Local "Joe Schmo" Wins $100k On Fake Reality Show

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- Another person from our area was chosen to be on a reality TV show.

Only this time, it's actually a fake-reality show. And everyone knew it, including the viewers, except Chase Rogan of Lawrenceville.

While he was duped, he says it wasn't in a mean-spirited way. In fact, he walked away with $100,000.

It turns out, he was the only person on the show who was not an actor, and all he needed to do to win is to not catch on.

"Yeah, there's some parts where I think I probably looked a little gullible, but honestly I kind of am a little gullible," Rogan said with a laugh. "It's fine."

Rogan says it began at the gym when someone recruited him to be on a reality show. He thought he was competing with other contestants for cash and a chance to be a bounty hunter.

He was actually on SPIKE TV's "The Joe Schmo Show."

Rogan was made to perform some crazy stunts, but, "You don't have a standard to compare it to, so you're just like 'well, I guess this is what happens on reality TV,'" he said.

Actor Lorenzo Lamas was even one of the fake contestants, but Rogan never recognized him.

In the show's finale, they finally reveal the truth to Rogan.

Rogan says it was mind-blowing for him, and you can see him get emotional. However, the host then congratulates Rogan with a real $100,000 check.

Rogan's wife Taylor was even flown out without him knowing and painted gold to portray "Lady Justice" during the finale. She unveils her identity to her husband at the end of the program.

Chase and Taylor are using the prize money to buy a home. He also wants to expand his business. He's a soil consultant and wants to begin installing vegetable gardens in people's yards.

The finale of the show aired last week, but you can still catch it on demand.

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