I Survived A Japanese Game Show Premieres This Next Week On ABC 6/23/08

"I Survived A Japanese Game Show" Premieres Tuesday, June 24 On ABC Tony Sano and Rome Kanda are Hosts "I Survived A Japanese Game Show," a ground-breaking, hilarious show within a show that gives 10 Americans - many of whom have never traveled outside the United States - a real life-changing adventure by whisking them away to Tokyo to compete in the ultimate Japanese game show, will premiere Tuesday, June 24 (9:00-10:00 p.m., ET) on ABC. Each week a player will be eliminated and the final winner will take home $250,000.

Guiding these players through their stay in Japan are host/tour guide Tony Sano ("Spring Break in Japan," "Kamen Rider: Dragon Knight"), an American actor fluent in Japanese; a house mother and resident pot-stirrer, Mamasan; and witty game show host Rome Kanda ("Pink Panther," "Saturday Night Live"), who leads the American contestants through all of the zany games.

The ten players are: Mary Greenawalt (23) Occupation: Gym membership sales rep Matthews, North Carolina Education: BFA Acting With her bright red hair and devil-may-care attitude, Mary is the epitome of a fireball. Admittedly vain, this vixen has a healthy love of herself and a low opinion of others. She's incredibly silly and relies on her pixieish charm to get by, and even gets paid for being a "party motivator" -- a job tailor made for this wild child.

Andrew Kelly-Hayes (28) Occupation: Radio sales consultant Boston, Massachusetts Education: BA Journalism/Communication With his hilarious stories and off-the-wall energy, this flip flop-wearing funnyman could be a long-lost Belushi brother. Whether he's schmoozing old ladies at Bingo, harassing strangers while on "Smile Patrol" or joining his college cheerleading team to meet hot girls, Andrew has a reputation for being a nut.

Bilenda Madison (38) Occupation: Veterinarian Charlotte, North Carolina Education: BS in Marine Science and DVM (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine) This independent, career focused woman is a feisty veterinarian who puts making money and friends before any romantic relationships. Bilenda's confidence is evident in her vivacious and spunky -- yet poised -- persona.

Cathy Nardone (21) Occupation: Affiliate manager Staten Island, New York Education: Bachelor's Degree Happily born and raised in Staten Island, New York, Cathy is "Staten Island for life" with no plans or desires to ever leave. This brutally honest tough chick has a mouth like a sailor and will "swear to God" she's not to be messed with in the slightest.

Darcy Sletager (31) Occupation: Photo editor Sandpoint, Idaho Education: BFA Visual Arts This small town, single mom is in desperate need of an escape from her lackluster life of the cubicles and from the dating scene of Sandpoint, Idaho. Always putting her kids first, Darcy feels it's time to take herself off the back burner and get back to the fiery blonde she used to be.

Donnell Pitman (32) Occupation: Real estate appraiser Chicago, Illinois Education: Bachelor's Degree, Organizational/Corporate Communications, Northern Illinois University Although Donnell is usually loud and energetic, this "All American" dad is struggling to provide for his family and fulfill his shattered dreams of playing pro football. Donnell has competition coursing through his veins and would love the opportunity to prove to his family that he can be greater than what they've seen so far.

Justin Wood (24) Occupation: Financial representative Trussville, Alabama Education: Attending Community College Charming and good looking, Justin describes himself as a "divine, fine and genuine-grade-A piece of southern beast." A true southern gentleman, complete with the "twang," Justin is a fish-loving, hunting, girl-chasing guru at heart.

Meaghan Cooper (22) Occupation: Bartender San Antonio, Texas Education: AA degree Despite being born and raised in San Antonio, Meaghan is the spitting image of a blonde California Valley girl. Hot, ditzy and free-spirited, she uses her sex appeal to her advantage in both her work and personal life. And, of course, she loves to be the center of attention.

Olga Medvedev (26) Occupation: Waitress Medford, Massachusetts Education: BA in Broadcast Journalism Olga's "don't-mess-with-me attitude" comes off quite abrasive, if you're not ready for it, but who can blame her, coming from a Russian family with eight brothers? Not easily forgotten, this opinionated waitress is hilarious and comical with her "tell it like it is" way of life.

Ben Hughes (44) Occupation: Punxsutawney Phil's handler / hospital VP Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania Education: MS Human Resources He's lovable, he's comical, admittedly in the midst of a mid-life crisis, and he's the official handler of Punxsutawney Phil, the ground hog. Who wouldn't fall in love with this modest, cheerful and quirky character?

Two of the games in the premiere are: * "Why is This Food so Hard to Eat" -- Why? Because the food is attached to the head of a teammate who must run in place on a fast-moving treadmill, while the first teammate leans over a platform and tries to eat from the moving dish. * "Big Bugs Splat on Windshield" -- Watch the contestants go "Splat!" as they dress up in human sized bug suits and launch themselves into the air and onto a giant car windshield.  

Source: ABC Press Release