Millionaire Winners: Where Are They Now?

Since its debut, "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire" has crowned numerous million-dollar winners, many of whom have maintained surprisingly frugal lifestyles. John Carpenter, the first winner in November 1999, made history by calling his father to share his impending victory. He continued working for the IRS, made charitable donations, and purchased a BMW and a home.

Florida attorney Daniel Blonsky, the second winner, invested most of his winnings, with a notable splurge being paying for a dinner. Joe Trela, the third winner in March 2000, gave much of his prize money to family, finding large houses impractical. Bob House, another 2000 winner, returned to teaching, using his winnings for practical matters like paying off loans and buying a car.

High school math teacher Kim Hunt used his winnings to quit his job and start a photography business, learning Romanian and meeting his wife through his new ventures. Environmental consultant David Goodman, the youngest winner at 24, invested his winnings in retirement after buying a car and a computer for his sister.

Kevin Olmstead took home the largest prize at the time, $2,180,000, and invested in property and donated to universities, though his investments later dipped. Bernie Cullen and Ed Toutant, both former "Jeopardy!" contestants, also won million-dollar prizes, with Toutant later having a graduate fellowship endowed in his honor.

Kevin Smith, the first syndicated version winner in 2003, was a retired truck driver who devoted time to trivia study and planned to give his winnings to his mother and sister. Nancy Christy became the first woman to win the grand prize in 2003, recalling knowing the answer to the final question cold.