School Teacher Wins "Big Brother 10"

Dan Gheesling Takes Home $500,000 1st Prize, Beating Out Friend Memphis Garrett

(CBS)  A 25-year-old Catholic school teacher is the big winner of "Big Brother 10." Dan Gheesling takes home $500,000. His best buddy in the house, Memphis Garrett, was the runner-up. The two spoke with The Early Show co-anchor and Big Brother host Julie Chen just moments after the season finale.

"Dan, you've just won half-a-million dollars. How does it feel to be the winner of Big Brother 10?" Chen asked.

"It's very hard to fathom at this point -- $500,000 is a lot of money, but being a big fan of the show, winning this is like a dream come true, and I couldn't have done it without the renegade brother Memphis," Gheesling said.

"Is that true, Memphis?" Chen asked.

"It is true," Garrett said.

"Does he deserve to win over you -- the half million dollar grand prize?" Chen asked.

"You know, of anybody in the cast to win, I would want him to win. I'm very happy for him and we've become very, very good friends over the course of time," Garrett said.

"What are you going to do with half-a-million dollars Dan?" Chen asked.

Good question. My girlfriend back there will get a nice present that may fit on her ring finger, who knows," Gheesling said. "The reason I came on Big Brother, I love my job at St. Mary's -- hopefully I still have it. And being a teacher, hopefully this will allow me to stay there for the rest of my career."

"What does it take to win this game?" Chen asked Gheesling.

"Memphis and I can both speak on the fact that we kept a cool head for the most part. We saw a lot of people self-destruct in this game," Gheesling said. "The first handful of people went down by their own hand and I think because we never really self-destructed that's a major component coming into this house."

"I wasn't going to change who I was for this game, and I haven't," Garrett said.

"And Dan, how about you. You didn't lose your cool. Is that how you are in real life?" Chen asked.

"Pretty much. There's a couple times when maybe I get called a name, but one thing I have in real life is a sharp tongue, and if I would've let that sharp tongue loose, I would not be here," Gheesling said.

"How did you control it?" Chen asked.

"$500,000," Gheesling said.

"You can zip it up for that for sure. What did you miss most?" Chen asked.

Both men pointed to their girlfriends.

"Aww, their girlfriends," Chen said. "Well, you guys certainly earned this. For you Memphis, $50,000, and Dan, half-a-million. Well done … "

[ndussere]

I have watched every season, since the beginning. Dan is by far the best, most skilled player to date. I watched him in awe this season, as he single handedly controlled this game. Great job and congrats
Nicole D.

[vogelwey]

We can all be both impressed and amazed at the skill and intelligence Dan showed. St. Mary''s should be most thankful to have Dan teaching and coaching their children. Bob

[nancylyn2]

My gosh, I couldn''t agree more. Icouldn''t believe how Dan ruled this game! He is, by far the BEST player so far. Congratulations Dan no one deserved it more!

[czechurs]

I am in total agreement with Dan being THE absolute best player Big Brother has had to date. I watched every show just hoping that he would win. Well done, Dan. VERY, well done.

Dan was definitely fun to watch and a very smart player. I''m glad that he won. Does anyone know how much money Dan got paid as America''s Player?

[jimb0820]

I was glad to see the jury did the right thing in voting the same. That was how all the voting was done in this game. Except for week one, when Dan would not vote for Brian. way to go Dan you fooled them all.

[elish43]

I LOVEED THIS SHOW.. DAN & MEPHIS PLAYED IT GREAT. THE ONLY THING THAT MADE ME UPSET WAS WHEN ASKED & MEPHIS SAID HE WOULD NOT THROW DAN UNDER THE BUS, BUT THAN DAN SAID HE WOULD THROW MEPHIS UNDER IT.. BUT I GUESS THAT IS THE GAME.. I AM JUST VERY GLAD THEY GOT APRIL, & JESSIE OUT.. I COULD NOTY STAND THEM FOOLS..I ALSO LOVED LOVED JERRY.. GOTTA GIVE IT HIM I TELL YOU.. WOW IS ALL I CAN SAY ABOUT HIM.. NOW THAT WAS GOOD TV.. THANKS BIG BROTHER!!!!

