‘Jeopardy!’ Champion’s Wife Was On Show Before Him

Ryan Manton on Jeopardy | YouTube

This week on Jeopardy!, a new champion really caught fans’ attention. Not only did Ryan Manton become a fan favorite, but he has a connection with the show from before. While answering questions in the meet and greet part of the show, he said that his wife was a contestant on the show three years ago.

Here is what you need to know about Manton and his wife.

Jeopardy! Champion’s Wife Was On Show Before Him

On his first appearance on Jeopardy!, Ryan Manton answered questions about himself during the interview portion of the show. The systems administrator from Columbus, Ohio, explained how he proposed to his wife. That is when Ryan delivered some fun trivia.

Ken Jennings on Jeopardy! | YouTube
Ken Jennings on Jeopardy! | YouTube

“My now wife, Lauren—my girlfriend at the time—was on Jeopardy! about three years ago,” Manton told Jennings, “She was on your last guest hosting episode” (via TV Insider).

“While we were in LA, I proposed to her the day before her taping and then we actually got married at the courthouse exactly one month after her tape date,” Manton finished.

Looking back at the records, that was the February 19, 2021, episode in Season 37. Lauren Menke came in third place. She competed against Sam Stapleton and one-day champ Alan Johnson. Stapleton won the game ($33,201) and carried his record to two wins in a row. Lauren still had an impressive $19,199.

The good news for Ryan is that he had much better luck with his appearance.

Ryan Manton Becomes Four-Day Champion On Thursday

While Lauren Menke lost in her only Jeopardy! appearance, Ryan Manton is now only one win away from qualifying for the Tournament of Champions. On Thursday, he won his fourth game and has a total of $83,179.

Manton almost didn’t win his first game, and he had to come from behind for the victory. He actually had $0 heading into the first Jeopardy! round break. Heading into DOuble Jeopardy!, he was leading a little, with only $3,400 to second place’s $3,200. He then missed the third Daily Double and had $17,800, but he came back and had a dominant lead with $22,200 heading into Final Jeopardy!

He didn’t know the answer, so he didn’t try, writing, “What Is I Love You, Lauren.” He did the same thing in Final Jeopardy! in his second win as well, another runaway victory. In the third game, it was so close that Ryan had to answer. He got it right and won by $1.

In the fourth game, Ryan made a guess once again, but he bet $0 since he was on another runaway win. He won that game, $15,800 compared to second place finishing with $2,000.

What are your thoughts on Ryan Manton’s wife competing on Jeopardy! before him? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

Shawn Lealos
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