1972 ‘Jeopardy’ contestant returns for second chance to win
What is perseverance?
A “Jeopardy!” contestant has returned to reclaim her crown — 50 years later.
Player Martha Bath — who won the game show in 1972 — has come back to add more dough to her winnings.
Bath told host Ken Jennings on Wednesday evening’s episode: “Fifty years ago this spring, I was on the original daytime show with Art Fleming in New York.”
“Generally, ‘Jeopardy!’ appearances are one to a customer,” Jennings joked.
Back in the day, the now-retired CPA ultimately scored $40 and a set of encyclopedias. Factoring in inflation, $40 would be about $283 today.
The Seattle, Washington, native doubled her winnings with the query: “Perhaps the most famous picture of him was taken in New Jersey in 1951 as he was annoyed by paparazzi on his 72nd birthday.”
This made her the game show’s champ and she answered, “Who is Einstein?”
Since she wagered her entire prize pot, Bath’s score of $15,400 increased to $30,800 and she was able to get ahead of former winners Emmett Stanton and Christopher Pennant.
“Or, if we count 1972, $30,840,” Jennings quipped. “That’s a lot more than a set of encyclopedias.”
Bath also returned for Thursday’s episode, but she trailed behind in the final game. She and her competitors, Michael Menkhus and Lynda Tsuboi, answered the last question correctly.
The quiz show asked: “In 2011, Leland, Mississippi, where Jim Henson grew up, honored Henson and his puppets by renaming a bridge this, also a song title.” Menkhus and Bath both emerged victorious, answering, “What is Rainbow Connection?”
However, Menkhus wagered the most money and ultimately won.
Social media fans erupted into joy online and applauded Bath’s comeback.
One person wrote, “Sad to see Emmett [Stanton] leave ‘Jeopardy’ so soon but Martha Bath is so wholesome and really played well. Good for her!”
“Martha Bath got emotional after winning in Jeopardy!, some 50 years after appearing on Art Fleming’s version,” one said.
“I was blown away to hear that a woman who only won $40 and a set of encyclopedias 50 years ago on #Jeopardy is now the FLIPPIN’ CHAMPION! Congratulations to Martha Bath of Seattle, Washington. My hat’s off to you, ma’am,” someone added.
Another penned on Twitter, “Congrats Martha! Redemption 50 years later! Not only were you BRILLIANT but you looked RADIANT as you completed your quick trip around the sun!”
Read the full article Here
