Following her appearance in a recent film, JEOPARDY! fans have been remembering the late player Cindy Stowell, who passed away from cancer.

The Texas native was a Jeopardy! contestant in 2016, but complications from colon cancer claimed her life just days before the show’s broadcast.

Jeopardy! posted a clip from Cindy’s episode on Instagram on Saturday in observance of announcer Johnny Gilbert’s birthday.

In the video, the late Alex Trebek served as the host while Johnny, then 98, read the riddles.

In the comments, other admirers honored Cindy and Alex, who passed away from pancreatic cancer at the age of 80. Happy birthday to Johnny, some people said.

A fan posted, “RIP to both Cindy and Alex.”

Another fan wished Johnny a happy birthday and added, “RIP to Cindy and Alex as well.”

“Cindy was unique,” exclaimed a third admirer.

Comments on the same video’s TikTok page were continuously being added by fans.

Someone wrote, “RIP, Alex and Cindy.”

God bless you.
In addition to battling illness, Cindy appeared on Jeopardy! in 2016.

According to CBS News, she had a dream of appearing on the game show before she passed away and donating the money she won to organizations that support cancer patients.

She sent a letter to the production crew informing them of her cancer diagnosis.

“What is the typical duration between the interviewer’s visit and the filming date?” I’m requesting this since I recently found out that I won’t have much time left. “The doctor believes it will take about six months,” she wrote.

“If only I could possibly record Jeopardy!” I would like to do that and donate any winnings to organizations that support cancer research if I were selected. If it’s not likely that everything will be ready so quickly, I’d prefer to give up my tryout spot to someone else.

If she did well in her audition, she would immediately be scheduled for a taping.

Eight days prior to the premiere of her show, the competitor—a content developer for science shows—passed away.

Alex mentioned something about her passing at the moment.

“Her cancer was in Stage 4 when Cindy Stowell recorded her Quiz Bowl show,” Alex stated.

Cindy’s desire of being on Jeopardy! is something we’re happy to see realized. Cindy died on December 5. I apologize for her passing. Her family and friends are in our thoughts and prayers.

In addition to playing her favorite game, Jeopardy, Cindy was able to support cancer research, saving others from having to go through what she had. Speaking at the celebration were Greg Stowell, Carole Stowell, and Jason Hess, Cindy’s longtime boyfriend.

HONOR THE TREBEK
In 2020, Alex’s fight against pancreatic cancer came to an end.

Since he ceased hosting the program, there have been numerous tributes to him.

In June 2023, it was announced that the seasoned host would be featured on a Forever Stamp.

While many fans were overjoyed by the announcement, others felt the stamp lacked impact.

The US Postal Service revealed that Alex would be featured on the newest Forever Stamp at the same moment.

His successor, Ken Jennings, presented the prize during a game show episode.

“This naturalized U.S. citizen hosted the quiz show Jeopardy! for 37 seasons,” is the clue found on the stamps.

“Who is Alex Trebek?” is the response, written below and backwards in the show’s distinctive script.

Reddit users debated the stamp’s design, with others saying they didn’t like it.

Though not on the stamps themselves, Alex is on the pane of the stamp sheet.

“Alright, it’s fantastic that Alex Trebek is receiving a stamp, but this has got to be one of the most dull stamps in US postal history,” a user commented.

“Alex is only visible on the pane; the stamp contains information about him akin to a Jeopardy clue.”

This appears to be more of a stamp honoring Jeopardy! sixty years older than Alex himself,” they remarked.

Another person commented, “I agree that it would have been nice for him to actually appear on the stamp itself, since most people will never encounter this stamp until they see it on their mail.”

A third supporter remarked, “That said, his name is there and it’s about him and at the end of the day, it is a nice honor for him to receive.”

A few enthusiasts believed that a different clue might have improved the stamps.

“Also, there isn’t any variety; every stamp is the same clue lol, but still, amazing honor,” commented a fourth individual on social media.