JEOPARDY! Icon Johnny Gilbert was celebrated online after he hit a huge milestone.
The iconic announcer took over the role in 1984 and has been a much-loved constant figure ever since and fans were stunned by his age.
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Jeopardy! icon Johnny Gilbert was celebrated online after he hit a huge milestoneCredit: Instagram/jeopardy
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The host joined the show in 1984Credit: Getty
Johnny, 95, was celebrated on social media over the weekend.
Friday’s episode was celebrated as the show’s 9000th.
Jeopardy! shared a photo of the host from their Instagram.
Johnny wore a red satin jacket and leaned against a podium on set.
He smiled at the camera.
“Tonight’s broadcast of Jeopardy! will conclude with a celebration of our 9000th episode, each and every one of which has been announced by the legendary Johnny Gilbert! Be sure to tune in!” They captioned the post.
The game show also shared a video of a celebratory message that aired in Friday’s episode.
Johnny walked out onto the stage to a standing ovation.
He was presented with a cake which was modelled to look like Johnny standing behind a podium.
“That’s the cake? You’re kidding?” He asked in shock.
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“How’d you like Jeopardy!? After 40 years, is it still a good show?” He asked the audience, who cheered in response.
“Alex [Trebek] and I started the show when Merv Griffin created it,” Johnny explained.
“It was bought for 13 weeks and if it didn’t do well in 13 weeks, that was the end of the show.
“Obviously it’s done very well. So for what it’s worth, thank you very much from a humble guy on Jeopardy!” He concluded.
The audience chimed back with the iconic line, “This is Jeopardy!”
EMOTIONAL MOMENT
Johnny looked delighted at his recognition and wiped away tears.
“Here’s Johnny Gilbert with a special message in honor of #Jeopardy!’s 9000th episode,” they captioned the post.
We love you Johnny!
Instagram User
Fans of the show flooded the comment section with admiration for Johnny.
“Johnny looks great for 95,” wrote a follower.
“This is very precious! We love you, Johnny,” added another.
“He sounds pretty good for being in his 90s!” Said a third.
“I love that iconic voice!” Noted a fourth.
TREBEK TRIBUTE
Johnny and the late Alex Trebek have been with the show from the very beginning.
Alex passed away in November 2020 at the age of 80 after battling pancreatic cancer for two years.
The host kept working until his death and the show continued to air pre-recorded episode after his passing.
Johnny’s celebrations co-inside with the upcoming Diamond Celebration, marking the show’s 60th anniversary on September 10, 2024.
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Johnny gave a heartfelt thanks to the viewersCredit: Instagram/jeopardy
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The hosts brought out a cake for JohnnyCredit: Instagram/jeopardy
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Johnny and Alex started the show togetherCredit: AP
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