Renowned “Jeopardy!” victor and author, Bruce Seymour, died on September 18, 2024, at the age of 77. His demise came after a seven-week fight against a COVID-19 infection. Despite being in excellent health and having received all of his vaccinations, Seymour lost his battle with the virus in San Francisco, California, his long-time home.
Seymour first made his mark on “Jeopardy!” in 1987, winning four games in a row. He returned the following year for the Tournament of Champions and later made his most significant triumph in the 1990 “Super Jeopardy!” tournament, claiming the $250,000 grand prize. His cumulative winnings of $305,989 set a new record for the highest earnings by any contestant at that point.
Originally from Indianapolis, Indiana, Seymour completed his high school education at Shortridge High School in 1964. He later pursued higher education at Lawrence University in Wisconsin. During his university years, Seymour served as the editor-in-chief of the college newspaper and the assistant general manager of its radio station.
Upon obtaining a political science degree in 1968, Seymour enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, serving as a supply officer during the Vietnam war.
When the war was nearing its end, Seymour was discharged early in 1972 and began a global exploration. By 1973, he was back in the United States and enrolled in law school at the University of California College of the Law in San Francisco. He graduated and was admitted to the California bar in 1977.
After briefly practicing law with his brother, Seymour embarked on a national journey to visit the graves and libraries of all the U.S. presidents. He eventually returned to California, accepting an offer from a former law school classmate to live in their 70-year-old home in Piedmont, serving as a handyman.
With his earnings from ‘Jeopardy!’, Seymour explored his fascination with 19th-century stage actress Lola Montez. He ultimately published a comprehensive biography, “Lola Montez: A Life,” in 1996. Additionally, he contributed articles on travel and opera to various publications.
In 2007, Seymour became a part of the Peace Corps, serving in Ukraine until a medical discharge due to cataracts. He later worked for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services before retiring in 2016.
Seymour’s legacy continues through his brother, sister, and extended family, as well as numerous friends around the world who were influenced by his remarkable life and accomplishments.