Herbert Stempel, whistleblower in quiz show scandals, dies at 93

[mahatmakanejeeves]

ENTERTAINMENT
Herbert Stempel, whistleblower in quiz show scandals, dies at 93
By Dave McNary, VarietyJune 1, 2020 | 11:16am



Herbert StempelRobert W. Kelle[link:https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/31/us/herbert-stempel-dead.html|y/The LIFE Picture Collection via Getty Images

Herbert Stempel, the contestant on NBC’s “Twenty-One” who helped uncover the quiz show rigging scandals of the 1950s, died on April 7 at the age of 93.

His death, which had not been publicly announced, was confirmed by a former stepdaughter, Bobra Fyne, according to the New York Times. Stempel was portrayed by John Turturro in the 1994 drama “Quiz Show,” directed by Robert Redford.

Stempel was born in the Bronx on Dec. 19, 1926, the son of Solomon and Mary Stempel. He was a gifted student with a prodigious memory. As a child, he represented P.S. 6 on the radio show “Americana Quiz,” and remained undefeated for weeks. He attended Bronx High School of Science and scored at genius level on an I.Q. test. Stempel worked for the post office, served in the U.S. Army from 1946 to 1952 and enrolled at City College under the G.I. Bill.

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[brooklynite]

1. I never understood what the "scandal" was...

As long as the contestants were in on the game, I don't see how anyone else could claim damages.

[edbermac]

2. Quiz Show was a pretty good movie.