Alex Trebek, via Jeopardy’s Facebook page
Alex Trebek, the popular host of the TV game show Jeopardy! died Sunday (November 8). The news of his passing at age 80 was announced by the TV series.
In a Facebook post just after 12:30 p.m. ET, the brief announcement said, “Jeopardy! is saddened to share that Alex Trebek passed away peacefully at home early this morning, surrounded by family and friends. Thank you, Alex.”
Trebek had taped his final episodes of the popular game show less than two weeks before his death. The program paid tribute to him on Nov. 9, the first episode that aired following his passing.
Trebek, born July 22, 1940, announced in 2019 that he had been diagnosed with stage IV pancreatic cancer. On an episode of the program that aired on Nov. 11, 2019, a contestant offered a heartfelt tribute to the beloved game show host. The hashtag #WeLoveYouAlex began trending immediately.
Upon learning of Trebek’s passing, Jeopardy! champion Ken Jennings wrote, “Thinking today about his family and his Jeopardy! family–which, in a way, included millions of us.”
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
Trebek has hosted Jeopardy! since the series’ syndicated debut in 1984 and became one of television’s most enduring and iconic figures, engaging millions of viewers worldwide with his impeccable delivery of “answers and questions.”
Watch a clip from Trebek’s very first appearance on the program
In a video statement in 2019, he said: “Just like 50,000 other people in the United States each year, this week I was diagnosed with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer. Now normally the prognosis for this is not encouraging. But I’m going to fight this. And I’m going to keep working, and with the love and support of my family and friends, and with the help of your prayers also, I plan to beat the low survival rate statistics for this disease.”
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He won six Daytime Emmy® awards for Outstanding Game Show Host as well as a Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. He holds a Guinness World Records™ record for Most Game Show Episodes Hosted by the Same Presenter; he has hosted nearly 8,000 episodes of Jeopardy (and counting). In 2013, he was named a member of the Broadcasting & Cable Hall of Fame, and in 2018, he and Jeopardy were inducted into the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) Broadcasting Hall of Fame. Trebek and Jeopardy received a 2011 Peabody Award for “encouraging, celebrating and rewarding knowledge.”
Related: SNL‘s Jeopardy parody sketch
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1 Comment so far
Jump into a conversationFor the past 30 years we’ve watched Jeopardy every night possible for fun, family competition and to educate ourselves. As a result, Alex became part of our family along with many other families, I’m sure. Alex was a well educated man who was soft spoken, humble and just a pure gentleman. He was not trippin’ on his celebrity. He was down to earth which made it easy to invite him into our homes every night. IMO, Alex Trebek was the classiest celebrity on TV and even a few movies. No one will come near to filling his shoes when the new season begins. I wouldn’t want to be the man that follows Alex but someone will, maybe Ken Jennings, the Jeopardy champion. Mr. Trebek, May you Rest In Peace knowing that you made us all a bit smarter and made us laugh with your quick wit. You were truly the classiest host on TV and you will be sorely missed….