before west found success in game shows, he worked extensively as a disc jockey in local radio and appeared as a contestant on several shows, including the syndicated version of "what's my line?", "to tell the truth", "press your luck" (on which he retired as champion after 3 days with a total of $25,742, exceeding cbs' winnings limit, which was $25,000 at the time) "all star blitz", "sweethearts", and "face the music". west was also the last champion on "hit man", although he did not win the $10,000 top prize.