Wheel of Fortune hostRyan Seacrest cried tears of joy for his first-ever $1 million dollar winner Christina Derevjanik on the Sept. 30 episode, with her grand total being the most money ever given.

Watch: Ryan Seacrest’s Fate as ‘American Idol’ Host Revealed

Ryan Seacrest finally had the chance to make someone a millionaire.

On the Sept. 30 episode of Wheel of Fortune, the TV show host got to award his first ever million-dollar prize to a contestant—and it was just the fifth time ever in the series’ history that someone has scored the million.

The lucky winner was Christina Derevjanik, who left with a grand total of $1,035,155 along with other prizes including a “luxurious cabin retreat” in Montana and a trip to Tokyo—the most money ever awarded in the show’s 42-year history.

Christina had already picked up the million-dollar game piece, and when she beat out her fellow contestants to move on to the final round, she had the chance to take home the winnings. In the category “Living Things,” she won with the answer “Pack of Coyotes.”

As confetti started pouring down following the correct guess, Christina embraced Ryan in a very enthusiastic hug before going on to hug Vanna White as the speaker made the official announcement.

“I’m in tears,” Ryan said to Christina and Vanna as he held up her final piece saying “one million,” speaking to them as the crowd went wild and continuing, “You’re a millionaire!”

With his arm around her, she smiled in shock and happy tears as Ryan announced her final total.

“Congratulations,” Ryan told her. “You’re my first $1 million dollar winner.”

He then quipped, “I have to wipe a tear off my eye!”

Phillip Faraone/Getty Images for CBS Media Ventures / Sony Pictures Television

From Stamford, Conn., Christina shared in her introduction that she loves “going out for hikes with my dog,” “running” and “sitting out by the water with a nice glass of wine.” She even shared she had run 11 half-marathons and one full marathon. But on a typical weekday evening, she can be found, “8 p.m., glass of wine, Hallmark channel.”

The last person to win $1 million in the franchise was Melissa Joan Hart on Celebrity Wheel of Fortune in 2021. Before that, Sarah Manchester last earned the grand prize in 2014, while Autumn Erhard won it in 2013 and Michelle Loewenstein in 2008.

And while Ryan may be new at the game show—joining in 2024 after Pat Sajak‘s retirement—he’s held plenty more roles in Hollywood over the years. For a look at his career, read on.

E! Entertainment/Brian Kenison

E! Talent

Ryan Seacrest cohosts E! News weekdays at 7 and 11:30 p.m. to deliver you all the latest entertainment headlines, as well as producing several programs for the E! network, including Keeping Up With the Kardashians.

Ryan Seacrest and Giuliana Rancic coanchor E!’s awards-show coverage, including major red-carpet events like the Academy Awards and the Golden Globes.

KIIS FM

Radio DJ

In addition to hosting the nationally syndicated radio show On-Air with Ryan Seacrest every weekday, Ryan hosts the countdown show American Top 40 every weekend.

Ray Mickshaw/FOX

Reality Host

Ryan Seacrest has single-handedly emceed Fox’s blockbuster reality talent competition American Idol since season two.

FOX

It’s Not All Work

This job looks fun. Seacrest gets close to a bikini girl while hosting Idol.

CNN

The Crawl Says It All

Ryan Seacrest sometimes guest hosts on CNN’s interview show Larry King Live when Larry King is on vacation.

ABC/CRAIG SJODIN

New Year’s Rockin’ Eve

Ryan Seacrest and Dick Clark join forces each winter to cohost the national New Year’s party; the official title of the TV special is now Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest.

Scope

Pitchman

It was probably inevitable that Ryan Seacrest would pick up some advertising work as well. Scope mouthwash hired him to appear in national TV spots for their product.

Chris Weeks/WireImage.com

Cover Guy

Ryan Seacrest is usually the interviewer, but sometimes the tables are turned and he becomes the interviewee, like when he’s the subject of a magazine cover profile.

Steve Granitz/WireImage.com

What a Winner!

And sometimes Ryan Seacrest takes home the awards, instead of helping to hand them out.

Want more Ryan Seacrest stuff? Check out his official website at RyanSeacrest.com.