The 31-year-old contestant, who earned the third-best total money won on the show, lost in her 21st game.
- June 3, 2014
AceShowbiz -
Julia Collins' reign on "Jeopardy!" has come to an end. The 31-year-old supply-chain specialist from Wilmette, Ill. lost during her 21st appearance on the pre-taped episode that aired Monday, June 2.
Collins went into the final round in second place, trailing behind Massachusetts investment-operations manager Brian Loughnane who led by $1,000. She bet everything but couldn't give the right answer and lost it.
In a phone interview, she said the last game "just didn't go my way." Of her achievement on the show, she said, "If it helps dispel the idea that women aren't as good 'Jeopardy!' players as men, that would be great. It's good to see women being applauded for being smart."
With 20 straight wins, Collins now holds the No. 2 spot for most consecutive wins behind Ken Jennings. She additionally becomes the winningest female contestant in the game show's history, surpassing Stephanie Jass who previously held the record with 7 wins.
Collins won a total of $428,100 during her 20 victories, becoming the third-highest money winner for non-tournament play behind Jennings and Dave Madden. She plans to use the money to finance her dream trip to Paris, where she will spend a month.
She also plans to get back into the work world after sacrificing her consulting job to join the show. She will return for the "Jeopardy!" tournament of champions next season.
