‘Jeopardy!’ Contestant Sends Secret Message During Introduction
This week on Jeopardy!, a contestant did something special while he was being introduced as the show started. Every episode of the popular game show begins with Johnny Gilbert introducing each of the contestants before he introduces Ken Jennings to come out and host the show.
During the introductions, one of the contestants, Jonathan Fox, signed a message during his time on the screen. Here is what Jonathan said and what fans thought about the moment.
Jeopardy! Player Sends Out Special Message
Jonathan Fox, a staffing capacity manager from Plymouth, Massachusetts, was one of the new contestants on Jeopardy! on Tuesday’s episode. He faced off with Kathleen Clark, an English teacher originally from Stamford, Connecticut, and defending champion Joey DeSena.
Ken Jennings | YouTube
The episode started as it always does, with Johnny Gilbert introducing each contestant before Ken Jennings came out onto the stage. However, many fans noticed something special. Jonathan began sending out a message using American sign language.
The message was a sweet one. Jonathan held up the thumb and pointer finger, which is the ASL sign for “I love you,” and then individually spelled out each letter, “J-U-L-I-E,” while signing. Jonathan has been married to Julie for 23 years, and this was a shout-out to his wife.
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Jonathan later said that Julie is a “Jeopardy! Junky,” and they compete on trivia nights at local bars.
Jonathan almost won too, but fell short in the end. He had $13,600 heading into Final Jeopardy! Joey, the defending champion, had $800 more. Everyone was correct in the final answer. This meant that Jonathan came in second place with $18,000. Joey knew he was right and bid huge, ending the game with $27,201.
Jeopardy! Fans React To The Special Message
Fans watching the episode immediately noticed the American Sign Language and wanted to know what he was saying. Many said they paused and rewound the episode to see it letter for letter. By the time they figured it out, it was a heartwarming moment for Jeopardy! fans.
Ken Jennings – Jeopardy!
Here is what some of the fans said about the special moment on Jeopardy! (via Reddit).
“My daughter recognized he was using sign language but we didn’t know what he signed.”
“As someone with deaf family members, this was a really special treat to see. So grateful anytime ASL is used on a big platform.”
“if I was Julie I’d be in a puddle of tears at home.”
“What a nice gesture from Jonathan. Seems like a good husband.”
What are your thoughts on the Jeopardy! contestant sending the love message to his wife during the introductions? Did you catch it when he was doing it? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
