Featured J!Buzz

Today, we honor and celebrate Cindy Stowell—one of Jeopardy!’s most beloved and inspiring champions—on what would have been her 50th birthday.

In 2016, Cindy embarked on a courageous six-game winning streak, qualifying for the 2017 Tournament of Champions and earning $103,803 in winnings—all while battling Stage 4 colon cancer.

On December 5, 2016, at age 41, Cindy passed away, just days before her episodes aired. Longtime host Alex Trebek shared the news with viewers at the end of Cindy’s seventh episode, noting that “appearing on our show was the fulfillment of a lifelong ambition” for Cindy.

“This is 20-plus years in the making,” Cindy told producers during her six-game winner interview. “It’s important to set goals for yourself, no matter how much time you have left, and [getting on the show] was something to strive for—something to help me keep going.”

Cindy’s tenacity not only helped her achieve her dream of becoming a Jeopardy! champion, it also gave her a way to give back. She chose to donate the majority of her winnings to cancer research.

“I want to do something that will leave the world a better place,” Cindy said. “I really would like the money that I win to be used to help others, so this seems like a good opportunity.”

Though Cindy was unable to compete in the 2017 Tournament of Champions, her fellow champions and Alex wore dark blue ribbons each day in her honor. Jeopardy! also made a $10,000 donation to the Cancer Research Institute in her name.