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Unexpected Reunion on Celebrity Jeopardy!: A Special Moment for Drew Goins
Drew Goins experienced a delightful surprise during a taping of Inside Jeopardy! as part of the Jeopardy! Live Tour in Washington D.C. The former champion was one of the featured guests when Lisa Ann Walter, known for her role in Abbott Elementary, made a special appearance to send him a heartfelt message.
As executive producers Sarah Whitcomb-Foss and Michael Davies engaged Goins, a journalist hailing from Hawaii, with insightful questions about his memorable run on Jeopardy!, they unfurled a twist that none expected. Davies shared, “You’ve expressed how you felt you were competing for both yourself and Lisa Ann in the Tournament of Champions. You’ve consistently highlighted her in interviews and even sported her t-shirt. We had to arrange a surprise message for you from Lisa Ann.”
Filled with anticipation, Goins buried his face in his hands, overwhelmed by excitement and disbelief. Walter’s recorded voice echoed in the auditorium, stating, “Drew, this is Lisa. I just wanted to tell you how incredibly proud I was of your game play and your charm. Your popularity is undeniable, and I’m thrilled to witness your growth as a Jeopardy! star.”
She added with a playful note, “Just one little point of contention: the highest amount ever won in a Jeopardy! game stands at $1 million, and that was accomplished by me.” Goins was visibly shaken as he placed his hand over his heart, absorbing the affection in her words. However, the biggest surprise awaited him—when he turned around, he discovered Walter standing right behind him on stage!
“Oh my god!” he exclaimed, running his hands through his hair in utter disbelief. Walter danced joyfully on stage before embracing him. “I love you! Oh my god!” Goins expressed, still in shock.
Walter shared with the audience, “I have four kids and have organized countless surprise parties, but I have never been as excited as I am right now.” Goins, still astonished, sat down with Walter, frequently touching her shoulder in awe. He proudly revealed the shirt he wore underneath his button-down, featuring Walter’s face, prompting laughter and applause from the audience.
In a light-hearted moment, Goins mentioned how people often ask him if he and Walter are friends. “I tell them, ‘We chat on Instagram sometimes,’” he laughed. To his delight, Walter responded, “Well, we’re friends now, so you can tell them that.”
Gratefully, Goins expressed, “Thank you for making this journey. I wouldn’t be here without you.” His journey on Jeopardy! has been significant. Goins not only showcased his skills on the syndicated version of the show but also participated in the Second Chance Tournament and later in the Jeopardy! Champions Wildcard Tournament. Ultimately, he competed in the 2025 Tournament of Champions, a dream he achieved partly because Walter, who was originally set to compete, had to withdraw due to filming commitments for Abbott Elementary.
Walter explained on the podcast, “We film seven days a week and were running behind schedule due to the fires in Los Angeles, so I couldn’t participate.” Goins reached the semi-finals in the Tournament of Champions, bolstered by Walter’s support, especially after his sister contacted the actress to express their admiration for the movie The Parent Trap and his frequent display of the shirt featuring her image. Excitingly, Walter announced her return to compete in an upcoming Tournament of Champions.
Source
www.tvinsider.com