Michael Murray is going to feel like a king watching movies in his new home theater.
The Robinson man dressed like royalty to appear on today’s episode of “Let’s Make a Deal.”
Offered a choice between $1,000 and something concealed behind a door, he made the right choice. He came away with a home theater package including two plush theater seats, a 65-inch television and a popcorn maker, worth more than $5,000.
He auditioned for the long-running CBS game show wearing a Santa costume, an easy choice for the Pittsburgh Public Schools health and physical education teacher who plays Santa every year at area malls. Producers said they had another Santa contestant for a holiday-themed episode and asked him to come up with something else.
“I borrowed (the crown) from my son, who’s a big fan of Old King Cole,” Murray said. “I put on that crown and act like Old King Cole to make him laugh.
“I guess you could call me ‘King Michael,’” he said.
The theater package hasn’t arrived yet, but Murray said he’s keeping in contact with the show’s prize department — and it will get plenty of use once it’s installed.
“My wife, Helen, and I love popcorn, too, when we sit down to watch a movie together,” he said.
Murray was a member of the virtual audience on the episode, comprising 18 potential contestants split between two video screens and participating via Zoom — a group that host Wayne Brady calls his “at-homies.”
The episode was dedicated to essential workers. Actor/filmmaker Kevin Smith made a surprise appearance to play host for one segment, and Murray made his deal with Smith.
Murray and his family are longtime game show fans. They’ve previously been in the audience for “The Price is Right.”
He said it’s possible that he’ll appear on “Let’s Make a Deal” again. Show officials said they’d like him back on the virtual wall at some point.
“It was great fun and, being from Pittsburgh, I hope I made everybody proud.”
