success, confirmed by the launch of Season 6, highlights Banks' ongoing commitment to the series. Her presence ensures that the spirit of the original show remains intact while appealing to contemporary tastes, making the "Big Board" a must-watch event every week.

The Tragic Legacy of Original Host Peter Tomarken

For millions of viewers in the 1980s, the phrase "Come on, Big Bucks, no Whammies!" is forever linked to the smooth, charismatic delivery of Peter Tomarken. Tomarken hosted the original CBS run of *Press Your Luck* from 1983 to 1986, becoming an iconic figure in game show history.

Peter Tomarken's Rise to Game Show Fame

Born Peter David Tomarken on December 7, 1942, he was a television personality whose career was defined by his three years on *Press Your Luck*. Before landing the gig that would make him famous, Tomarken hosted other shows, including *Hit Man* and *Wipeout*. His professional, yet warm, demeanor made him the ideal foil for the erratic, cartoonish chaos of the Whammies. The show he hosted is perhaps most famous for the Michael Larson incident in 1984, where a contestant memorized the light pattern of the Big Board and won over $110,000 in cash and prizes. Tomarken, unaware of the scheme at the time, kept his composure throughout the contestant's record-breaking run, a moment that has become the stuff of game show legend and is frequently referenced in discussions about the show's history.

A Heartbreaking End for the Classic Host

Peter Tomarken's life came to a tragic end on March 13, 2006, when he was killed in a plane crash. He was piloting a Beechcraft Bonanza A36, with his wife, Kathleen, as a passenger, when the plane experienced engine trouble and crashed into Santa Monica Bay, just a few hundred feet offshore. The circumstances surrounding his death were particularly poignant. Tomarken was flying a mission for the charitable organization Angel Flight, which provides free air transportation for people with medical needs. He was en route to pick up a patient in Santa Barbara, California. His death, while engaged in a selfless act of charity, solidified his legacy as a genuinely kind and beloved television figure.

The Other Hosts: Filling the Whammy Void

While Elizabeth Banks and Peter Tomarken are the most recognizable hosts, the *Press Your Luck* franchise has seen two other notable personalities guide contestants through the Big Board's perils. Adding these hosts is crucial for achieving full topical authority on the subject of *Press Your Luck* host history.

Todd Newton and the GSN Revival: *Whammy! The All New Press Your Luck*

In the early 2000s, the Game Show Network (GSN) attempted a revival of the classic show titled *Whammy! The All New Press Your Luck*. This version aired from 2002 to 2003 and was hosted by Todd Newton. Newton, often dubbed "The Host with the Most," brought a high-energy, contemporary style to the show. The format was largely the same, but the Whammies were updated with new animations and jokes, reflecting the early 2000s aesthetic. Although the GSN revival was short-lived, it kept the *Press Your Luck* brand alive and introduced the concept to a new generation who were watching cable game shows. Newton later went on to host other popular shows like *Family Game Night*.

Jim Peck and the Precursor: *Second Chance*

To truly understand the show's origins, one must look back to 1977 and the show *Second Chance*. Hosted by Jim Peck, this ABC game show was the direct forerunner to *Press Your Luck*. The format of *Second Chance* was nearly identical to the first round of *Press Your Luck*. Contestants answered trivia questions to earn spins, which they then used on a game board that featured cash, prizes, and three devilish characters called "Devils." When a contestant hit a Devil, they lost all their accumulated cash and prizes, much like the Whammy. *Second Chance* only ran for a brief period in 1977, but the core mechanism was so compelling that it was later refined, renamed, and relaunched as *Press Your Luck* with Peter Tomarken, proving that the concept deserved a "second chance" at success.

The Enduring Appeal: Why We Still Press Our Luck

The enduring appeal of *Press Your Luck* lies in its perfect blend of skill and sheer, unadulterated chance. The trivia round tests knowledge, but the Big Board is a pure gamble, a thrilling dance with fate. The tension created by the random nature of the board—the possibility of hitting a $50,000 prize one moment and a Whammy the next—is what keeps viewers glued. Elizabeth Banks' current iteration has masterfully amplified this tension, offering life-changing grand prizes that can soar into the multi-million dollar range, far exceeding the original "Big Bucks" of the 1980s. Her ability to connect with contestants and share in their emotional rollercoaster—from the ecstatic joy of a huge win to the deflating groan of a Whammy—makes her the ideal contemporary host. As the show continues its successful run, the legacy of all its hosts, from Jim Peck and Peter Tomarken to Todd Newton and the current star Elizabeth Banks, remains integral to the story of one of television's most iconic and heart-stopping game shows.