Watching a Jeopardy! contestant stumped makes for good television. But when all contestants collectively fail to answer a question everyone should know, it is a huge downer.
That's what happened during the Double Jeopardy round on Thursday's episode of the popular quiz show when a single contestant was unable to recognize Dave Chappelle in a photo.
The popular stand-up comedian is a recipient of four Emmy Awards, three Grammy Awards, and the prestigious Mark Twain Prize – which is awarded to those who "had an impact on American society in ways similar to" the 19th-century American humorist.
With a slew of film credits and Netflix comedy specials making audiences howl with laughter, Chappelle has become a household name in entertainment.
So it was shocking when all three participants could not recognize the comedian after interim host Ken Jennings relayed the answer:
"This comedian displayed his drama chops in 'A Star is Born,' playing Bradley Cooper's longtime friend."
You can watch the awkward silence that followed in the clip below.
they showed a photo of Dave Chappelle on Jeopardy and nobody could come up with a response https://t.co/sgRrD5xnRJ— Mark (@Mark) 1611796467.0
In addition to being known for his early 2000's eponymous sketch comedy show, Chappelle's Show, the 47-year-old received further acclaim for his dramatic acting skills in 2018's A Star is Born – starring Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga.
The Huffington Post noted Jeopardy! made Chappelle's photo a $2,000 question, almost as if the producers expected contestants would not be able to give the correct response the first time.
It’s crazy enough that a picture of @DaveChappelle was a $2000 clue on Jeopardy tonight - what’s more incredible is no one got it right!— Anthony Amato (@Anthony Amato) 1611793268.0
Twitter users expressed their shock.
How did nobody know that was the GREAT Dave Chappelle?! #Jeopardy— Beau Dalleo (@Beau Dalleo) 1611795142.0
No one knew @DaveChappelle? I hope they all lose. #jeopardy https://t.co/725blna8by— SarahMcPants (@SarahMcPants) 1611795587.0
@tole_cover If it was just the question I could understand idk what "a star is born" is about let alone whose in it… https://t.co/SDnkEnG3EM— Cierra Hollon (@Cierra Hollon) 1611984955.0
@Jonathanstewar1 I gotta look that up😂😂 how do you not know who dave chappelle is?? That's just un-american 🤣— Eddie Mullis (@Eddie Mullis) 1611970339.0
@CarrollMack82 @sarahmcpants @DaveChappelle Perhaps the greatest sketch comedy series ever. Ahead of its time, spur… https://t.co/isWlaKNOs0— andy (@andy) 1611845853.0
@sarahmcpants @DaveChappelle They spend too much time studying for trivia shows instead of living. How does anyone… https://t.co/r0rXFk2uZK— J. Edgar #D4L (@J. Edgar #D4L) 1611845621.0
@sarahmcpants @DaveChappelle They should be put into mandatory online training and taught about comedy ffs— wen kroy 😭4😱 (@wen kroy 😭4😱) 1611798374.0
Last night's Jeopardy contestant's faces when Dave Chappelle's photo came up https://t.co/mnm0CTnYLH— Joey Rodolico (@Joey Rodolico) 1611891239.0
We're all screaming Dave Chappelle!#Jeopardy— Franny Di (@Franny Di) 1611793026.0
Chappelle himself has not commented on the blunder, but it looks like Twitter already spoke on his behalf.