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Ever since Alex Trebek passed away in November of 2020, it seems like a week can't go by without Jeopardy making headlines. First came the search for a new host, then the controversy that followed the announcement of executive producer Mike Richards getting the job, then an endless stream of stories about temporary hosts Ken Jennings and Mayim Bialik and how they are doing. Now, it seems in all the hoopla going on at the iconic game show, an impressive milestone was overlooked, but not by fans, who are upset with Jeopardy over the snub.
It all centers on Johnny Gilbert, the longtime announcer whose iconic "This Is Jeopardy" has kicked off the program since 1984, when he joined the show at the same time as Alex Trebek. Johnny, who is still working on Jeopardy, turned 94 on Thursday but did not get any kind of tribute on-air or even a shout-out. Of course, the shows do tape months in advance, but producers know when they will air and even if they didn't, there was no mention of Johnny on the Jeopardy's social accounts either.
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Fans took to social media to express their disappointment, writing things like, "Shame on them for not wishing him a happy birthday. Happy birthday sir," and, "I was a little surprised there was not a Happy Birthday shoutout to Johnny Gilbert," and, "There should have been a mention of Johnny."
Others took their anger out on Mayim Bialik, who hosted the show, tweeting at her, "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."
In his 94 years, Johnny has accomplished a lot. He even earned a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records in 2017 for the longest career as a game show announcer at the same show.