Ben Chan, the philosophy professor hailing from Wisconsin, has recently captured the spotlight with his remarkable streak on Jeopardy. Securing victory in nine consecutive games, he amassed a substantial sum of $252,600 before experiencing defeat at the hands of Lynn Di Vito on Tuesday night. While his exceptional trivia prowess has garnered widespread admiration, certain viewers have also expressed curiosity regarding his personal life, particularly his sexual orientation. So, is Ben Chan, the Jeopardy contestant, gay? Let’s explore the available information.
Ben Chan’s Relationship Status
As stated in his biography on the St. Norbert College website, Ben Chan is married to Jennifer, with whom he shares two children, a son and a daughter. Jennifer also holds a professorship at the same college, specializing in the sociology department. The pair first crossed paths while pursuing their Ph.D. degrees at UCLA. Relocating to Wisconsin in 2013, they have since established their residence there.
Ben Chan’s Connection to Aaron Rodgers
Speculation surrounding Ben Chan’s sexuality may have arisen partly due to his connection with Aaron Rodgers, the Green Bay Packers quarterback and former Jeopardy guest host. During his initial appearance on the show, Chan mentioned competing against Rodgers in a pub trivia game and emerging victorious. He also expressed his admiration for the Packers, establishing a connection to Wisconsin.
Rodgers himself has been the subject of persistent rumors regarding his sexuality over the years. Various tabloids have circulated claims suggesting he may be secretly gay or bisexual, alleging past relationships with men. However, Rodgers has consistently refuted these assertions, emphasizing his contentment with his engagement to actress Shailene Woodley.
Ben Chan’s Reaction to the Rumors
Ben Chan has chosen not to publicly address the speculations regarding his sexuality. Instead, he appears to be directing his attention towards his career and his family. Grateful for his experience on Jeopardy, he has openly expressed appreciation for the show’s staff and fellow contestants, highlighting the enjoyment and learning it brought him.
Despite narrowly missing his tenth win due to a misspelling in Final Jeopardy, Chan remains proud of his accomplishments. Reflecting on his error in spelling “Benedick” as “Benedict” in the clue related to Shakespeare’s “Much Ado About Nothing,” he attributed it to a lapse in memory and confessed unfamiliarity with the play, suggesting it was a simple mistake rather than a reflection of his knowledge.
The Bottom Line
From the information provided, it appears that Ben Chan is heterosexual, as he is married to a woman and has children. However, he has not addressed rumors about his sexuality publicly. Therefore, it is inappropriate to speculate about his personal life solely based on his appearance, knowledge, or associations. Ben Chan should be recognized and celebrated for his talent and intellect displayed on Jeopardy, rather than subjected to unfair assumptions about his private life.
