Stephen Fry has earned a reputation as a quick-thinking quiz master, impressing audiences on shows like Celebrity Mastermind, Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?, and his own QI.
Now, ahead of his return as the host of Jeopardy! in the UK, Stephen is offering his advice for aspiring game show contestants.
And it turns out, succeeding on these shows doesn’t require studying at Cambridge or boasting an extraordinary IQ!
The Importance of Staying Calm Under Pressure
While many might assume that knowledge is the key to success on game shows, Stephen argues that the psychological aspect is just as crucial.
He shared that staying calm is one of the most important factors for anyone hoping to perform well.
“It’s easy to say, but many people haven’t been on television before,” he said. “Even without an audience, nerves can still affect contestants.
They worry about their appearance, their clothes, and of course, their desire to win.”
Stephen emphasized how that underlying tension can make or break a contestant’s chances, and how essential it is to stay composed despite the excitement.
Skills Beyond Just Knowledge
As the host of Jeopardy!—which is making its fourth stint on UK screens—Stephen explained that winning is about more than just being knowledgeable.
“Being a good pub quizzer doesn’t automatically make you a good Jeopardy! contestant,” he warned. “There are specific skills you need to have to succeed.”
In particular, he highlighted the importance of reflexes and speed.
Contestants need to be “a bit Zen,” almost like athletes. “In sports, you know how to hit the ball, but if you overthink it, you’ll miss,” he explained.
“It’s the same with Jeopardy!—if you don’t know the answer, don’t buzz in.
And if you make a mistake, forget it quickly, because the next question is already coming.”
Mental Resilience and Tactical Smarts
Stephen also pointed out that, like in sports, the mental game is key. “Don’t dwell on your last mistake.
Clear your mind and focus on the next challenge,” he advised.
He also discussed the tactical side of Jeopardy!—how contestants need to carefully consider their bets, as betting poorly can end a game quickly.
“It’s a risky game, and that’s why it’s called Jeopardy!—it’s full of risks.”
A Reminiscent Stephen Fry Reflects on His University Challenge Days
Looking back at his own experiences, Stephen shared a bit of nostalgia from his time on University Challenge with Queen’s College, Cambridge, back in 1980.
Despite their impressive run to the final, they ultimately lost to Merton College, Oxford, in a nail-biting finish.
“We got more points in the three games, but they won,” he recalled, humorously adding that this is the “pathetic” thing that all losers say.
He laughed as he described how his team dominated the first round, but Merton College made a comeback and won the final with a tie-break question.
Stephen Fry’s Generosity on Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?
In January, Stephen made a return to television for a special edition of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? for charity.
This time, he played to raise money for MIND, an organization for which he serves as president.
He took home an impressive £250,000, despite being forced to tap out on a question about cover songs that entered the UK Top 40.
He admitted that while he has a wealth of knowledge, it’s not necessarily a moral or intellectual accomplishment.
“I just happen to have a sticky memory,” he confessed. “I inherited it from my parents.
My father was a physicist, and my mother has an incredible memory for poetry.”
A Sticky Memory and the Power of Liking What You Remember
Stephen shared an amusing moment about his mother’s memory, recalling how she could effortlessly recite lines of poetry she loved from school days.
He believes this “stickiness” of memory is something he inherited, though he humorously pointed out that when he tells stories, he often forgets where he first heard them.
Despite this, Stephen’s knack for remembering details and his thoughtful approach to quizzing make him a true expert in the game show world.