An economist from Topanga, California...

Steven Popper

Date of First Appearance:
April 1988.

Total Winnings:
I made $56,500 during my five shows (back in the days, children, when the highest amount in Double Jeopardy! was $1,000 and we all had to grind our own flour) and then whatever amount they gave in those days for being blown out of the water in the ToC semifinals (I believe $5,000).

Records:
5-time champ.

Anecdotes:
The morning I left to tape my shows I said good-bye to my six-week old son. He looked up at me and it was the first time in his life that he smiled at me.

Affect on Life:
1) I had occasion to go to CIA headquarters on business. I found that a fair number of people would look at me and say, "Have we met somewhere before?" It was a bit unnerving until I figured out how this happened.

2) An artist I had taken painting classes from in graduate school used to work on his art while watching Jeopardy! When he saw my shows, he was able to get in touch with me again by hunting down my parents. We have since become very good friends.

3) For about two weeks I got nothing done at work the first time I was on. I wised up and wrote out a long description of the ToC that I just handed out to people after it aired.

Did I do anything crazy with my winnings?
Of course not! I am a trained economist: I know that people make rational choices with their money. (You want me to get my degree yanked?)

"A winner of 5 shows in 1988, he has since founded his own company. An economist originally from Minneapolis, Minnesota, now living in Topanga, California..."

2005 Ultimate Tournament of Champions Round 1 player: $5,000.
1988 Tournament of Champions wildcard semifinalist: $5,000.
Season 4 5-time champion: $55,600.