[furyrestored]

The show ended the way it should of Dan was playing the game from day 1 the best player one good job Dan thanks CBS for the show they get better every time!cant wait till the next one.

[deannasep11]

Dan was a class act, as was Memphis! Way to go boys! KUDOS to the Jury! I am proud of the jury for voting the way that they did! I was really concerned that their personal feelings were going to get in the way. Dan played a terrific game! I am sure all of his students are proud of him. Also, if St. Mary''s does not allow him to keep his position, then if I were a parent, I would NOT be sending my son to that school, as I am sure Dan is an excellent teacher and well respected by his kids.

[cryonbrian]

Americans are so consumed with TV! Losers!

[bubblesofjoy]

Dan was a hell of a game player. He deserved the money and also the 20,000 he earned during his week of America''s Player. He outwitted, out smarted, and most of all out lasted everyone. Go Dan. I am so proud of you. I watched you on the live feeds and Showtime After Dark and you were so entertaining. What a great season. Can''t wait until the next one.
Talina C.

[stip4ever]

Dan played the game expertly. He used the abilities he has along with adjusting his strategy as things happened. He''s quick thinker and I believe a very good and sincere person. It''s great he''ll be able to continue the profession he enjoys without worrying about money. WTG, Dan! Congrats to Memphis too! I was very happy that Keesha won America''s player. Only wish Renny could have won something.

[freemanswish]

Nobody cares

This show had the lowest viewers rating ever. People

are shifting away from TV due to garbage.

[capnhawk]

Dan was one of the best BB players in history. He was the entertainment for all 71 days. Jerry is a no-class person and Renny is a shrieking shrew. Glad that both of them got booted out of the house.

[colleen04038]

Dan - yes - well done - the best in the game at lying, scheming and manipulating - a wonderful role model for all the school kids. Perfect.

[thisandthat1]

I used to love this show and watched it faithfully every summer until last year (summer of 2007) when CBS decided to step in and "fix" the outcome of the show and manipulate the direction of who was going to win. It ruined the credibility of the show and I''ve never watched it since that day and never will again ..... and it''s a shame because it was a good show up until then.

[areyouthere1]

"Nobody cares
This show had the lowest viewers rating ever. People
are shifting away from TV due to garbage".

If nobody cares, then why do you bother to post? Some people really need to get a life if all they can do is go to a board about something they don''t care about, yet post something, come on!!!!!!!!!!

[hircarra]

Dan the Man...
What a great speaker and motivator, Notre Dame could give you a job as a recruiter for their football team! Or maybe even better, hey Regis, if you decide to retire how about Dan, maybe a cohost and some football talk see how he handles himself and give him some connections... I must say you did a great job and our family couldn''t wait to watch you daily on the feeds. Hope that the money starts you out well on your path in life.

[leagrand1966]

It has been driving me crazy what Renny Martyn''s response was once finally told about the hurricane that came ashore in New Orleans. Why is no one at CBS revealing this.......

[kscamickey58]

Good game Dan the only thing I''m disappointed in with you is,okay,I know lying and cheating are part of the game but I think your behavior to Keesha the night she figured out Memphis was evicting her was beyond. You could have kept your mouth shut and simply offered her your shoulder but you played her and that was wrong. She truly was upset and all you fake concern and back patting was horrible. I hope she figures out that Memphis was not the one pulling the strings on that. You just played it to the hilt and throwing Memphis in a no win situation at all. He was more loyal to you than you to him and that simple display that night that you played up was disgusting. not everyone may know what I am talking about but you do. I saw everything on the live feeds and after hours that night and I was ashamed of how you handled that whole situation. In life there is some things worth more than money. You play people to see how they react. I''m not sure that in real life you don''t do the same things. You are just to good at lying and deceiving for this to be your first crack at it. Good Luck to Monica-I don''t think I would trust you as much in the future as before if I were her.

[kscamickey58]

CBS, where is the rest of the interview you talked about on the Early show. I''ve searched but can''t find it. Someone please enlighten me.

