Ken Jennings: From ‘Jeopardy!’ Legend to ‘Simpsons’ Voice and That Viral 1-Cent Check

Ken Jennings is a name synonymous with Jeopardy!, first as its most celebrated contestant and now as its beloved host. Yet, Jennings’ career path is far more diverse and delightfully unexpected than many fans realize. Beyond the buzzer and the clue board, this trivia titan has ventured into the world of voice acting, even lending his distinctive voice to one of television’s longest-running animated series: The Simpsons. What’s even more surprising? He’s still getting paid for it – albeit in the most minuscule way imaginable.

A Surprising Cameo: Ken Jennings in Springfield

In 2017, Ken Jennings made a memorable guest appearance in an episode of The Simpsons, where he, along with celebrity astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson, played himself. The episode saw Jennings in a rather unique role: teaching a classroom full of identical, AI-powered robots. His interaction with Homer Simpson even included a nod to his Jeopardy! roots, quipping, “Who is… glad to meet you.” The scene, filled with Jennings’ signature wit, showcased a different side of the quizmaster, demonstrating his ability to blend seamlessly into the animated world of Springfield.

The $0.01 Paycheck That Broke the Internet

Years after his animated debut, Jennings recently delighted his Instagram followers by sharing a picture of a residual check. The amount? A staggering $0.01. Yes, that’s one cent! Issued by Fox Corporation and signed by Gary L. Hauser, this tiny payment for his 2017 Simpsons appearance quickly went viral. Jennings, always one for humor, captioned the post with characteristic charm:

“Small residual checks are always funny, but I’m finally posting one because it’s $0.01! I did it! Really clinging to my current job with both hands now, because apparently my foreign residuals for a 2017 Simpsons episode are not paying the bills. Spy magazine used to send $0.13 checks to rich people to see who would actually deposit them. Answer: only two people did, a Saudi arms dealer and… Donald Trump.”

His playful jab at the meager sum and the historical anecdote about Spy magazine resonated deeply with his audience, highlighting the often-peculiar world of entertainment residuals.

Fans React: A Penny for Their Thoughts

The post quickly garnered an outpouring of reactions from fans who found the situation both hilarious and relatable. Comments flooded in, celebrating Jennings’ transparency and humor:

• One user noted the ironic timing: “On the day the last penny got manufactured as well! Good timing!”
• Another shared a personal anecdote: “One time I got a check for $0.02 from one of my father’s retirement accounts a year or 2 after he had passed away in 2011. I joked he was still giving me his two cents from beyond the grave!”
• A viewer humorously demanded more: “You should have your 2 cents worth at the very least!!!”

These responses underscore the universal appeal of such an amusing and unexpected revelation from a beloved public figure.

Beyond ‘Jeopardy!’ and ‘The Simpsons’: Jennings’ Other On-Screen Adventures

While his Simpsons cameo and the viral residual check are recent highlights, Ken Jennings’ presence on television extends far beyond Jeopardy!. His charisma and intelligence have made him a sought-after guest across various genres. According to Rotten Tomatoes, he has made notable appearances on:

• Sesame Street
• The View
• Are You Smarter Than A 5th Grader?
• Call Me Kat
• And many more, showcasing his versatility as a television personality.

From captivating audiences with his encyclopedic knowledge to charming them with a single cent paycheck, Ken Jennings continues to prove that his talents are as expansive as his trivia prowess. His journey reminds us that even the smallest contributions can lead to the biggest laughs and the most memorable stories.