Thunder Bay Twin Ron Lalonde Debuts on Jeopardy! December 3

UPDATE: Thunder Bay is buzzing as Ron Lalonde, the twin brother of former contestant Ray Lalonde, gears up for his much-anticipated Jeopardy! debut on December 3, 2023. This exciting development marks a pivotal moment for the Lalonde family, who have deep roots in the Thunder Bay community.

The episode, airing early next month, showcases Ron’s journey from Thunder Bay to the iconic Jeopardy! stage, where Ray previously triumphed, winning nearly $400,000 during his impressive 13-game streak in 2022. “My parents were big Jeopardy! fans, and we would watch that after supper, regularly,” Ray shared, reflecting on their childhood love for the show.

After watching his brother’s success, Ron decided to join the contestant pool, participating in the selection process while Ray’s fame grew. “When producers learned I had an identical twin also testing, they told me to keep trying,” Ron explained, revealing the encouragement he received from Jeopardy! producers. Three years later, he finally received his call to compete, intensifying the excitement for fans and family alike.

As Ron prepared for this significant opportunity, he turned to Ray for invaluable advice. “If you go up on stage, you’re nervous, your mouth is going to go dry, have some lozenges with you,” Ray advised, emphasizing practical tips for success. Ron even invested in a practice buzzer to hone his skills, showcasing the dedication required for such a competitive platform.

Despite his preparation, stepping onto the Jeopardy! set was more nerve-wracking than Ron anticipated. “I was surprised at how nervous I was on stage. I didn’t feel nervous in my head, but my legs would not stop shaking,” he admitted. Adding to the unique challenge of being an identical twin, Ron experienced moments of confusion with host Ken Jennings, who mistakenly referred to him as Ray during the taping.

The taping was a family affair, with Ron’s loved ones traveling to witness his moment in person. “It was nice to have the whole group down. We made a mini vacation out of it,” Ron said, highlighting the emotional significance of sharing his journey with family. Their strong connection to Thunder Bay remains, as they still have relatives in the area and often return to visit.

While Ray has stepped back from competition, stating, “I may have already had all the kicks of the candidate I’m ever going to get,” the spotlight now shines on Ron. Fans are eager to see how he fares on the show, adding another layer of pride for their hometown of Thunder Bay.

As the countdown to Ron’s episode on December 3 continues, excitement is building for Jeopardy! enthusiasts and the Lalonde family alike. Don’t miss the chance to witness this thrilling moment in trivia history!