Contestant US Navy Rear Admiral George Koch commanded the U.S. Atlantic Fleet, that included the aircraft carrier USS Lake Champlain from which helicopters took off, on May 5, 1961, to recover astronaut Alan Shepard and the Project Mercury 'Freedom 7' capsule and deliver them safely back to the ship's flight deck.
The second contestant, Pat Collins, was known as the "Hip Hypnotist", and ran her nightclub on the Sunset Strip, performing her hypnosis act some evenings and other nights teaching self-hypnosis to audience members who wanted to overcome emotional problems. Considered a celebrity's celebrity, Collins hypnotized several Hollywood stars.
Guest panelist Cyril Ritchard had premiered in the Broadway musical 'The Happiest Girl in the World' the previous month, on April 3rd, at the Martin Beck Theatre. Aside from directing, Ritchard played eight different roles in the comedy. The production ran for 98 performances, closing on June 24, 1961.
Carol Burnett had released her first solo album 'Carol Burnett Remembers How They Stopped the Show' in April. The following month, she would appear with her younger half-sister Chrissie in 'Episode #8.15 (1961)'.