The Conyers family of Paxville took their shot on one of America’s favorite game shows, Family Feud, and made memories that will last a lifetime. Sherrod Conyers, alongside his sister Joyce and cousins Paris, Adrian, and Dom, auditioned for the show in a unique and amusing way, ultimately earning a spot on the stage with host Steve Harvey.
For the Conyers family, Family Feud had always been a staple in their homes, providing entertainment and a bonding experience, particularly during the challenging days of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It’s always been a family tradition for us to watch Family Feud in different homes,” Sherrod Conyers said. “We kicked around the idea for years. It was something we always wanted to do, but we didn’t really know what the audition process looked like.”
What started as a fun conversation turned into a creative and highly engaging audition that set the family apart from others vying for a chance on the popular game show. With family members scattered across the country, Sherrod in California, Paris in Charlotte, Joyce in Florida, and others in different states, they decided to make a TikTok video as their audition tape.
“We were all in different places,” Sherrod recalled. “So, we came up with this idea to make a TikTok video. We each wore shirts I designed that said, ‘Just a Kid from Paxville,’ which played off the well-known phrase used by LeBron James, ‘Just a Kid from Akron.’ We each took turns introducing ourselves and talking about our professions and personal interests, then virtually tossed the shirts to each other. It was something cool, innovative, and young. That was our audition tape.”
Sherrod described the family’s excitement when they learned they had been selected for an interview with the show’s producers. But after the interview, they had to wait for nearly two years before finally receiving the call they’d been hoping for.
“We waited for two years,” Sherrod said. “Paris, who was our main point of contact with the producers, kept checking in. But in 2023, we got the call. We were chosen, and we were going to film in February of 2024 at Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta.”
The family had to keep quiet about their upcoming appearance on Family Feud, which was no small task given the anticipation and excitement surrounding the event. Even close family members were left in the dark about the show’s outcome.
“Folks knew we were on it,” Sherrod explained, “but we couldn’t say anything about the outcome. There’s a lot of legal stuff involved, and you don’t want to compromise the integrity of the show. It was tough keeping it a secret for months.”
The filming experience itself was long but thrilling. The family arrived at Tyler Perry Studios early in the morning, preparing for a 12-hour day filled with briefings, rehearsals, and, finally, game time.
“Steve Harvey didn’t come out until it was time to play,” Sherrod recalled with a laugh. “He’s funny, witty, and very charismatic. He really made us feel like we were sitting at home with family, just having a conversation. He said, ‘When them lights come on, you better be ready,’ and that really put us at ease.”
The Conyers family brought their natural energy and chemistry to the show, something that Sherrod attributes to their tight-knit dynamic. Sherrod, a management consultant and Army veteran, has helped launch nine rockets into space and is the owner of Village Sauce, a hot sauce brand. Joyce, his younger sister, is a nurse and educator, and is known as the family’s mixologist. Paris, a property manager and content creator, managed all the communication with the show’s producers. Adrian, a higher education administrator, has worked with eight Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and is an avid Clemson Tigers fan. Dom, an IT specialist for the Department of Defense and Air Force veteran, is the COO of a tech startup.
After their introductions and brief banter with Steve Harvey, the family jumped into the competition. The fast-paced nature of the show, coupled with Harvey’s jokes and commentary, made for an exciting experience that left the family beaming.
“Steve teased us a lot during the taping,” Sherrod said. “He joked about my job and made fun of me, but most of that didn’t even make it into the final episode. What you see on TV is only a fraction of what actually happens.”
Despite the editing, the Conyers family’s joy and enthusiasm were evident on screen, and their appearance has been celebrated by friends, family, and their hometown of Paxville. Sherrod emphasized that while their time on Family Feud was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, it was the family’s connection that made it all the more special.
“We’re just kids from Paxville,” Sherrod said, echoing the theme of their audition. “But this was something we’ll never forget. We went out there as a family, and that’s what it’s all about.”
For the Conyers family, their time on Family Feud was about more than just playing the game, it was about celebrating their roots, their unity, and their shared love for a show that had always brought them together.
