Larkspur Native Nearly Wins 'The Price is Right'

LARKSPUR, CA – A college student from Larkspur came close to winning "The Price is Right."

Alexander Purcell, who was born and raised in Larkspur, appeared on the Sept. 29 episode of the longest-running game show, bidding $30,001 on a showcase that included $3,000 in cash, a vacation to Philadelphia and a new Honda Civic. Unfortunately, the grand prize was worth only $28,996.

Purcell, a 21-year-old student at San Diego State University, remembers watching "The Price is Right" with his mom, dad and "YiaYia" when he was a child.

"When I would stay home 'sick' from school, I'd make sure to get to the TV before 10 a.m. so I could watch it," Purcell said in an email interview with Patch prior to the episode airing.

"Drew Carey is actually very nice. When the cameras aren't rolling, he is interacting with the audience and telling jokes," said Purcell, who also noted he was a fan of Bob Barker. "I feel like he is genuinely happy doing what he does, but I mean who wouldn't be on 'The Price is Right.'"

Purcell, who is studying accountancy at SDSU, went with his friends from college to the game show. They wore matching green shirts, completing their outfits with various pieces from theme parties thrown over the years.

While waiting in line to go inside, people referred to the group as the "fun and crazy green group," Purcell said.

No one went home with showcase prizes. The other runner-up also overbid.

Although Purcell didn't take home the big prize, he didn't go home empty-handed.

He first got on stage by bidding just $1 higher than his opponent, winning two iPhones and four Michael Kors watches. He also played a game called "Switcheroo," winning a fully-loaded 2018 Toyota Corolla iM. He also won a rice cooker and a fan.

Most of all, Purcell said he gained "a priceless memory," and got to check the show off his bucket list. He encouraged other fans to get tickets and try their hand at "The Price is Right."

"Bring your energy and enjoy the fun," he said. "It all happens so fast and it is surely a memory you won't ever forget. And hey, you might just drive home with a 'brand new car!'"

Image via FremantleMedia North America