The $1 Million Secret: Where Are The First 'Who Wants To Be A Millionaire' Winners Now? (2024 Update)

The global phenomenon of *Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?* (WWTBAM) has captivated audiences for decades, but the show's true magic lies with its trailblazers: the first contestants who successfully navigated the gauntlet of trivia questions to claim the ultimate prize. As of today, December 11, 2025, the stories of the first winners from the two most famous versions—the original UK format and the blockbuster US spin-off—remain a fascinating study in composure, intelligence, and the life-altering power of a single game show appearance. Their victories set the standard for all future champions, creating moments of television history that are still discussed and re-watched decades later.

The question "Who was the first winner?" actually has two definitive answers, each representing a monumental cultural moment on either side of the Atlantic. We delve into the lives of John Carpenter, the first-ever $1 million winner in the United States, and Judith Keppel, the first to claim the £1 million jackpot in the United Kingdom, providing an essential 2024 update on their careers and lasting legacies.

John Carpenter: The First Million-Dollar Winner (US)

John Carpenter’s victory on the US version of *Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?* is arguably the most iconic win in the show’s history, not just because he was the first, but because of the legendary way he secured the final answer. His performance was a masterclass in confidence and strategy, setting a precedent for all future high-stakes game show appearances.

• 5 Shocking Facts About Anna Congdon Penn State Sweetheart To Nfl Fiances Social Media Firestorm Cc90e

Biography and Profile: John Carpenter

• Full Name: John Carpenter
• Date of Birth: October 24, 1967
• Hometown: Hamden, Connecticut, USA
• Original Occupation: Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Agent
• Date of Win: November 19, 1999
• Prize Won: $1,000,000 (One Million US Dollars)
• Host: Regis Philbin
• Current Status (2024): Still works for the IRS; remains an iconic figure in game show history.

The Legendary Final Question and the 'Phone-a-Friend' Twist

Carpenter’s journey to the $1 million prize was unlike any other. He famously reached the final question without using any of his three lifelines: 50:50, Ask the Audience, or Phone-a-Friend. This unprecedented composure built incredible tension in the studio, with host Regis Philbin barely able to contain his excitement.

The million-dollar question was: "Which of these US Presidents appeared on the television series *Laugh-In*?"

The options were: A) Lyndon Johnson, B) Richard Nixon, C) Jimmy Carter, D) Gerald Ford.

• 7 Shocking Things Jessica Capshaw Revealed About Growing Up With Steven Spielberg As Her Stepfather 892ho

Instead of answering, Carpenter chose to use his last lifeline: Phone-a-Friend. The audience, the host, and viewers at home were on the edge of their seats, expecting him to need help. What followed was a moment of television gold. Carpenter called his father, Tom Carpenter, and delivered the now-famous line: "Hi, Dad. I don't really need your help, but I wanted you to know that I'm about to win a million dollars." He then correctly answered Richard Nixon, making him the first top-prize winner in the world.

The 2024 Update: Carpenter’s Enduring Legacy

Unlike many game show winners who leave their former lives behind, John Carpenter returned to his job as an Internal Revenue Service (IRS) agent in Connecticut, a detail that further cemented his reputation as a grounded and unassuming champion. His $1 million prize, after taxes, was a substantial sum, but he chose stability over a new career path.

A Major 2024 Update: To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the US version of WWTBAM, John Carpenter made a special appearance on the show in July 2024, hosted by Jimmy Kimmel. His return highlighted the enduring popularity of his legendary win and allowed a new generation of viewers to witness the man behind the iconic moment. His continued association with the show, even a quarter-century later, confirms his status as a true game show legend.

• The Untouchable Privacy 7 Secrets Of Rachel Mcadams And Jamie Lindens Life Beyond The Red Carpet E820e

Judith Keppel: The First UK Million-Pound Winner

While John Carpenter was the first globally, Judith Keppel holds the honor of being the first winner of the original UK version of the show. Her victory came nearly a year after Carpenter’s, on November 20, 2000, and it was a landmark moment for British television. Her win was significant for another reason: she remains the only female contestant to have won the top prize on the UK version to this day.

Biography and Profile: Judith Keppel

• Full Name: Judith Cynthia Aline Keppel
• Date of Birth: August 18, 1942
• Hometown: Fulham, London, UK (Originally from Wolverhampton)
• Original Occupation: Garden Designer
• Date of Win: November 20, 2000 (Appeared on Nov 18 & 20)
• Prize Won: £1,000,000 (One Million British Pounds)
• Host: Chris Tarrant
• Current Status (2024): Retired from her role as an 'Egghead' on the popular quiz show *Eggheads*.
• Notable Fact: She is a distant cousin of Queen Camilla.

The Million-Pound Question and the Power of Travel

Judith Keppel’s win was a stark contrast to Carpenter’s dramatic flair. She used her lifelines more conservatively throughout the game, demonstrating a deep well of general knowledge. Her final question was famously rooted in European history and geography, a subject she was well-versed in due to her background and travels.

The million-pound question was: "Which king was married to Eleanor of Aquitaine?"

The options were: A) Henry I, B) Henry II, C) Richard I, D) Edward I.

Keppel confidently answered Henry II, explaining that she had recently visited the region of Aquitaine and had studied the history of the Duke of Aquitaine. This anecdote underscored the idea that deep, specific knowledge—often gained through life experience—was the key to victory, rather than just raw quiz-show trivia. Her composure under the spotlight, guided by host Chris Tarrant, made for a compelling and historic broadcast.

The 2024 Update: From Millionaire to 'Egghead' and Retirement

Following her massive win, Judith Keppel did not retreat from the public eye. Instead, she leveraged her newfound celebrity and proven intellectual prowess into a second career as a professional quizzer. In 2003, she joined the cast of the popular British quiz show *Eggheads* on the BBC (later Channel 5), where she became a core member of the formidable team of quiz experts for nearly two decades.

A Major 2024 Update: After 19 years on the show, Judith Keppel announced her retirement from *Eggheads*. This news, which broke in 2022 and was solidified in her subsequent absence from the most recent series, marks the end of her long tenure in television. Her retirement announcement is the freshest and most relevant update on her career, demonstrating her lasting impact on the UK quiz show circuit long after her *Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?* win. She remains one of the most respected figures in British quizzing, with a reported net worth of around £2 million, a figure bolstered by her game show winnings and subsequent television career.

The Lasting Cultural Impact of the First Winners

The stories of John Carpenter and Judith Keppel are more than just tales of two people winning a large sum of money; they are foundational chapters in the history of modern game shows. Their wins, separated by less than a year, proved that the *Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?* format was viable, compelling, and capable of creating genuine, life-changing moments.

Carpenter's dramatic Phone-a-Friend call became a meme before memes existed, a symbol of ultimate confidence and a narrative highlight that producers still try to replicate. Keppel's steady, knowledgeable approach demonstrated that the game was a serious test of intellect, lending credibility to the UK format and paving the way for other successful contestants.

The longevity of their fame—with Carpenter making a 25th-anniversary appearance in 2024 and Keppel only recently retiring from her long-running role on *Eggheads*—shows that the *Millionaire* title is a permanent, career-defining honor. These two individuals, the first US and UK millionaires, will forever be remembered as the pioneers who showed the world that a regular person could sit in the hot seat and walk away with a life-altering fortune.