Forty years after her pregnant mother, Lana Dalton, competed on The Price Is Right for a Volkswagen, Emily Moffat found herself on the very same stage, playing for – and winning – an eerily similar prize. This miraculous generational encounter highlights the enduring magic of the iconic game show and the strange coincidences that sometimes define a family’s luck.
For decades, The Price Is Right has been a cornerstone of American daytime television, a show where dreams are made and everyday items hold the key to life-changing prizes. But for one family, the game show proved to be a canvas for an almost unbelievable generational tale of coincidence and triumph, spanning four decades. This is the story of Lana Dalton and her daughter, Emily Moffat, who shared an extraordinary connection to the iconic show, appearing 40 years apart with destiny seemingly guiding their bids.
A Mother’s Audition, a Daughter’s Destiny: 1982 vs. 2022
The saga began in 1982 when Lana Dalton, then living outside Boston, Massachusetts, and pregnant with Emily Moffat, attended a taping of The Price Is Right in California. Lana, a fervent watcher of the show, was the last eligible contestant called down to compete. Despite her preference for other games, she found herself playing “Hole-in-One,” with a coveted Volkswagen Rabbit as the grand prize. Though she narrowly missed winning the car, she performed admirably, showcasing an intuitive understanding of pricing.
Fast forward to 2022, and fate called upon Emily, Lana’s daughter, to step into the spotlight. Emily had dreamt of being on the show since childhood and even tried to get on during her honeymoon 20 years prior. Her chance finally came through a friend’s invitation, circumventing the usual audition process. What followed was a series of incredible coincidences that left both mother and daughter, and eventually a viral online audience, in awe.
The Volkswagen Connection: A Shared Dream
The most striking similarity between Lana and Emily’s appearances was the grand prize they both played for: a Volkswagen. While Lana aimed for a Volkswagen Rabbit, Emily found herself bidding on a Volkswagen SUV. This mirroring of prizes, 40 years apart, felt like more than mere chance to the family.
Emily described feeling a sense of divine intervention throughout her day on the show, noting small, personal signs like hummingbirds, which held special meaning for her family after the passing of her husband’s father. The car itself came at a crucial time for Emily’s family of six, who were without a reliable vehicle after selling their old electric car during a period of inflated used car prices. Emily’s victory in winning the Volkswagen SUV was not just a game show win; it was a deeply meaningful gift to her family. As Lana remarked upon learning of Emily’s win, “I think God is being very funny,” acknowledging the poetic justice in her daughter securing the prize she had once almost claimed.
Beyond the Car: Challenges and Triumphs on Stage
While their shared prize was remarkable, their journeys on the stage of The Price Is Right also offered contrasting experiences. Lana, though pregnant, was a formidable contestant, making it on stage after fewer chances and nearly acing her pricing game. She ultimately took home a trash compactor, which she later sold since she was living in an apartment at the time, as reported by AOL.com.
Emily, despite being the first name called, described herself as “terrible” at guessing prices, initially struggling through several bids. She finally won a flat-screen TV before moving on to the fateful car game. The differences highlight the unpredictable nature of the game, yet both women agreed that the atmosphere, whether under the legendary Bob Barker or the amiable Drew Carey, was overwhelmingly supportive and joyful.
The show’s generosity extends beyond just the prizes, with hosts and crew often offering encouraging words and tips, creating a truly fan-friendly environment. Both Lana and Emily recall the kindness of the hosts, with Lana even getting her customary kiss on the cheek from Bob Barker, and Emily receiving compliments from Drew Carey, as detailed in an interview with TV Insider. This supportive environment underscores why the show has remained a beloved staple for so many generations.
Viral Moment and Future Dreams
The incredible story gained widespread attention when Emily’s husband, Jacob, shared a video detailing the mother-daughter saga online. The video went viral, capturing the imagination of fans who marvelled at the precise timing and shared Volkswagen prize. The renewed attention came at a poignant moment for Emily, as her family recently had to sell the blue Volkswagen SUV, a car she affectionately called a “little blue miracle.” Sharing their story felt like a way to honour and immortalize that special memory.
The duo’s experience has left them open to future game show adventures. Both Emily and Lana expressed enthusiasm for competing together on another show, perhaps Family Feud or Wheel of Fortune. Emily, reflecting on her mom’s performance, confidently stated, “My mom’s a good player,” suggesting the generational luck might continue.
This remarkable tale of Lana Dalton and Emily Moffat serves as a testament to the lasting cultural impact of The Price Is Right and the unexpected ways it can intertwine with personal histories. It’s a heartwarming reminder that sometimes, destiny plays a hand, not just in guessing prices, but in creating unforgettable family legacies on television.
