"Nashville" Star Charles Esten Plays "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire" With A Mission In Mind

NEW YORK, Nov. 14, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Actor Charles Esten, who portrays Deacon Claybourne on the hit ABC series "Nashville," will appear as a contestant on "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire" with new host Cedric "The Entertainer" in episodes airing Wednesday, November 20 and Thursday, November 21, and will donate his winnings to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS). Esten makes "Millionaire" history by becoming the first celebrity contestant ever to make it all the way to the $1 million question on the daytime version of the show! Will he go for it? Tune in November 20 and 21 to find out! 

(Photo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20131114/NY17364 )

Esten will donate all of his winnings to LLS, the world's largest voluntary health organization dedicated to funding cures and ensuring access to treatments for blood cancer patients. Esten's 13-year-old daughter, Addie, was diagnosed with leukemia at age 2 1/2 and, thanks to advances in treatment, is thriving today. Because of their personal connection to blood cancer, Chip, his wife Patty, and the entire Esten clan are strong supporters of LLS.

"It was a dark and scary day when we found out that our Addie had leukemia. The first ray of light was the reassurance from our doctor that there was hope - there were medicines and procedures that could help our little girl. All that hope, and all that help, came from research…research made possible with funds raised by LLS and other organizations. That's why we're so thankful and committed to LLS. I'm excited that a fun experience on 'Millionaire' can be used to raise money and recognize the serious work of LLS, which is making a positive difference for blood cancer patients and their families."

"We have one goal:  A world without blood cancers," states LLS President & CEO John Walter.  "To date, we have invested nearly $1 billion in research to advance therapies and save lives. We are so grateful to Chip Esten and his family for their support to show that we are helping to save lives not someday, but today."

"Millionaire" airs weekdays in national syndication.  Check local listings or go to http://www.millionairetv.com for time and channel.

About "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire"
As America's richest game show, "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire" continues to be the only game show to offer a $1 million prize to each and every contestant. Since "Millionaire" debuted in syndication in 2002, contestants have won over $80 million! "Millionaire" is produced by Valleycrest Productions Ltd. and is distributed by Disney-ABC Domestic Television. Rich Sirop is the executive producer. "Millionaire" is taped at Metropolis Studios (106 & Park) in New York City.

About The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
The mission of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) is to cure leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. LLS funds lifesaving blood cancer research around the world, provides free information and support services, and is the voice for all blood cancer patients seeking access to quality, affordable, coordinated care.

Founded in 1949 and headquartered in White Plains, NY, LLS has chapters throughout the United States and Canada. To learn more, visit www.LLS.org. Patients should contact the Information Resource Center at (800) 955-4572, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET.

Contacts:

Bridget Osterhaus
Disney-ABC Domestic TV
818-560-5252
Bridget.Osterhaus@Disney.com

Marcie Klein
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
Vice President, Marketing & Public Relations
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
914-821-8205
marcie.klein@lls.org

SOURCE The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society