Michael Larson was born on October 5, 1949 in Ohio. Growing up, he always had a passion for games and gambling. In his early adult years, he started working as an ice cream truck driver for Mister Softee. However, it was not long before Michael found a way to cheat the system and make some extra money.
Michael discovered that he could open bank accounts under false names, withdraw the new customer cash bonus of $500, and then close the account. This dishonesty allowed him to accumulate a decent amount of money, but it was nothing compared to what he would achieve later on.
In May 1984, Michael Larson decided to try his luck on the popular game show Press Your Luck. Little did anyone know that Michael had a plan that would change game show history forever. He studied the patterns of the flashing lights on the game board and, through sheer luck and skill, he managed to win a staggering $110,237. This was the highest amount ever won on a game show at that time.
Michael's victory on Press Your Luck sparked controversy and accusations of cheating, but he maintained that his success was purely based on his strategy and observation skills. He became a household name and his story captivated audiences all over the country.
After his big win, Michael Larson made some wise financial decisions. He used a portion of his winnings to pay off taxes and invested the rest in real estate. He later moved to Florida with his wife, Teresa McGlynn Dinwitty, whom he was married to from 1983 to 1994. They had three children together.
Unfortunately, Michael's life took a tragic turn when he was diagnosed with throat cancer. Despite undergoing treatment, he passed away in Florida. His legacy lives on, and a biographical film about his life was in the works in the early 2000s. The film was set to star the talented actor Bill Murray, further solidifying Michael Larson's place in pop culture history.
Michael Larson will always be remembered as the daring contestant who took the game show world by storm and proved that sometimes, luck truly is on your side.