Who Is Infamous ‘Jeopardy!’ Announcer Johnny Gilbert?
Fans often see what is in front of the camera and the ones behind the lens seldom receive due recognition. Similarly, the late Alex Trebek was the face of Jeopardy! Yet, Johnny Gilbert has been the voice of the game show since 1984. The legendary announcer was formerly a nightclub singer and entertainer.
Jeopardy! Announcer Johnny Gilbert Was In The Church Choir
Before he started working as an announcer and audience host for Jeopardy!, he did the same multiple game shows, some even dating as early as the 1950s.
[Source: YouTube]
Born in Newport News, Virginia, the 94-year-old started performing as a singer ever since he was young in his hometown’s Lutheran Church choir. Even though his parents had never worked in the theatrical profession, his grandmother was also a church singer. Apart from his interest in singing, he also started working as an emcee where he developed skills for walking on stage, public speaking, and ways to keep the crowd engaged with stories and jokes.
[Source: YouTube]
As per The Sun, his first stint as a host started with the William Morris Agency in 1958 with Music Bingo. The show first aired on NBC and then on ABC running for three years of a successful run. His popularity as a host on the show led him to record several singles and an album as well.
Jeopardy!’s Johnny Gilbert Also Hosted The Price Is Right
In 1963, the announcer was selected by Mark Goodson to replace Don Pardo in The Price Is Right after its big move from NBC to ABC. He also hosted the show in Bill Cullen’s absence. After Jeopardy! was reintroduced on TV in 1984 with Alex Trebek as the host, he convinced Merv Griffin to bring onboard Gilbert as the announcer. Ever since Gilbert holds the role of the announcer and audience host on Jeopardy!
[Source: YouTube]
In his latest interview, the legendary announcer revealed an unexpected friendship with a late A-lister. After Jeopardy! Season 38 wrapped on July 31, 2022, and then Mayim Bialik and Ken Jennings were announced as the permanent hosts of the game show. While the filming is on for Season 39, which is slated to premiere on September 12, 2022, the treasured trivia show has introduced a new weekly podcast Inside Jeopardy!
Gilbert Talks About His Friendship With Late Betty White
On Monday, Johnny appeared as a guest on the show. The announcer shared his story with host Sarah Foss, a former Clue Crew member, and Jeopardy!’s producer. Talking about how he landed the job in the game show and about Alex’s involvement, he said,
“I had never worked with him. When they decided on me, I think Alex had a lot to do with it.”
[Source: YouTube]
Johnny also revealed his friendship with the late Betty White. This friendship happened outside of Jeopardy! Talking about the late legend, he said, “Oh God, yeah, Betty White. We met on $25000 Pyramid. She and Bob Stewart were very close friends—Bob was the creator of the show. So whenever there was a party or anything I was always invited, and Betty was always there. We got to be really good friends.”
Johnny has no doubt been among the most recognizable voices in TV’s history. Did you know these facts about Johnny Gilbert? Share your thoughts in the comments!
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