Alex Trebek, the long-running host of quiz show Jeopardy!, has died at the age of 80 following a battle with pancreatic cancer. The news was confirmed earlier today (Monday, 9th November) through Jeopardy! social media accounts.
“Jeopardy! is saddened to share that Alex Trebek passed away peacefully at home early this morning, surrounded by family and friends. Thank you, Alex,” read the brief statement.
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
In March of last year, the host had revealed he had been diagnosed with stage four pancreatic cancer. Speaking to USA Today last October, he said, “I have lived a good life, a full life and I’m nearing the end of that life.”
Born in Ontario, Canada, Trebek moved to the US in 1973 and hosted several game shows such as ‘The Wizard of Odds’ and ‘High Rollers’ before being asked by producer Merv Griffin to host a revived version of Jeopardy!.
Trebek would go on to be the face of Jeopardy! for decades, hosting over 8200 episodes across a staggering 37 seasons of the game show – his warmth, wit and charm often anchoring it. He won five Daytime Emmy Awards for the role, along with a Peabody in 2011 for “encouraging, celebrating and rewarding knowledge.”
Sony Pictures Entertainment, the current owners of Jeopardy!, have confirmed that new episodes hosted by Trebek will continue to air through the end of the year. Prior to his death, Trebek’s contract had been extended up to 2022.
Throughout his life, Trebek remained humble about his work. In a 2014 interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Trebek said, “I’m just enjoying what I’m doing, I’m happy to have a job. I like the show, I like the contestants and it pays well.”
Besides his hosting work, which also included shows like Classic Concentration, Trebek was committed to charity and philanthropic work. He regularly took part is USO Tours and worked extensively with WorldVision.
Rest in power to one of the greatest to ever do it.
