The popular and much loved game show host of Jeopardy Alex Trebek who was the face of Jeopardy for over 3 decades is no more after losing his battle to stage 4 pancreatic cancer. He announced in Spring of 2019 of his diagnosis on the show. He began hosting the game show in 1984. He was well liked by viewers and fans alike for his sense of humour, wit, and personable approach with the contestants.
Jeopardy took to Twitter to break news of his demise.
Jeopardy! is saddened to share that Alex Trebek passed away peacefully at home early this morning, surrounded by family and friends. Thank you, Alex. pic.twitter.com/Yk2a90CHIM
— Jeopardy! (@Jeopardy) November 8, 2020
It wasn't just Jeopardy but Sony Pictures also shared a Twitter post in relation to the Canadian icon's passing away.
Today we lost a legend and a beloved member of the Sony Pictures family. For 37 amazing years, Alex Trebek was that comforting voice, that moment of escape and entertainment at the end of a long, hard day for millions of people around the world. pic.twitter.com/aLTb8sWWGh
— Sony Pictures (@SonyPictures) November 8, 2020
A contestant on his show Bart Thakur shed a tear as it was a surreal moment for him to see Trebek in person and he won the game show. He also credited Trebek for teaching him English.
Alex's impact is immeasurable. Thank you for sharing, Burt! pic.twitter.com/XgGGwJ8GlH
— Jeopardy! (@Jeopardy) November 6, 2020
His chemo treatments started right after his diagnosis but he made no plans to retire and kept onwards with hosting his game show with even more vigor and vitality than ever. Trebek powered through for a full year in spite of his physical suffering which he described in his own words as "massive attacks of great depression that made me wonder if it was really worth fighting on" -- but he said he had a great realization that giving up on life would be a betrayal to his wife, to the divine, and other cancer patients.
Contestants on 'Greatest of All Time' tournaments of the show such as Ken Jennings, who won that 'G.O.A.T.' shared a few tweets in relation to Trebek's passing away.
Alex wasn’t just the best ever at what he did. He was also a lovely and deeply decent man, and I’m grateful for every minute I got to spend with him. pic.twitter.com/CdHCcbqmp2
— Ken Jennings (@KenJennings) November 8, 2020
Thinking today about his family and his Jeopardy! family—which, in a way, included millions of us.
— Ken Jennings (@KenJennings) November 8, 2020
Another well liked contestant on the GOAT James Holzhauer shared a video message and along with other heartfelt messages over Twitter during his time spent with the legend.
Alex was so much more than a host. He was an impartial arbiter of truth and facts in a world that needs exactly that. He was someone you could count on to entertain you every weekday, even when his health barely allowed it. And he was an underrated rapper: pic.twitter.com/ybvp7RlvjH
— James Holzhauer (@James_Holzhauer) November 8, 2020
It was one of the great privileges of my life to spend time with this courageous man while he fought the battle of his life. You will never be replaced in our hearts, Alex. https://t.co/LLoUASRMa9
— James Holzhauer (@James_Holzhauer) November 8, 2020
Anyone wishing to honor Alex’s memory should consider a donation to his favorite charity, World Vision. https://t.co/E7MtevSAx5
— James Holzhauer (@James_Holzhauer) November 8, 2020
Nice of the Saints and Bucs to honor Alex Trebek by recreating the final score from one of my games
— James Holzhauer (@James_Holzhauer) November 9, 2020
The likes of celebrities such as William Shatner, Mindy Kaling, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and Neil deGrasse Tyson all shared their condolences and warm messages on his death via social media. Even NASA took to Twitter and shared a post on his passing away.
Very sorry to hear the news about Alex Trebek. Condolences to his family. 😞
— William Shatner (@WilliamShatner) November 8, 2020
Pancreatic cancer is a terrible illness. My heart goes out to Alex Trebek and his family. To find out more about pancreatic cancer and resources if someone you know has it, go to @PanCAN.
— Mindy Kaling (@mindykaling) November 9, 2020
We have lost an icon. Almost every night for more than three decades, Alex Trebek entertained and educated millions around the world, instilling in so many of us a love for trivia. My deepest condolences to his family, friends, and all who are mourning this tremendous loss. pic.twitter.com/XoobAfJwBv
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) November 8, 2020
And now, one last clue:
— Neil deGrasse Tyson (@neiltyson) November 8, 2020
KNOWLEDGE for $1,000
Answer:
“He nurtured a Television safe-space for smart people”
Question:
“Who was Alex Trebek (1940-2020) ?”
Farewell, patron saint of geeks. Jeopardy host since 1984 pic.twitter.com/RECC5zvFDN
We’re saddened by the passing of legendary @Jeopardy host Alex Trebek. Earlier this year, he helped us recruit the next generation of astronauts – a testament to his dedication to challenging us to expand our knowledge. pic.twitter.com/Z4vwbLy1yn
— NASA (@NASA) November 8, 2020
"Jeopardy!" says Trebek hosted episodes that will air until Christmas Day. His last day of recording in the studio was October 29. After his initial diagnosis, it was still a rollercoaster for Trebek. Even after his diagnosis he maintained his vigor, vitality, and charisma which were visible during his performance.
The game show respected Trebek immensely and ever seeked a replacement -- who was signed to host the show through 2022 -- joked, "Truth told, I have to! Because under the terms of my contract, I have to host 'Jeopardy!' for three more years!" His commitment to the game show was a two-way street. When Trebek took a brief medical leave in 2018 to have surgery for blood clots on his brain after a brutal fall, his health deteriorated and Trebek also suffered mild heart attacks in 2007 and 2012.
Trebek began his career with the well respected broadcaster CBC in 1961 announcing the news, and quickly gained fame after hosting the high school quiz show, "Reach for the Top."He also won the hearts of the US listeners in 1973 when he hosted a new NBC show called "The Wizard of Odds." That was his big break that gave him the kick start to host a variety of game shows ... including "High Rollers" with his trademark curly hair and classic 'stache and a brief fill-in gig for Chuck Woolery on "Wheel of Fortune."Then, when the "Jeopardy!" gig -- a revival of the old show -- came up, Trebek got the call. There was no stopping for him now. The show quickly garnered a lot of fame and publicity with Trebek at the helm ... dominating the evening game show biz along with 'Wheel.' Trebek-- winner of 6 Daytime Emmy Awards for outstanding game show host -- set a Guinness World record in June 2014 for most episodes (6,829) of a game show hosted.
Despite the show's massive success Trebek never saw himself as a celeb or the "star" of the show. L.A. Kings announcer Alex Faust and CNN legal analyst Laura Coates are names that have been put forward even though Jeopardy has stated that it is not looking for a host.
Trebek was born on July 22, 1940, in Ontario, Canada. He got a BA in Philosophy from the University of Ottawa but kept his eye on the dream about a career on TV. He became a U.S. citizen in 1998, but not before running the Olympic Torch in 1996 as it made its way to Atlanta. Trebek who was bestowed with the coveted Order of Canada in 2017 for his iconic achievements. He also was a philanthropist as he donated huge amounts of money to World Vision. He invested a lot in huge acres of land for wealth purposes.
His first marriage was to Elaine Kares that took place in 1974 and they divorced after 10 years. He then tied the knot again in 1990 ... this time to Jean Currivan, with whom he had 2 children. "I will miss you Alex. I will take that for $2000 dollars". He was 80 years old.
Photo courtesy of Instagram.
