JEOPARDY! fan-favorite Drew Goins has revealed what celebrity admirers slid into his DMs after he became the breakout star of season 41. 

The Washington D.C.-based journalist went on an impressive run that took him to the Tournament of Champions and collected a growing number of fans as each week played out.

Drew’s fanbase included some big names – some of whom even took the time to slide into the contestant’s messages on social media.

When asked what names he’s a fan of who have taken the time to reach out to him, Drew revealed that he kept in touch with Abbott Elementary star Lisa Ann Walter.

“Lisa Ann and I have a little, we’ll respond to each other’s stories every once in a while now.

“She’s truly the nicest person. I love her so much,” he said

Lisa Ann, 61, and Drew’s friendship blossomed after she was originally slated to be part of the Tournament of Champions after her Celebrity Jeopardy! Win.

However, due to schedule conflicts while filming her hit ABC show, the actress had to pass up the opportunity to compete in the ToC – leaving her spot vacant for Drew.

This led to Drew’s entertaining streak continuing – which thrilled fans and resulted in the pair’s friendly online encounters.

Drew then revealed another monumental presence that made their way into his DMs – Emmy, Grammy, and Tony Award-winning composer, Marc Shaiman.

“The composer of one of my favorite Broadway performances. He composed the music for Smash, the TV show, and now Smash: The Musical.

“He followed me and he was like, ‘I’m such a fan.’ I was like, ‘You don’t understand what that means to me.

“I used your music as my pump-up songs before episodes.’ That’s been really fun,” Drew excitedly said.

Music legend Marc’s passion for Jeopardy! runs deep, and he even revealed how the trivia show is part of his ultimate life’s “dream.”

“Honestly, some days I think I’ve had enough and want to retire. I have a dream of opening a roadside diner and then going home to watch Jeopardy!

“But then I remember how much I love to get that feedback from the audience. That’s the spark that keeps me going,” Marc admitted in a 2020 interview with Sedona’s Red Rock News.

In addition to his musical idol and the Parent Trap scene stealer, Drew said that he’s made friends with some players from his other “favorite” show.

OUTWIT, OUTPLAY, OUTLAST

“It’s very funny. A few Survivor players have followed me and messaged me and been like, ‘I’ve loved watching you!’ And whatever. I’m like, ‘I love watching YOU!’”

Among the players that have reached out to Drew is season 43 standout Owen Knight – who has developed a “teeny tiny online friendship” with the Jeopardy! favorite.

He’s also messaged Ricard Foye – who had an impressive run on season 41 of Survivor and currently hosts the Drop Your Buffs podcast.

“And then I consider Drew Basile a celebrity, obviously. Then we’ve stayed in touch,” Drew said of Drew Basile – the former Survivor contestant who had a dominating eight-game Jeopardy! winning streak this season.

Drew first appeared on Jeopardy! in September 2024 and while his initial run was cut short, his bright personality and passion for the game scored him an invite to the Second Chance Tournament.

Jeopardy! Set Secrets

Jeopardy! fans don’t see everything behind the scenes from watching on TV. These hidden set features make the show run smoothly:

• Each podium has a hidden riser so that all contestants appear to be the same height.
• After each clue is read, signal lights go off around the game board, indicating players can buzz in and respond.
• Buzz in too early, and you’re locked out for .25 seconds.
• The podiums have a small white light in the lower left corner, which tells Ken Jennings who goes next.
• Contrary to popular belief, the player with control doesn’t have a buzzer advantage on the next clue.
• To the game board’s left is a scoreboard so the players can see their opponents’ scores.
• All contestants must bring three outfits to the studio, but only the host and returning champion change for the next episode.
• There are wardrobe rules, including restrictions on busy patterns, solid white, purple (like the background), and logos.
• Five episodes are taped in a single day, and sometimes more.
• The categories, players (aside from the returning champion), and Final Jeopardy! for a tape day are all drawn randomly to ensure fairness.
• Female contestants are asked not to wear makeup, which is applied backstage, and don’t wear mascara because of sweat.
• Contestants fill out a questionnaire, and producers select five Q&A topics for the host.
• Host Ken isn’t allowed to interact with the contestants until after the game.
• Players can request to sit in a chair while competing without question.

He showcased another spectacular performance – which advanced him to a coveted spot in the Champions Wildcard tournament in January.

It was there that Drew continued to win over fans with vast knowledge of various topics, endearing facial expressions, and hilarious personal stories during the Q&A portion with host Ken Jennings.

Drew then went all the way to the finals of Champions Wildcard and came in second place – seemingly just missing out on a spot in the coveted Tournament of Champions.

However, the scheduling conflict with Lisa Ann allowed him to continue on his Jeopardy! journey until it came to a halt, for now, in a game against Survivor alum Drew and Neilesh Vinjamuri – who went on to win the tournament.

Fans praised Drew as being the “most entertaining”, “sincere” and “fun” contestant the show has cast in years – in addition to having the smarts to keep up with other top players.

Drew confessed his passion for Jeopardy! is more alive than ever now and he wants to return to the famous trivia stage as he gladly will accept “anything that brings more Jeopardy!” into his life.

Currently, Drew continues to write his op-ed column for the Washington Post, as well as co-host the outlet’s Impromptu podcast which drops weekly.