05/15/2026
“TO HELL WITH THE CHIPS” — Two of our alumni, W. Kamau Bell & Patton Oswalt, are smart enough to be repeat contestants on “Celebrity Jeopardy All-Stars.” In fact, Kamau won the event last year. In recognition of his achievement, he was invited directly into the semi-finals this year. This brought back memories of the key decision Anne and Jon Fox made about entering into partnership with Comedy Competition inventor, Frank Kidder.
In 1977, the Foxes had attended a Kidder workshop where Jon took a picture of the 1976 champ Bill Farley good enough to be printed in area newspapers. As they considered going partners with Kidder, the Foxes felt it vital that Farley defend his title. Farley was willing but felt he should be elevated directly into the finals.
The Foxes could live with the request but Kidder could not. “I’d rather kill it than see my creation compromised,” Kidder declared.
After much discussion with Anne, Jon called Bill and asked if the prize fund was increased from $500 to $1,000, would he compete from the beginning. To his ever lasting credit, Bill agreed.
Fifty years later, Jon wonders if he had suggested direct entry into the semis instead of the finals the way “Jeopardy” did with Kamau, would Bill & Frank have accepted such a compromise with the prize fund remaining the same. He thinks about stuff like that.
