Towson Professor Competing On ‘Jeopardy’

Press release from Towson University: The goal was simultaneously complicated and simple for biology professor emeritus Barry Margulies: He wanted to be a contestant on the beloved, television game show “Jeopardy.”

Margulies, 55, took part in a potpourri of online, 60-question tests over the years,
only once getting to do an in-person tryout in Washington, D.C.

“I’ve lost count how many times I took the test,” the avid “Jeopardy” watcher recently,

During the Summer of 2021, Margulies took the online test and was invited to D.C.
for his second in-person tryout. He then did an online interview later that fall and
was eventually told in December that the show had a spot for him.

“I do seriously think there’s a significant amount of luck involved,” he said of eventually making the show. “Your spot on the podium is randomly chosen.”

Margulies recorded his episode in April of this year at the show’s Culver City, CA,
studio and his appearance will air during the week of June 13-17. Per an agreement
with producers, Margulies is not allowed to disclose when his show or shows will air
nor his level of success.

“The whole thing was a bucket list experience,” he said. “It was more about drinking
it in than being awestruck by any particular aspect of it. I can’t tell you much I
enjoyed the whole thing. It was like going on stage with a bunch of friends.”

Margulies kept that same approach when the classic “Final Jeopardy” round, complete with darkened lights and the trademark “thinking” music, arrived.

“Much of that is for dramatic effect for the audience,” Margulies said. “When they
show the final category, you do some math and figure out how much you’re going to
bet. It’s still incredibly iconic.”

Margulies said interim host, actress and neuroscientist, Mayim Bialik “was very down
to earth and personable. She really did a lot to make us feel comfortable. She did
an excellent job.”

This isn’t the first time Margulies has been on a game show. He appeared Comedy Central’s “Win Ben Stein’s Money” in 2000 and would be open to competing on others.

Margulies said the best preparation for tv shows came from the classroom. He retired
from TU at the conclusion of the 2021 Fall Semester and identified himself as a professor emeritus on the show.

“I was more nervous on the first day I taught at Towson,” said Margulies. “I was awed.
I thought, ‘what was I saying that was so important that they were writing down copious notes? That’s the thing about teaching. You do your job. I had to be on. That was a daily thing.”

To see what time and channel "Jeopardy" airs in your market, visit the "Jeopardy" watch page.

This press release was produced by Towson University. The views expressed here are the author’s own.