[musi999]

I too wanted to see the interviews after the show mostly because I wanted to hear Jerry and Libra''s reaction to news of Ike. Jerry''s home in Magnolia was hit hard and Libra''s town of The Woodlands still has about 30% power loss.

[maggoo70]

A BIG CONGRATULATIONS TO DAN~ You truely were the best player thus far! From day one you played with intent to win, and you did it. Thanks for entertaining us live feeders so well.

My congratulations goes out to Memphis, Keesha, and Renny too. Although I wished Keesha or Renny made it to the #2 position, Memphis deserves it too.

Renny, you were a BLAST! Both you and Dan had me in stitches! I wish there was a prize for you too! Can you come cook for me sometime?! Stay funny!

After 11 seasons, I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS SHOW. I can''t get enough of it - 3 shows a week, live feeds, BB blogs, cbs, etc. When is BB12?

BB12 and Beyond!! Maggoo32

[prsolinger]

A couple of responses. First, I thought it was stupid that they all voted the same. Are they sharing the same brain cell? Are you trying to say that nobody thought Memphis deserved to win? Highly unlikely.

Second, to deannasep11 who would remove her kids from St. Mary''s if Dan loses his job, I''m sure all of the parents must really be proud of a Catholic school teacher who lies, backstabs, cheats, and manipulates his way to a half-million dollars. Yeah, what a role model!

[maggoo70]

Prsolinger, lighten up! BB is a game! I do hope everyone understands, you and St. Mary''s, that this is a game! With that lying, backstabbing, cheating, and oh yea, manipulation is all part of the game!

Over the years I have seen far worse behavior than Dan''s, and still don''t think firing anyone is necessary! This includes Adam''s (BB9) comments.

Dan has displayed other positive traits throughout this season that are worth noting that he CAN be a POSITIVE role model. And not only to kids, but adults the like.

Enjoy the show!

[godseyesore-2009]

Thankfully, this idiotic, supefying and hysterically boring show is OVER. May it stay that way.

[riviera_]

HA!! IN YOUR FACE APRIL!! America loves Keesha!!
Oh and by the way...E-V-E-R-Y-O-N-E laughed hysterically when you said you were prettier than Keesha. When you watch the show, take note of even Ollie''s face when you said that!! PRICELESS

[joycometh]

Dan, played the heck out of that game. I''ve watched Big Brother since its first season and everyone should be call Dan, Dr. Will Sr. I have much respect for his game play. The Big brother community know it is about the game. And Dan played it to a tee. Memphis, while I think a great person played at playing the game. Congrats to both!

[debbyjo2]

On the next BB we would like to see more jury house video like in the past seasons, when someone was evicted it showed all of them when they entered the jury house, the ending was kind of boring

[debbyjo2]

And I too would like to see the rest of the interview that you were talking about, it was the same thing on the internet as it was on TV

[misssuzq]

Such a huge gap between first and second place.

He is right - so many people get all hot and bothered by yelling and name-calling and totallyy deserve to get the boot.

[shimano35]

It really frightens me that there are people living in this society that watch this show.

[yjbonbon]

I agree where is the rest of the interview I can not find it anywhere? This is very irritating cbs

[yjbonbon]

Why is''nt the finale a 2 hour special like all other reality shows. I would really like to see more show ending and even the after party, where we would really find out how the players really felt about each other. Not to mention how we would like to see the families of the people we have invited into our homes for almost 3 months. That would be nice . Bonnie Piper

[yjbonbon]

Why is''nt the finale a 2 hour special like all other reality shows. I would really like to see more show ending and even the after party, where we would really find out how the players really felt about each other. Not to mention how we would like to see the families of the people we have invited into our homes for almost 3 months. That would be nice . Bonnie Piper

[yjbonbon]

Why is''nt the finale a 2 hour special like all other reality shows. I would really like to see more show ending and even the after party, where we would really find out how the players really felt about each other. Not to mention how we would like to see the families of the people we have invited into our homes for almost 3 months. That would be nice . Bonnie Piper

[usclimey]

I''m proud to say I have not watched more than 5 seconds of this show, Survivor, My big ugly husband/wife, etc.etc. EVER. Did catch a couple of eps. of Great Race though - the people are stupid but the scenery''s cool.

