Joey McIntyre, best known as the youngest member of the iconic boy band New Kids on the Block, showcased his puzzle-solving skills on the October 3, 2025, episode of Celebrity Wheel of Fortune. Competing against actor Oliver Hudson and actor and author Retta, McIntyre played to raise money for the Alzheimer’s Association, a cause deeply important to him. The episode, hosted by Ryan Seacrest and Vanna White, saw McIntyre secure a major victory for his charity.
A Night of High-Stakes Puzzles
The celebrity edition featured two full games filled with toss-up puzzles, main rounds, and a bonus round, all played for the contestants’ chosen charities. Retta played for the Burbank Youth Vocal Arts Foundation, while Oliver Hudson competed for the MindUp / Goldie Hawn Foundation.
The first game included a mix of challenging puzzle categories like “Show Biz” and “Before & After.” McIntyre navigated several unlucky bankrupt spins but managed to win key rounds. He correctly solved the “Rhyme Time” prize puzzle, “Tardy to the Party,” which earned him a trip and, crucially, a spot in the bonus round.
McIntyre entered the Million Dollar Bonus Round with the Million Dollar Wedge. The puzzle, which initially appeared as “T _ _ _ N _ / T _ E / _ _ _ T,” was quickly solved by McIntyre as “Taking the Bait.” This correct guess won him an additional $75,000 for his charity.
A Pop Icon’s Lasting Appeal
McIntyre’s appearance on the popular game show is the latest move in a career that has spanned over three decades. He first rose to global fame in the late 1980s as the youngest member of New Kids on the Block. At just 12 years old, he joined the group, which would go on to become a worldwide pop sensation, selling over 80 million records.
After the group disbanded in the mid-1990s, McIntyre successfully built a solo career. His debut solo single, “Stay the Same,” reached the Top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1999. He funded and recorded the album himself before securing a major record deal, demonstrating his early entrepreneurial spirit in the music industry.
Success on Stage and Screen
Beyond music, McIntyre has established a respected career in acting. He has starred in several major Broadway productions, earning critical acclaim for his performances. He is well-known for playing the leading male role of Fiyero in the hit musical “Wicked.” More recently, in 2019, he returned to Broadway in the musical “Waitress,” playing the character Dr. Jim Pomatter.
His television and film credits are also extensive. He has appeared on shows like Boston Public and Psych, and in the 2013 buddy cop comedy The Heat. McIntyre also competed on the first season of Dancing with the Stars, where he finished in third place.
A Personal Connection to His Cause
McIntyre’s choice to support the Alzheimer’s Association on Celebrity Wheel of Fortune is deeply personal. His mother, Katherine, battled Alzheimer’s disease for many years before she died in 2014. McIntyre has been a longtime supporter of the organization and has previously run the Boston Marathon to raise awareness for the cause.
His commitment to his charity made his win on the show particularly meaningful. Combined with his winnings from the second game, Joey McIntyre’s total donation to the Alzheimer’s Association from his appearance was $119,250.
A Continual Reinvention
McIntyre continues to create new music and connect with fans. He recently released a new solo album titled “Freedom” and has announced a corresponding “Freedom Tour” for 2025. The tour will visit cities across North America, including Houston, Chicago, Toronto, and a hometown show in Boston.
His appearance on Celebrity Wheel of Fortune highlights his enduring presence in the entertainment industry and his ability to connect with audiences across different platforms, from music and Broadway to television game shows.
“I’m in my own lane now,” McIntyre has said about his current solo work, reflecting on his growth as an artist and his need for creative autonomy.
Even as he pursues his own projects, McIntyre remains a member of New Kids on the Block, which reunited in 2008 and continues to be active. The group’s enduring friendship and shared history have been key to their long-lasting success.
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