Tune in to see if Elgin man is top dog on 'Wheel of Fortune'

Attillio Crispino has made plenty of trades in his life.

But the 29-year-old Elgin resident and commodities broker likely wouldn't swap appearing on the TV game show "Wheel of Fortune" for anything.

Crispino visited California for taping in February and his episode will air at 6:30 p.m. today on ABC Channel 7.

Crispino's performance had its flaws -- he acknowledges he's still kicking himself over one missed golden opportunity.

"It's rough. I'm still beating myself up today. Maybe I could audition for 'The Biggest Loser,'" he quipped, adding: "All in all, it was a great experience."

Crispino first attended a casting call in Rosemont on Oct. 29. He remembers the date because it was his golden birthday.

Another casting call followed in Chicago, and then he landed a spot on the show's Animal Lovers Week, even though he was not allowed to bring his 4½-year-old dog, Licorice, to the set.

When on the West Coast, Crispino also visited his mother, Kathy Kurowski, who he had not seen for more than 20 years.

He also had a close encounter with Vanna White.

The hostess was in a backstage makeup area blocking a doorway with her back turned to Crispino when he tried to scoot past her.

If not for a table and chair, White probably would have fallen down because he accidentally bumped her, Crispino said.

Then, to top it off, Crispino didn't immediately recognize White because she was dressed casually, sans makeup.

"I turned beet red and said, 'Oh my God, I am so sorry,'" he recalled.

Other highlights for Crispino were mingling with the show's producers and seeing how much goes on behind the scenes during taping.

His grandmother, Carmela Crispino, said friends and family members are psyched for tonight's show.

If doesn't hurt that she's a fan, either.

"I watch it every night. It's a good family show," the elder Crispino said.