“You’re in it” — Shark Tank’s Kevin O’Leary recalls his first TV experience

In a recent Instagram reel, Shark Tank's Kevin O'Leary, better known as "Mr. Wonderful," took a nostalgic trip down memory lane as he reflected on his first television experience and how it transformed his life. He described the surreal moment when he realized he was now more than just a businessman—he was also a TV personality.

"You're in it," he recalled when he got his first show signed.

Since the beginning, Kevin O'Leary has been a core figure on Shark Tank, contributing his keen business sense and unfiltered viewpoints. He has assisted several entrepreneurs in honing their pitches and closing deals and is well known for his strategic investments and tough love. His experience on the show has cemented his status as one of the most significant investors in the business world.

O'Leary remembered how his TV career was unexpected in the Instagram video. His honest reflections on the experience of moving from boardrooms to television screens highlight Shark Tank as a significant turning point in his career.

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Shark Tank's Kevin O'Leary recalls signing his first television deal

Business mogul Kevin O'Leary is known for his entrepreneurial journey and his time on the renowned business reality television show, Shark Tank. Recently, in an Instagram reel, O'Leary looked back on the moment he was offered his first television show.

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A Heated Debate That Changed Everything

As the clip began, the billionaire recalled how his television career started in an unexpected way—after he got into a heated clash with journalist Janice Mackie Frere on-air. In the video, he said:

"There was a very famous reporter named Janice Mackie Frere, who's now, I think, with NBC, and we got him into a real fight on the air, just like you and I talking, you're Janice, and I just didn't understand why she was attacking me, so I fought back."

O'Leary found himself in an unusual situation due to this unexpected confrontation. As a businessman, he was accustomed to boardroom arguments, but debating live on television was an entirely different challenge. However, rather than backing down, he embraced the moment and engaged in a heated yet compelling debate.

Unknowingly laying the groundwork for his future as a TV personality, his ability to think quickly and stand his ground made for captivating entertainment.

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A Producer’s Unexpected Offer

He continued, talking about what happened next,

"We had a real, it was live television, and the phones lit up, and the producer came back and said, can you come back tomorrow?"

The intensity of the debate captivated viewers and sparked immediate engagement. The station received a flood of calls, proving that audiences were drawn to O'Leary's sharp responses and candid viewpoints.

Recognizing his potential, the show's producers quickly invited him back. That moment became a pivotal turning point in his television career, as what started as a one-time appearance soon turned into a recurring role.

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Watch Shark Tank's Kevin O'Leary in action on ABC.