Celebrating the ’80s Game Show Icon Who Captivated New Zealand Audiences
A Look Back at a Beloved Game Show Host
In this edition of Newsmakers Revisited, we reflect on the unforgettable presence of a game show host who captured the hearts of New Zealand viewers in the late 1980s.
Steve Parr’s Rise to Fame
Steve Parr made a significant mark as the host of the iconic game show Sale of the Century, where he partnered with Jude Kirk.
Parr recalls, “We had 1.3 million viewers tuning in every night. For a population of three million, that was remarkable,” he shared with 1News presenter Melissa Stokes.
He noted the strategic programming, stating, “It was a powerful two-hour block with Wheel of Fortune leading into the news, and then Paul Holmes, followed by Sale of the Century. You just couldn’t compete.”
Trivia and Shopping Thrills
Sale of the Century was an engaging show where contestants tackled trivia questions for cash prizes. The standout moments occurred when top scorers earned the chance to shop for items at discounted prices, with the opportunity to win the grand prize.
Parr revealed his joy in hosting, saying, “I often felt a rush of excitement, sometimes even more than the contestants themselves. It felt genuinely rewarding, almost like being Santa Claus.”
Transitioning from Radio to TV
The show aired on TVNZ from 1989 to 1993, featuring thousands of episodes. However, the transition from radio to television wasn’t entirely seamless for Parr.
“It was an unusual experience. My privacy felt completely stripped away,” he explained. “When people found out where I lived, they would show up and look in through the windows.”
Navigating Fame’s Challenges
While these intrusions occurred “only a few times,” they prompted Parr to protect his private life more seriously.
He also cherished being recognized by fans, saying, “Having been on the radio, it was nice to walk down the street and have people greet me.”
Life After the Show
The conclusion of Sale of the Century in 1993 hit Parr hard.
“I was devastated. Reflecting back, my ego was massive, but that fragility left me vulnerable. It really affected me,” he admitted.
He noted that recovery took years, during which he struggled to re-enter radio, making reckless choices that jeopardized his opportunities.
“I felt I let both the public and myself down through my actions during that time,” he confessed.
A Fresh Start
Looking back, Parr considers his move to Australia a “necessary step.”
As he reminisces about his time on Sale of the Century, it’s clear that it was not just a show but a significant chapter in television history in New Zealand.
Was there a moment or episode from Sale of the Century that you remember fondly? Share your thoughts!
