Joel J. Kupperman

Joel Jay Kupperman (May 18, 1936 – April 8, 2020) was an American professor of philosophy at the University of Connecticut and author of *Six Myths about the Good Life*. He was best known to the general public as a young math expert on the radio and television show *Quiz Kids*. Kupperman astounded audiences with his ability to do complex mathematics rapidly and seemingly "in his head." He also had strong general knowledge, and was often the winner of the weekly competitions featured on the show. The 1944 film *Chip Off the Old Block* featured Kupperman as the "Quiz Kid." Kupperman received his bachelor's and master's degrees at the University of Chicago and his Ph.D. in Philosophy from the University of Cambridge. He started teaching at the University of Connecticut in 1960 and was made a full professor in 1972. He was married to historian Karen Ordahl Kupperman and they had two children. Kupperman died from complications of COVID-19 in Brooklyn, New York.