‘The Price Is Right’ Contestant Wins $41,000 After Calling Out of Work

Brittany Sims September 15, 2026, 5:41 pm

'The Price Is Right' contestant Daryl Hawkins on December 15, 2025 — The Price Is Right/Instagram

Let’s hope he didn’t get in trouble! A contestant on The Price Is Right got picked to come on TV and admitted that he called out of work to be there.

Daryl Hawkins appeared on the game show on December 15, 2025. His viral moment was shared on TPIR‘s social media page on September 14, 2026. “Calling in sick with Price Is Right fever #PriceIsRight,” the Instagram post was captioned.

He won the second item up for bid, which was a VocoPro JellyBeam 6-piece karaoke set, after all of the contestants had overbid. For the second time around, Hawkins had the closest price of $450 and got to come to the stage to play a game.

His shirt read, “I skipped work for The Price Is Right.” Host Drew Carey pointed it out, and he asked him what he did.

“I work in the emergency room,” Hawkins said.

“Oh, really? So, that’s a big deal if you skip work,” the host replied.

“Yes. It is,” the game show contestant replied.

“Do they know you skipped work, or did you just call in sick or something?” Carey asked.

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“They know now,” Hawkins replied.

“Yeah,” the host said as the crowd laughed.

Hawkins played Danger Price for a foosball table, five pairs of Michael Kors shoes, his/hers Aventon cargo e-bikes, and a Titan beverage fridge. He chose the prize with the Danger Price and didn’t win any of them.

However, Hawkins made it to the Showcase after spinning $1 on the wheel. “I want to say to everybody at the ER. Haaaa,” he said while spinning the wheel.

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He bid $31,000 on a ThinkPad laptop, a trip to Azura, and two waverunner jetblasters. His opponent went over.

Hawkins’ actual price was $39,941, making him $8,942 under. He took home a grand total of $41,478, which was probably about what he would make in a year.

“Well, it was worth missing work, and it’s up to other employees to handle emergencies,” one fan said with a laughing emoji.

“At least he won,” said another.

“And will be skipping again for the trip he won,” a third added.

“His shoutout was great! hahaha,” another said.

“Worth calling it in. Love it lol,” one last fan said.

The Price Is Right, Season 55, weekdays, starting September 21, 11a/10c, CBS