You remember the silver cases. You remember Howie Mandel’s bald head gleaming under the studio lights and that agonizing silence before a contestant whispered, "No deal." But if you really watched the show, you remember Patricia. Specifically, Patricia Kara, the woman who basically became the face of briefcase number 9.
While other models cycled in and out, Patricia stayed. She wasn't just a background player; she was a fixture of the show's DNA. Honestly, it’s kinda wild to think about how much time she spent on that stage. We’re talking about someone who appeared in every single version of the American show.
From the high-stakes NBC primetime era to the faster-paced daytime episodes and even the slick 2018 CNBC reboot, Patricia was there. She’s actually the only model to pull off that hat trick.
Why Patricia Kara and Case 9 Became a Thing
In the early days of Deal or No Deal, the models were just supposed to be "briefcase girls." But fans started picking favorites. Patricia, a proud Greek-American from Chicago, had this energy that people gravitated toward. She wasn't just standing there in four-inch heels; she was reacting. If a contestant lost $500,000, you could see the genuine "oh no" on her face.
She didn't actually start with number 9. When she first auditioned, it was just a three-day gig. She started at case 8, moved to 10, and then finally landed on 9. She’s gone on record saying that once she hit 9, it felt like home. She even jokes that she eventually started answering to "Number 9" in her real life.
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The connection between Patricia and her case became so legendary that contestants would pick number 9 specifically because of her. They thought she was "lucky." Sometimes she was; sometimes she was holding a penny. That’s the game, right?
The Mental Game Behind the Briefcase
You’ve probably wondered how they stand there for hours without collapsing. Patricia has shared some behind-the-scenes secrets that make the job sound a lot less glamorous than it looks.
For starters, those heels are no joke. In the 2018 reboot, some of the newer girls were struggling so much that Howie Mandel—who is apparently a total softie—secretly hired a masseuse to help them out. Patricia’s trick? Never take the shoes off. Once they’re off, your feet swell, and getting them back on is basically impossible.
The security is also way tighter than you’d expect.
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- There's a third-party company watching everything.
- If a case accidentally pops open off-camera, the whole game has to be reset.
- The models have zero clue what’s in their cases until they flip the latch.
It's a high-pressure environment because the models feel for the contestants. Patricia has mentioned crying and laughing more on that set than anywhere else in her career. You start connecting with these people who are trying to change their lives, and when they blow it on a bad gamble, it hurts.
Life After the Banker: What Patricia Is Doing Now
If you think Patricia Kara just disappeared when the cases were locked away, you’ve got it wrong. She’s a hustler. She’s built a whole career as a host, mentor, and author.
Her book, Dream On, Now Deliver, actually hit number one on Amazon's new releases. It’s basically a guide for people trying to break into the entertainment industry without getting chewed up and spit out. She also runs a lifestyle blog and YouTube channel called "Dish with Trish," where she talks about food and culture.
She's also super open about her life. She’s talked about her mother’s struggle with dementia and her Greek roots. She even married a former NFL player, Noel LaMontagne, on the island of Mykonos. She didn't arrive in a limo; she rode a donkey to the reception. That’s the kind of person she is—totally grounded despite being on one of the biggest shows in TV history.
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What Most People Miss About Patricia's Journey
People often dismiss game show models as just "eye candy," but Patricia used that platform to build a thirty-year career. She didn't just stand there; she learned the business.
She’s seen the show evolve from the "boss-lady" suits of the later years to the glamorous dresses of the mid-2000s. She’s watched the Banker change from a mysterious shadow to a female powerhouse in the reboot. Through all those shifts, she remained the constant.
Actionable Takeaways for Fans and Aspiring Talent:
- Longevity requires more than looks. Patricia stayed on the show because of her personality and professional reputation, not just because she could hold a case.
- Diversify your "portfolio." She didn't rely on Deal or No Deal forever. She branched out into hosting, writing, and mentoring.
- Stay human. Her ability to genuinely empathize with contestants is what made her a fan favorite. In any industry, being relatable is a superpower.
If you're looking to follow in her footsteps or just want to catch up on her latest projects, checking out her book is the best place to start. It’s a rare look at the grit required to stay relevant in Hollywood for three decades. Patricia Kara proved that even if you start as a number, you can end up as the one calling the shots.