Current Jeopardy! champion Christine Whelchel just won her fourth consecutive game on Feb. 28. Guest host Ken Jennings pointed out that the church organist was sporting a “different look” for game number four, and Whelchel explained the poignant reason for her change of appearance.
Christine Whelchel revealed diagnosis on first episode of ‘Jeopardy!’
When Whelchel had her brief intro chat with Jennings during her debut episode on Feb. 23, she revealed that she received a diagnosis of breast cancer shortly before starting her Jeopardy! journey.
“I was diagnosed in March of 2021, and one of the first things I did a couple of weeks after being diagnosed was take the Jeopardy! test,” Whelchel shared, according to the New York Post. “And I ended up getting my audition the night before my surgery in May.”
Jennings applauded her tenacity. “Well, evidently the audition went well!” he remarked. “You’re here. And I hope the surgery [went well] too.”
Whelchel added the good news of her remission, saying, “Everything else went well and I’m cancer-free as of right now.”
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‘Jeopardy!’ champ shows off her real hair
Before her fourth game on Feb. 28, Whelchel explained why her hair went from longer blond curls to a more close-cropped cut. The reason for her change of appearance was a true act of bravery.
“After the winnings, I decided that I didn’t need to hide behind a wig anymore,” the Spring Hill resident said. “I wanted to normalize what cancer recovery looks like.”
Jennings once again praised the Jeopardy! contestant, who then went on to win game number four.
“Well, you look fabulous,” he told Whelchel. “Congratulations on your recovery.”
Fans of ‘Jeopardy!’ post praise of Christine Whelchel
Jeopardy! posted a clip of Whelchel’s conversation with Jennings on the game show’s Instagram account with the caption, “A strong Jeopardy! player and an even stronger person. ❤️ ” Viewers flocked to share their admiration of the game show champ and many going through cancer treatment expressed their appreciation for Whelchel’s selfless act.
“Thank you!!” one fan cheered. “Currently going through chemo and my hair will be making its exit any time now. This is great to see. Normalize what cancer recovery looks like.”
“From one warrior to another wishing you continued success and health!” another wrote. “Love seeing your recovery – thank you for your vulnerability and strength! 💗”
“Christine – that was incredibly brave of you,” a viewer commented. “You are inspiring so many and I am so happy to hear you’re in recovery. ❤️”
“We put so much pressure on ourselves to conform with what’s expected,” a follower shared. “So proud of Christine to be herself and own her AWESOME look! Wishing her continuing good health.”
Whelchel won her first Jeopardy! game via tiebreaker and currently has a jackpot totaling $73,602 following her fourth victory. Fans will be tuning in on March 1 to see if she wins her fifth game, which qualifies her for the coveted 2022 Tournament of Champions.
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