Bus Driver Wins $30K On 'Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?'

SANTA MONICA, CA — Santa Monica bus driver Eric Bailey won $30K this month on "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?"

The local father and essential worker competed on the show that aired Nov. 1. Host Jimmy Kimmel described him as having a friendly smile under his face mask and someone who has continued helping people throughout the pandemic.

"When everything first started it was really surreal because the streets were deserted but you still had to provide that service," Bailey said.

Traffic is back now, he said, adding that the hardest part of driving a bus as the other drivers on the road.

"You get to meet a lot of people from all walks of life," Bailey said.

Kimmel joked that Bailey's job was like a cross between an airline pilot and a bouncer.

“That's pretty accurate.”

Kimmel also asked him if he liked the job.

“I love it,” Bailey said.

Bailey had 15 questions and had followed actress Julie Bowen who answered 14 questions and got $500K for charity.

Bailey brought his friend Alberto Argueta, who is studying to be a lawyer. He is interested in criminal law.

“My friend behind me Alberto is the smartest person I know," Bailey said. "I trust his judgment.”

Kimmel asked Argueta if he had ever been on Bailey's bus.

“I’ve actually never been on his bus while he was driving," Argueta said.

Bailey breezed through several questions, including guessing what a "white out" was - a weather condition that produces low visibility during the snow. But he has never seen snow.

“I’ve been born and raised in Southern California," Bailey said.

Bailey got stumped at a question about what a "wenis" refers to — the excess skin on the elbow — but still secured the $30K.

Locals depend on Bailey to make sure they can travel—pandemic or not. People who are elderly, people with disabilities need his help, Bailey said.

“If you don’t go to work other people can’t go to work,” Kimmel said.

“You know what I’ve never skipped a beat," Bailey said. "I’ve been out there pretty much since the pandemic started. In the back of my mind, people depend on me."

The episode aired on Nov. 1. Joel McHale and Julie Bowen are also featured in the episode.