[cattiej]

Did you people really think the producers of the show really care about the ending. They just want to keep you interested each week so they can make more money. When the last show is on and "the winner is""! You, because you choose to watch such dribble. It''s the same with all the other "reality shows" i.e. Dancing
with The Stars, American Idol, etc. etc. etc...get a life and don''t spend all your time watching the boob tube, do some charity work somewhere and make your life worthwhile. I can''t believe all the fight shows on the TV, violent shows that parents should not let their children watch..we blocked or TV of these type of shows as they are an insult to normal people.

[avigil2]

Big Brother is one of the worst shows in the history of reality television.

[ricktas]

Maggie said for "MORE" of the interview with Julie go to Earlyshow etc. Ok...so where is the "MORE". Why are most of these sites DECEPTIVE with this kind of statement. They lure you to their site...and quess what...THERE IS "NO MORE"

[kam76]

what surprises me people commenting on how lame the show is and they dont watch it but yet still they comment about it......

[vipes711]

it frightens me even more that there are people living in this society that bash others for what amounts to A CHOICE .. if you dont watch it THATS YOUR CHOICE .. If I watch it ITS MY CHOICE ..That makes me no less a person or no more a person than you ..

[jgirl57]

Are you kidding me CBS - we waited all day for the rest of the interview, and that was it just what you showed this morning? Come on - you did all these long interviews all season and now nothing but checks for Dan and Memphis - again another anti-climatic finale. Come on CBS show some more stuff after the winner is announced...

[caldwellptr]

This was favorite cast ever. I find BB entertaining = the equivalent of stoop sitting.

Congrats to Dan and Memphis

[maggoo70]

Funny those who comment negatively on this article claim to not like show, but yet take time to read and/or watch the show. Don''t like it? Then don''t watch it and leave the posts for positive and constructive comments.

[confused_2]

The Big Brother finally should be at least a 2 hour show. This season was the best to date. The house guest were comical,entertaining and genuine . It was just an incredible season. This is the cast that the viewer was really able to care for. I for one, would be very interested in some kind on reunion show as well as up dated from time to timeon how the guest are doing and what they are up to. Congradulations to Dan, Menphis, Keesha, Renny and CBS. It was a great summer. CBS will never be able to top this season or this group of House Guests.!!!!!!!!!

[duckyduck888]

I agree with the comment from confused_2. I believe that the finale should be 2 hours long as well. I like the part where the first houseguest give their opinion on how the season went. They make very good points. I just feel short changed on the finale show because it goes by too fast. I would also love a reunion show to see what the former houseguest are up to. I love watching Big Brother and this was one of the best seasons ever.

[one4james]

Having watched all 10 seasons, this is the first time my cast favorite went on to win the game. Congrats Dan! He played the game perfectly and he deserved to win. I was very dissapointed in the finale however. What a let down! It should have definitely been 2 hours. I would have liked to see a lot more "reveals" from the first 4 houseguests and Julie Chen. What about the mysterious banner? Would have been fun to see them reveal the truth about that as well as interviews with the 2 girlfriends of the final 2. They only showed one clip from the show and that was of Jerry. Boooooorrrring. C''mon CBS, you owe your viewers better next time.

[samthetvcat]

Yeah, Dan won! He was my favorite.

I''m surprised Memphis didn''t even get a vote. He played a good game.

It was a good cast this year. Lots of fun, interesting people :)

[samthetvcat]

---"The reason I came on Big Brother, I love my job at St. Mary''s -- hopefully I still have it. And being a teacher, hopefully this will allow me to stay there for the rest of my career."---

The first week, I was really nervous for him because you see sometimes people do things in the house and fans who watch the show get so angry you see people on message boards talking about writing to their employers to say they''re not fit to do their jobs or whatever. Didn''t that happen to Jennifer Vasquez after she backdoored Kaysar Ridha? :o

But then he got picked for America''s Choice so it was okay :)

PS Keisha''s a sweetie, but I thought Rennie might get the viewer''s choice 3rd prize . . . surprised by that . . .