Fan-favorite “Jeopardy!” winner Mattea Roach is mourning their 57-year-old father, Philip Roach, who suffered a fatal brain aneurysm this month.
He died May 2 at his home in Halifax, Nova Scotia, while Mattea, 24, filmed the ultimate episodes of the “Jeopardy! Masters” tournament, reports the Nova Scotia Buzz.
The Post reached out to Roach for comment.
“Phil’s 4 children were the best joy of his life, and he endeavored to pass all his wisdom and enthusiasm for living all the way down to them, through long lectures about local history, Trivial Pursuit beatdowns, and instruction in music and films from before their time,” reads an internet obituary.
“Phil could possibly be relied upon to boast about all his children equally, no matter the size or scope of their accomplishments. He was the proudest dad around and made this abundantly clear to anyone who would listen.”
In response to the obituary, Philip was incredibly pleased with Mattea and would host “Jeopardy!” watch parties.
“He was an especially generous host, and spent many hours in his kitchen through the years preparing elaborate multi-course meals that he would inevitably proclaim were ‘just okay.’ He was all the time incorrect about this — they were delicious,” per the obituary.
Roach often spoke highly of their dad.
During their 23-game win streak, Roach shared their want to attend a Kraftwerk concert with him — a dream that was realized in June 2022.
“Doubt anyone was that invested in my Jeopardy anecdote about going to Kraftwerk with my dad, but in case anyone was: after ten years of talking about it I’m finally going to see Kraftwerk with my dad,” tweeted Roach alongside an image of their dad.
After their streak got here to an end in May 2022, Roach took to Twitter to thank their parents for his or her support.
“My parents have been so patient with me and so encouraging of my desire to learn from day one, and I’m so grateful for the way well they handled being thrust into the highlight because of this of my time on Jeopardy,” tweeted Roach.
In an interview with CBC, Roach’s father expressed his pride.
“She was probably starting to read when she was about 3,” he explained. “Just all the time showing an interest in, not necessarily academics, but learning for the enjoyment.
“She’s been recognized as being a part of the LGBTQ community, in order that’s giving visibility and maybe inspiring kids to be who they’re, just do their best, and good things will occur,” he added.
“Jeopardy!” fans expressed their condolences online.
“Ugh that is so sad. I used to be so charmed by Matteas parents interviews during their run because they were clearly so so so proud and delighted by their child,” one fan wrote on Reddit.
“That’s awful. If he could have seen Mattea this week, he would’ve been so proud,” commented a second person.
“Sending condolences to Mattea. Hearing them discuss their dad so again and again at the rostrum, it’s clear he played an enormous role of their love of music and general curiosity,” lamented a 3rd person.
“Jeopardy! Masters,” a tournament that features notable winners of the quiz show, airs Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays in prime time on ABC.