“Candid Camera ”Host Allen Funt Was En Route to Miami When His Plane Was Hijacked. Passengers Thought He Orchestrated the Stunt for TV

In a remarkable incident from 1969, legendary television host Allen Funt found himself embroiled in a terrifying hijacking situation while travelling with his family. This event has resurfaced in popular discussions, particularly during an episode of The Game Show Starring Bradley Clarke, where host Tony Pinizzotto recounted the harrowing details of the ordeal.

On February 3, 1969, Funt, widely known for his role as the host of the television show Candid Camera, was aboard Eastern Airlines Flight 7, which was en route from Newark to Miami. His presence on the flight led to an unexpected mix of confusion and disbelief amongst the passengers when they were informed that their destination had mysteriously changed to Havana, Cuba.

Pinizzotto explained that during this time, hijackings to Cuba had become alarmingly commonplace, with some days witnessing multiple incidents. The hijacking unfolded in a manner that left the passengers bewildered, primarily because of Funt’s fame. When the hijacking was announced, several of his fellow passengers assumed it was a prank orchestrated for one of Funt’s Candid Camera segments, a confusion both amusing and frightening.

Funt himself swiftly dismissed the notion that it was a stunt. “That’s not me. This is not Candid Camera. We’re actually getting hijacked,” he reportedly insisted as the gravity of the situation dawned on him. This was no playful joke; the reality was underscored by the presence of the hijacker, described by Funt as a “little fat man with a 10-inch knife” held at the neck of a flight attendant. The seriousness of the scene starkly contrasted with the initial perception that it could be all part of a television show.

In a piece he penned for the Ocala Star-Banner the day after the incident, Funt detailed the surreal nature of the experience. He recounted that moments after the announcement of the hijacking, at least four passengers approached him, believing they were in the middle of a Candid Camera prank. Yet the truth of the situation quickly quelled any levity: they were in imminent danger.

The ordeal stretched on for approximately 11 hours as the aircraft was held in Havana. Throughout the experience, Funt noted the composure exhibited by the passengers. Although they were acutely aware of the knife and the threat posed by the hijacker, many remained surprisingly calm, even expressing annoyance at the delay rather than pure terror at their predicament. This response may seem peculiar to outside observers, but it demonstrates an interesting psychological phenomenon when faced with danger.

Reflecting on the events, Funt remarked on the bizarre nature of human psychology in crisis situations. “It is strange how you can be so close to danger and not feel it,” he observed, highlighting how perceptions can often be skewed in times of stress.

Ultimately, the hijacked flight was returned to its original course, and the passengers safely arrived at their intended destination. Funt’s personal narrative from this harrowing episode not only sheds light on his character but also captures the bewildering nature of human reactions in extreme circumstances.

The story serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of life and how even the most surreal situations can ground us in reality. The fact that a beloved television host could be involved in such a terrifying event also speaks to the often unseen dangers that can lurk even in our most routine of activities, like air travel. As we reflect on Funt’s extraordinary experience, we are reminded of the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.