Game show contestants are usually noteworthy for one of three reasons.

The first frequently seen type is the contestant that has become famous for a winning streak or amount of winnings won legitimately. See Ken Jennings (2004, Jeopardy!); or Thom McKee (1980, Tic Tac Dough).

The second general type is the contestant involved in a scandal concerning the legitimacy of their game show winnings. See Charles Van Doren (1957, Twenty-One); Michael Larson (1984, Press Your Luck) or Charles Ingram (2001, Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?).

A third type of contestant is one who does not necessarily become famous because of the game show appearance, but finds fame later in life. See for example Joyce Brothers (1955, The $64,000 Question). Generally such people should not be categorized here, especially if they appear as a celebrity guest contestant.