By Chris Yow
Editor
TRUSSVILLE — When Jimmy Brown decided to take a home video of his wife, Donna, he never imagined the resulting clip would land them on the popular television show America’s Funniest Home Videos. The clip, however, must have been a real doozie because the producers of the show chose their video as a finalist.
Jimmy and Donna Brown while in Los Angeles. Submitted photo
The Trussville residents did not know what to expect when they were contacted by the show, but once learning they were finalists, Donna said the couple were ecstatic. Once arriving in Los Angeles, though, the Browns had a blast.
“It was absolutely awesome. When I tell you they treated us like royalty, I mean it,” Donna Brown said. “When we got there, they gave us $660 cash, paid for our airfare and room. A top-notch experience.”
America’s Funniest Home Videos came across the clip after Donna put it on social media websites. It began getting rave reviews on social media, so she posted it to YouTube. In August, the show contacted her and asked if they could use the video.
“There was a lot of paperwork because when you’re a finalist they own the video,” Donna Brown said. “I had to take it off social media until after the show.”
The video itself, shows Donna a little woozy from taking medicine that made her drowsy. Husband Jimmy set up the camera because he thought it might turn out funny. Jimmy and Donna Brown do couples counseling, and according to Donna, Jimmy thought this would be a funny moment to show couples they were counseling.
Donna Brown as makeup is applied to her for television. Submitted photo
Once set up, Jimmy turned on soft music, and talked to Donna because at this point she began to slur her speech. That’s when Donna passes out and hits her head on the table.
“It’s funny to see myself when I fell out,” Donna said.
Those in the audience at the show must have agreed.
“They were laughing pretty hard when it showed,” Donna said. “AFV does tell you how to laugh, so it is kind of orchestrated, but I think most people genuinely thought it was really funny.”
Was knocking her head on the table worth the trip? Absolutely.
“Was it worth it? Oh, my God! It was amazing! They paid for us to go to Los Angeles and have a good time. It was more than worth it! I’m still very overwhelmed. We didn’t know the ins-and-outs of what AFV does, but it’s amazing,” Donna said. “Meeting (host) Alphonzo (Ribeiro) was great. Really a cool guy. He was very down-to-earth.”
The show is scheduled to air Oct. 25 on ABC. Results of the show cannot be disclosed until it airs.
