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Sophie Altman Obituary
Altman died of heart disease Saturday at Georgetown University Medical Center, said her daughter, Nancy Altman of Bethesda, Md.
Altman was already a seasoned TV producer in 1961 when she started "It's Academic" in the Washington area. The quiz show is entering its 48th season in Washington and there are local versions in several other cities; at one point more than 20 cities had their own versions.
The show - reminiscent of the "GE College Bowl" that ran on network TV in the 1960s - tests brainy high school students on an array of subjects.
"She had the idea that it would be really nice if academic achievement had the same accolades as the heroes on the football field," Nancy Altman said. "If you got a right answer it was like you got a touchdown."
Among the competitors the show attracted were future Sens. Hillary Rodham Clinton and Charles Schumer; astronaut Timothy Creamer; Pulitzer Prize-winning writer Michael Chabon; and ABC News' George Stephanopoulos, according to Altman's family and the show's Web site.
Topics used in "It's Academic" questions changed over the years, particularly in literature, as high school reading assignments evolved.
"When we started the show, I went around and got all the books used in high school English courses," Altman told The New York Times in 1981. "Now English is quite difficult for us. They don't know the classics anymore. They don't know 'Ivanhoe,' Dickens or too much Shakespeare."
Altman continued to craft questions until she was hospitalized a few weeks ago.
"We worry over every question like a dog," she told The Washington Post in 1979.
Said her daughter: "She loved being around teenagers. She just loved the energy and the enthusiasm and that's just who she was."
Versions of "It's Academic" are running under various names in Baltimore, Charlottesville, Va., Cleveland, Phoenix, Pittsburgh and San Diego.
Copyright © 2008 The Associated Press
17 Entries
Ronna Craig
September 14, 2020
Sophie was a great boss and friend. I will always remember her kindness though I will work hard to forget her cheese sandwhiches.
M M
June 17, 2011
Sophie was a talented women. She was admired by many people. She will always be remembered. As we continue to reflect on her life may the thoughts found at John 5:28 bring comfort and peace to her family and friends.
May 18, 2010
The years may come and go, but the memories of our love ones, will live on forever in our hearts. God is for us a refuge and strength, a help that is readily to be found during distresses.
Shern Hall
May 30, 2008
As a former intern and now an employee of ITS ACADEMIC, it has been a pleasure working with Mrs. Altman. I am honored to have known and worked for such an intelligent, dedicated, strong-willed, and caring person. Mrs. Altman will be missed dearly.
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g o
May 29, 2008
condolences to the family and friends of Sophie, death is a enemy but will soon be no more. Just imagine, a Paradise earth with no more sickness and death. Isaiah 34:24 ''No resident will say I am sick.'' This is a wonderful hope,and it is not too good to be true because God always fulfills his promises.
Oleg Semkoff
May 29, 2008
I grew up watching your program in Chicago, so it was an honor working with you, at WRC, a quarter of a century later. The photo chosen by your family is perfect, since that's how I've always remembered you!
Tom Simonton
May 29, 2008
As an "almunus" of WRC-TV I know that Sophie was a great broadcast pioneer who kept to high standards in a sometimes reluctant industry. She will be missed.
michael kravitz
May 29, 2008
I was saddened to read of Mrs. Altman's passing, but it is comforting to know that her legacy at IT'S ACADEMIC lives on. As a retired teacher and IT'S ACADEMIC coach at two different Montgomery County High Schools, I remember how excited our kids would get when a taping date approached. For our players, appearing on IT'S ACADEMIC was a big deal. It gave them a chance to shine. It also prepared them for future challenges. Dozens of area players have gone on to JEOPARDY! and done very well, and for many, their first experiences at televised competition came on IT'S ACADEMIC. Mrs. Altman will be missed, but she also will be remembered.
May 29, 2008
Sophie; You were one of kind. But heaven is an open door for you and I just know you'll keep them smiling.
Harriet Morganstein
May 28, 2008
IATSE Local 833 at WJZ-TV in Baltimore mourns the passing of Sophie Altman. Mrs. Altman's professionalism, intelligence, and kindness made working with her a joy. When her daughter Susan took over her mother's duties, production standards never skipped a beat. Local 833 has always regarded the Altman family as members of our union family. She will be greatly missed.
Joe Caulfield
May 27, 2008
As a lifelong Washingtonian, I have enjoyed It's Academic for almost its entire run. For the past eight years I have had the opportunity to coach the Blake team on the show, and it has provided a wonderful experience for all of the kids who have participated. I salute Sophie's dedication to knowledge, education and young people. We will all miss her.
Gerald Greenbaum
May 27, 2008
Mrs. Altman will be greatly missed.
In an area of the country where sports are dominant she encouraged the youth of the to excell academically, to use their minds and not just their muscles in attaining greatness. She will be missed
Mark Whipple
May 27, 2008
I am only one of hundreds of high school quiz bowl coaches in the DC area whose teaching career has been transformed by Sophie Altman and her TV show "It's Academic." That program was one of the seeds from which has sprouted nationwide an entire industry of quiz bowl competition with the Washington DC area as its nucleus. Because of Sophie Altman and her creation, thousands of high school students have found a place where learning is fun and exciting and where our society can recognize and reward the extraordinary academic prowess of our brightest yound minds. Sophie herself was a constant presence in the studio tapings, and the program reflected her shrewd and gentle touch. Many of us owe her a debt of gratitude that can never be entirely grasped, much less repaid.
Douglas Tyson
May 27, 2008
As a new teacher and a new coach of it's Academic; Sophie was a major source of encouragement and knowledge. Over time she became a wonderful mentor and friend! She had a sharp mind, a quick wit, and was steadfast in her desire to always put forth a quality product. What I most admired was her warmth of personality, her spirit of giving, and her passion for making sure that ALL children deserved an excellent education and equal opportunity. She was blessed with 95 years, let's hope the rest of us can accomplish half of what she did for children in our brief lifetime.
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