Noted “Jeopardy!” champion and author Bruce Seymour died on September 18, 2024 at the age of 77. He had been fighting a COVID-19 infection for seven weeks. Seymour, who was in robust health and fully vaccinated, succumbed to the virus in San Francisco, California where he had lived for many years.
Seymour first appeared on “Jeopardy!” in 1987, securing four straight wins. He returned for the Tournament of Champions in 1988 and later won the 1990 “Super Jeopardy!” tournament, earning the $250,000 grand prize. His total earnings of $305,989 set a record for the highest winnings by a contestant at that time.
Seymour was born and brought up in Indianapolis, Indiana, and graduated from Shortridge High School in 1964. He pursued his undergraduate studies at Lawrence University in Wisconsin, serving as the editor-in-chief of the university newspaper and assistant general manager of the radio station.
After receiving a political science degree in 1968, Seymour enlisted as a supply officer in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War.
In 1972, Seymour was discharged early from the Air Force as the war was winding down and embarked on a global adventure. The following year, he returned to the United States and enrolled in the University of California College of the Law in San Francisco. He graduated and was admitted to the California bar in 1977.
After a brief stint practicing law with his brother, Seymour embarked on a national tour of all the presidents’ graves and libraries. He then returned to California and agreed to live with a former law school peer and his wife as a handyman in their 70-year-old Piedmont home.
With a portion of his “Jeopardy!” winnings, Seymour developed a fascination with 19th-century stage performer Lola Montez, eventually publishing a comprehensive biography, “Lola Montez: A Life,” in 1996. He also wrote articles on travel and opera for various outlets.
In 2007, Seymour joined the Peace Corps and served in Ukraine until he was medically discharged due to cataracts. Subsequently, he worked for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services before retiring in 2016.
Seymour leaves behind a brother, a sister, other family members, and friends around the world who were influenced by his extraordinary life and accomplishments.