SAYREVILLE – A Sayreville native has fulfilled her lifelong dream of appearing on the game show “Jeopardy!” as a contestant in an upcoming episode.
Kate Timpson O’Connor, a graduate of Sayreville War Memorial High School, and the daughter of Gary and Catherine Timpson, will be seen competing on “Jeopardy!” in an episode that will air on Dec. 18. Her appearance will mark her first on a game show.
“Once you appear on ‘Jeopardy!’ you are prohibited from trying out or appearing again, unless they invite you back, like for a Tournament of Champions,” she said.
Currently living in Florence Township with her husband John and children Anna and John, O’Connor studied biology at the College of New Jersey and has been employed by Halberstadt Insurance Services of Princeton since 2010. Now scheduled to become a contestant on “Jeopardy!”, O’Connor has fulfilled a longtime goal of hers.
“I have watched the show since I was a little girl, and always said I wanted to try to get on,” O’Connor said. “I am 33 and it is kind of amazing to have such a big bucket list item for me already completed.”
She noted that auditioning for the show has become easier over the years.
“There are online tests now, so you can take the online test in the comfort of your own home,” she said. “Of course, these tests are timed and only given at certain times of the year, but it is still easier than how it was when the show first started. You had to go to where they had casting calls, which may or may not have been convenient for would-be players.”
As her appearance was already filmed, O’Connor also reflected on her time during the game show and found that she was able to handle the questions she faced.
“I am the queen of seemingly useless facts, and have a great memory,” O’Connor said. “Both of those came in super handy on my appearance. For instance, a friend of mine and his wife had their wedding reception at a historic home in Maryland. An item relating to the original owner of the home came up in a question on ‘Jeopardy!’ and I answered it correctly. Without attending their wedding, and learning about the home, it’s possible I would have missed out.”
For anyone interested in appearing on “Jeopardy!”, O’Connor recommends auditioning.
“It doesn’t hurt to try out, if you want to get on, and read and learn wherever you can,” she said.
“Jeopardy!” airs weekdays on ABC at 7 p.m.
