“It was a lot like my wedding day,” Burton says of hosting the iconic quiz show.
“It was a blur.
It all happened so fast.”
LeVar Burton on ‘Jeopardy.'.Carol Kaelson/Jeopardy Productions, Inc
Aftera nearly decade-long journeyto reach that point, the fulfillment of Burton’s long-held dream had happened remarkably quickly.
“You’ve got to be on top of it every second,” Burton says.
“It’s really challenging on every level.
LeVar Burton will serve as a guest host on ‘Jeopardy’ July 26 through July 30.Jeopardy! Productions
LEVAR BURTON:Overwhelming on so many levels.
It was really out of body.
The experience itself was alternately exhilarating and frightening and fulfilling and frustrating.
So it’s really a matter of how you pick yourself up after getting your wings singed.
It was really great to feel their support and encouragement.
Can you take us through what that day of taping was like?
As I sit here and think about it, it was a lot like my wedding day.
It was a blur.
It all happened so fast.
There are snapshots that I have throughout the course of the day, moments that I remember.
But it all went down flash-bang.
Well, I’m seeing the episodes for the first time myself now, and she was right.
I was like a deer caught in the headlights on Monday.
And I thought I settled down a little bit and got a little more comfortable on Tuesday.
My recollection is that it was a step forward and a step back.
I’d just like to go back, take a deep breath, and start all over again.
Was there anything in particular that really surprised you about the experience?
The speed at which the game moves.
I was nonetheless unprepared for the pace of the game as experienced by the host.
It’s challenging, really challenging on every level.
I see what adjustments I would want to make based on my own standard of excellence.
Have you been following viewers’ reactions to your run as host?
The idea that people are having watch parties this week to watch LeVar onJeopardyis awesome.
[Laughs] I absolutely love it.
Look, we all need something to look forward to these days.
And if I can contribute to that, God bless.
And damn it, I’ll take it.
I can’t seem to find unanimous agreement on anything in this country right now.
They callWheel of Fortune"America’s game,” but I thinkJeopardyis America’s most beloved game.
How did that manifest for you as you were hosting?
And I believe he’s right, because America hadn’t mourned.
I absolutely, unequivocally love my life.
I love being able to manifest, in real time, my heart’s desire.
I believe that’s what the human journey is really about.
And leaving behind that which doesn’t serve.
This interview has been edited and condensed for length and clarity.
