MEAWW.COM / NEWS / CELEBRITY NEWS

'Jeopardy!' host Mayim Bialik SLAMMED for ignoring announcer Johnny Gilbert on his 94th birthday

'You clearly have zero respect for the @Jeopardy institution,' a user said

'Jeopardy!' host Mayim Bialik was slammed after she forgot to wish the show's longtime announcer a happy birthday. The game show on Thursday, July 14, had quite an entertaining final round, albeit some did not appreciate that Bialik, 46, did not wish the show's legendary announcer Johnny Gilbert, who turned 94 on Wednesday, July 13.

The latest installment saw returning champ Emily Fiasco, a middle school band director from St. Louis, Missouri, hold her own against challengers Anjali Bhat and Mark Primiano. Bialik, who shares hosting duties with former champion Ken Jennings, 48, forgot to wish Gilbert before starting the gameplay.

ALSO READ

Millie Bobby Brown sizzles in a plunging floral dress during a vacation with BF Jake Bongiovi

Arkansas boy, 8, accidentally shot and killed by 5-year-old brother at home

Gilbert, the iconic voice behind the "This is Jeopardy!" intro, has been going strong on the show since 1984, and hence when neither the producers nor Bialik give a birthday tribute to the announcer, it disappointed fans. Many took to Twitter to slam the host for 'disrespecting' Gilbert. "I was a little surprised there was not a Happy Birthday shoutout to Johnny Gilbert tonight. He has such a strong voice, especially for being 94 years young. I believe he has been with Jeopardy for 38 years. Happy Birthday, Johnny, and thanks for all the memories," one wrote on Facebook. "I watched _Jeopardy!_ this afternoon. No one mentioned it," another added

One Twitter user fumed against Bialik, writing, "@missmayim Way to commemorate Johnny Gilbert's 94th birthday tonight. Ridiculously selfish oversight on your part. You clearly have zero respect for the @Jeopardy institution. Hopefully, tomorrow is the last time we have to see you host."

It's worth noting that in 2017, Gilbert earned a Guinness World Records title for the longest career as a game show announcer with the same show. He has reportedly been on the show's cast since its inception, joining the lineup when Trebek did in 1984. Together, the duo comprised what many consider the show's modern iteration.

That said, current champ Fiasco scored an impressive move Thursday night with a one-day total of $28,000. She led at $14,000 to Bhat's $12,600 and Primiano's $8,000 before the trio went into Final Jeopardy. "Maybe surprisingly, in 1918 this new leader was the first to recognize the independence of Finland," the clue read. As the game intensified, the returning champ shared how her husband set her up with a makeshift Jeopardy! practice board at home. 

Primiano was the first to get the clue correct with "Who is Lenin?" He wagered $7,500 to get a total of $15,500 and was in the lead. However, Fiasco revealed she had the correct response as well and had wagered a whopping $11,201 to get a total of $25,201. She took the lead with a two-day total of an impressive $53,201.

TOP STORIES

Was Drake ARRESTED in Sweden for marijuana possession? Truth behind WILD ‘Free Drake’ rumors online

'You can protect yourself': Cops say homeowner who shot at FOUR home invaders will not be charged

It's important to note that legacies are duly celebrated in 'Jeopardy!' When host Alex Trebek tragically died in 2020, producers honored his memory with quite the tribute. As the show officially announced its return to a live studio audience on Twitter, a new promo video showcased a brand new stage named after the late host, and the room filled with chairs for the live audience.

"It's not the same without you," a message on the screen read. "Welcome back. Season 39 tickets now available at Jeopardy.com." The game show wrote in the caption, "Welcome back to the Alex Trebek Stage! For the first time in two years, tickets for our studio audience are now available!"