Q: I read in your bio that you enjoy "outdoor action sports." What types of sports do you play?
Kara: Anything outdoors! Jet skiing, biking, boating, I'm up for anything. I once hosted a show on wake boarding, and I figured I should try it out first, you know, so I knew what I was talking about. That was so crazy! They got some solid footage of me falling, over and over. Really though, I'm willing to try just about anything. I love beach volleyball too. I'm from Greece, so when I go over there I love riding a motorcycle on the beach.
Oh, and bungee jumping! But you really have to try doing that a few times in a row. It's such a rush!
Q: What other projects are you working on right now?
Kara: I've been doing some things for the FOX movie channel, doing the red carpet hosting and talking to the casts for their fall shows. I'm also working on a calendar for Women for Women.
Q: How long does it take to record an episode of Deal or No Deal?
Kara: It can take up to three or four hours, and that's after the wardrobe and hair and makeup and everything. You know, sometimes there are technical problems or difficulties with the lighting, and that has to be worked out. Then, you know, some contestants have surprises during their show, so those take time to set up.
The syndicated show goes a lot faster – we can pretty much whip those out. The amount of time you see on TV is almost as long as it takes to tape. Since there are no supporters and really no personal stories to explore, it goes by much quicker.
Q: What was like in the studio when the first million-dollar prize was finally won on the show?
Kara: It was absolutely crazy! There have been so many times when it's come down to the wire like that. And all of the girls, once our cases are picked, we wait behind the stage to jump out if someone wins the million, because we want to be there to celebrate. But by that time, we had kind of gotten over it, you know, thinking that it's probably not going to happen. When it actually did happen, we kind of missed a beat, like we didn't really believe that someone had finally won it!
We all jumped on stage and the confetti came down. I had confetti everywhere, in my hair, between my boobs – and I almost slipped on the floor because there was just so much of it. But it was just so amazing. Everyone was so happy for this family.
Q: What do you feel is the best part of this job?
Kara: Seeing people's lives go through a huge change, even if they don't win the money. Just being on the show for them can change their lives for the better.
Also, getting to work with Howie is a big deal for me. I was a fan of his before this. He's truly a genuine person, you know, when you're talking to him, he's not looking over your shoulder. He really listens and communicates with people. And he's a big family guy too. He's stayed humble throughout all of it.
And of course, there are 25 other girls that I get to hang out with and have fun with! We're like a big family, we go to each other's birthday parties and weddings, and just really enjoy each other. This job has opened up a lot of doors for me, and I'm very grateful for that.
Thanks so much for speaking with me today, Patricia!
Kara: Thanks Carrie, have a great day!
