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 final episodes of the “Jeopardy! Masters” tournament, reports the Nova Scotia Buzz.
The Post reached out to Roach for comment.
“Phil’s four children were the greatest joy of his life, and he endeavored to pass all his wisdom and enthusiasm for living down to them, through long lectures about local history, Trivial Pursuit beatdowns, and instruction in music and movies from before their time,” reads an online obituary.
“Phil could be relied upon to boast about all his children equally, regardless of the scale or scope of their accomplishments. He was the proudest dad around and made this abundantly clear to anyone who would listen.”
According to the obituary, Philip was incredibly proud of Mattea and would host “Jeopardy!” watch parties.
“He was an especially generous host, and spent many hours in his kitchen over the years preparing elaborate multi-course meals that he would inevitably proclaim were ‘just okay.’ He was always wrong about this — they were delicious,” per the obituary.
Roach often spoke highly of their dad.
During their 23-game win streak, Roach shared their wish 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 am finally going to see Kraftwerk with my dad,” tweeted Roach alongside a picture of their dad.
After their streak came to an end in May 2022, Roach took to Twitter to thank their parents for their 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 how well they dealt with being thrust into the spotlight as a result of my time on Jeopardy,” tweeted Roach.
In an interview with CBC, Roach’s father expressed his pride.
“She was probably beginning to read when she was about 3,” he explained. “Just always showing an interest in, not necessarily academics, but learning for the joy.
“She’s been recognized as being part of the LGBTQ community, so that’s giving visibility and perhaps inspiring kids to be who they are, just do their best, and good things will happen,” he added.
“Jeopardy!” fans expressed their condolences online.
“Ugh this is so sad. I was 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 talk about their dad so many times at the podium, it’s clear he played a huge role in their love of music and general curiosity,” lamented a third person.
“Jeopardy! Masters,” a tournament that features notable winners of the quiz show, airs Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays in prime time on ABC.
