Westchester Game Show Winner Remembers Dick Clark

HARRISON, N.Y. – Bob Pargament met Dick Clark on the set of the “$20,000 Pyramid” in 1978 and was sad to hear that Clark died Wednesday as he recalled meeting the man over 30 years ago.

“A lot of people would call me Pergament like the old paint store, or peppermint or pomegranate,” Pargament, owner of The Westchester Hypnosis Center in Harrison said shortly after Clark’s passing on Wednesday. “I was very impressed. Dick Clark was as smooth as smooth could be.”

Pargament was a contestant on the popular game show, which Clark hosted, as a 26-year-old in between college and establishing himself professionally. Teaming up with actress Debralee Scott, Pargament got a perfect score and advanced to the “pyramid round” where Clark greeted him.

“He was very warm and put me instantly at ease,” Pargament said. “He knew that people were nervous coming on the show but he calmed you down. He was just so professional.”

Shortly after competing on the game show, Pargament, now a professional hypnotist, got a job with WABC-TV in Manhattan, the same network that broadcast the game show. Pargament said Clark inspired him to create his own game show, “Word for Word,” which was later picked up by CBS Paramount.

“The whole game show experience was largely an inspiration for me,” said the Rockland County resident.

Growing up in Queens, Pargament had watched Clark on “American Bandstand.” Meeting the man in person was a little nerve-wracking for him but he said it was one of the “cooler” experiences he has had in his life.

“Clark was such a warm person that had this gift of speaking that could reassure you in a smooth manner,” Pargament said. “I remember being real nervous preparing to walk out on national television but he helped me from being nervous to becoming dead calm and focused.”

To this day, Pargament cannot forget the time on the game show where he won Peter Pan peanut butter bars, some Scrunge pads and $1,150. But the real joy was getting a chance to interact with the legendary television host.

Check out Pargament's appearance on the show on YouTube. 

Click here to follow Daily Voice Cortlandt and receive free news updates.