Lemont native wins big on Game Show Network program

Louis Virtel has appeared on national television many times, most recently winning $38,000 on the game show “The Chase,” which airs on the Game Show Network.

If his career goes as planned, people will be seeing a lot more of him.

Virtel, a Lemont native now living in Los Angeles, is the West Coast entertainment editor for The Backlot, a gay entertainment website connected to the Logo Channel and owned by Viacom.

He is a 2004 Lemont High School graduate and earned a bachelors degree in journalism and theater from the University of Iowa in 2008.

He moved to Los Angeles in 2009, where he wrote for Hollywood Life and Movieline before joining AfterElton.com, which became The Backlot.

He is known for his comedy as the host of the web series’ “Weeklings!” and “Verbal Vogueing,” where he takes a satirical look at pop culture from a gay perspective.

He also has appeared as a panelist on “Chelsea Lately” and CNN.

Virtel said his wholesome upbringing in Lemont made his humor more vulgar as a form of rebellion.

“When you’re growing up in Lemont, you’re coping with a certain level of normalcy,” he said.

His mother, Gloria McCarthy-Virtel, did not think of him being on television when he grew up, but said he has the personality for it.

“The one word I would use to describe him is ebullient,” she said. “He was always comfortable with himself.”

Despite it not being his television debut, Virtel said his appearance on “The Chase” was very exciting for him because he considers himself “an obsessed trivia zealot.”

“It’s a disease in my family,” he said. “My brother, Jim, was on Jeopardy two years ago.”

Virtel’s love of pop culture references and outspoken personality helped him pass an audition for the show.

“I did so well that if they didn’t pick me for the show, I would have sued them,” he said.

McCarthy-Virtel said it was not strange seeing her son on the game show.

“He looks like he belongs there,” she said. “He’s entertaining, and we get a kick out of it.”

Virtel said he loved his experience and wants to be on more game shows, but not just as the contestant.

“I’d want to be a game show host,” he said.

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Catch Louis Virtel on TV

The episode of "The Chase" featuring Louis Virtel debuted Jan. 28 on the Game Show Network. Viewers can still see it on reruns.