Dave Ellis, from East Lansing, MI, was a contestant who appeared on Season 11 of the U.S. version of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? on February 13, 2013, and took home a $68,600 bank, having saved both "Jumps" for Round 2 (Classic Millionaire).
Dave also appeared in the 1992 Jeopardy! College Championship, finishing in second place in his quarterfinal and failing to qualify for the semifinals.
He was the host of television shows for the Michigan State University athletic department from 2000-2012, including Spartan Sports Zone, Spartan Football All-Access and Spartan Basketball All-Access.
Dave's (Partial) Run to the Million[]
Classic Millionaire[]
$100,000 (11 of 14) - Not Timed
Which of these products shares its name with the childhood home of Abraham Lincoln? 'Jump the Question' lifeline used
⬥ A: Pepperidge Farm cookies
⬥ B: Hidden Valley Ranch dressing
⬥ C: Turkey Hill ice cream
⬥ D: Knob Creek bourbon
Dave wasn't sure, so he jumped the question. The correct answer was D: Knob Creek bourbon.
$250,000 (12 of 14) - Not Timed
The first crash test dummy, used by the Air Force to test ejector seats, was given what nickname? 'Jump the Question' lifeline used
⬥ A: Sierra Sam
⬥ B: Eagle Ed
⬥ C: Cheyenne Charlie
⬥ D: Delta Dan
Dave wasn't sure, so he jumped the question for a second time. The correct answer was A: Sierra Sam.
$500,000 (13 of 14) - Not Timed
In Mark Twain's famous tale, which of these is not one of the items children give Tom Sawyer for the "privilege" of whitewashing the fence?
⬥ A: Brass doorknob
⬥ B: Dead rat
⬥ C: Knife handle
⬥ D: Indian arrowhead
Dave walked away since he could not finalize his answer. He believed that the answer was A, but the correct answer was actually D: Indian arrowhead.
Trivia[]
Dave's appearance is notable as he, along with Joann Chan, Sheri Barberini and Josina Reaves, are the only four contestants in the shuffle format's history who managed to save both of their "Jumps" for Round 2.
