It is with great sadness ComingSoon.net brings word (via CNN) that long-running Jeopardy! host Alex Trebek has died at the age of 80. The show’s Twitter account shared that the beloved host “passed away peacefully at home early this morning, surrounded by family and friends.”
The cause of death was not immediately announced, though Trebek revealed in March 2019 that he had been diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer, which was met with endless love and support from fans all over the world.
After working as a reporter for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, Trebek switched careers and began hosting game shows in 1966, beginning with a quiz show titled Reach for the Top followed by another a few years later called Jackpot. In 1984, Trebek was chosen by producer/host Merv Griffin to emcee Jeopardy! which was paired with Wheel of Fortune.
Trebek won six Daytime Emmy Awards for outstanding game show host, as well as the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2011. He also received the Guinness World Record in 2014 for passing Bob Barker, host of The Price is Right, for most game show episodes hosted by the same presenter. At the time, Trebek had hosted 6,829 episodes. During the announcement, Trebek said: “This is special in the fact that I’ve been around for a long time, and I’ve had the good fortune to be associated with a good program like Jeopardy!“
Trebek is survived by his wife, Jean, and their two children, Emily and Matthew.
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
Alex Trebek was kind enough to film a cameo for our film Free Guy last year despite his battle. He was gracious and funny. In addition to being curious, stalwart, generous, reassuring and of course, Canadian. We love you, Alex. And always will.
— Ryan Reynolds (@VancityReynolds) November 8, 2020
RIP Alex Trebek. A true, true gentleman and courageous hero. May flights of angels sing thee to thy rest pic.twitter.com/autbyxnlcs
— Viola Davis (@violadavis) 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
The answer is….. THANK YOU! Alex Trebek. You were grace and guts and humor and deep love.
— Jamie Lee Curtis (@jamieleecurtis) November 8, 2020
alex trebek.
RIP.
We both worked out of NBC Burbank at start of our careers.
Later reminisced about our good fortune.
Classy, modest and gifted.
#@%* cancer!— Tom Brokaw (@tombrokaw) November 8, 2020
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
I am very sad to hear that Alex Trebek has passed away. He was a tremendously nice man and we’re all going to miss him. His courage in these last years was something to see. RIP, Alex. And thank you.
— Michael McKean (@MJMcKean) November 8, 2020
I was obsessed with Jeopardy as a nerdy kid growing up in Ohio. I’ve loved and revered Alex Trebek since I can remember. What an iconic career. RIP Alex Trebek.
— John Legend (@johnlegend) November 8, 2020
This is beautiful…
RIP Alex Trebek https://t.co/4nUGBUQGSj— Ralph Macchio (@ralphmacchio) November 8, 2020
Alex Trebek, you brought us so much knowledge, both important and fun, through the years. Your final battle with cancer was heroic, and we are heartbroken that it has taken you from us. I’ll take “Great TV Personas of Our Time” for $800. The heavens have all the answers now.
— George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) November 8, 2020
Alex Trebek was like a family member who I watched every night. I remember going to the set to watch him tape a show before I started my TV career. He was a big influence and one of a kind. Rest In Peace, Alex. https://t.co/B9wq95uRg4
— Ryan Seacrest (@RyanSeacrest) November 8, 2020
Couldn’t we have one nice weekend? A kind gentleman whose excellence was so consistent, it was easy to take for granted. Rest well, Mr. Trebek. https://t.co/Zq7RN6kSKk
— Jimmy Kimmel (@jimmykimmel) November 8, 2020
A picture from one of the best days of my life. You wait your whole life to get on this show and nothing is more satisfying than buzzing in and hearing this legend call your name for a response. An amazing emcee who loved seeing contestants perform at their best. I will miss him. pic.twitter.com/rPFAmc9Rh6
— Louis Virtel (@louisvirtel) November 8, 2020
This MF year. Heartbroken. — Alex Trebek Dead at 80 After Battling Pancreatic Cancer https://t.co/tIU0rUbjDJ
— Josh Gad (@joshgad) November 8, 2020
The #Jeopardy stage is empty now and the television world will not be the same without Alex Trebek. RIP. pic.twitter.com/TmXtFBWJTu
— Marlee Matlin (@MarleeMatlin) November 8, 2020
Jeopardy is religion in my family. Alex Trebek’s reassuring and soothing voice, his intelligence and warmth – he always felt like your smartest uncle. He was family. He was a constant. He made you smile. He believed in facts and science! I’ll take Rest in Power for a 1,000, Alex. pic.twitter.com/IT6XpvIoG7
— Beau Willimon (@BeauWillimon) November 8, 2020
Susan and I watch Jeopardy every night and Alex Trebek was like a member of the family after so many years. 7 PM in NYC won’t be the same without him… he will be missed.
— Tony Bennett (@itstonybennett) November 8, 2020
#RIP Alex Trebek. Dammit. We had a standing date. The one man I made time for every day. You will be missed. #AlexTrebek
— Anika Noni Rose (@AnikaNoniRose) November 8, 2020
The only reason I went super early to the 2019 @DaytimeEmmys was in hopes of meeting Mr. Alex Trebek — it was a thrill to meet him and thank him for all the years of entertainment.. He was a gem and a gentleman.. condolences to his family and fans. #alextrebek pic.twitter.com/t8KyyTlDCR
— Loni Love (@LoniLove) November 8, 2020
We mourn the loss of #alextrebek -a friend, a colleague, an icon. He graced us with warmth, wit & pure elegance, which is why we welcomed him into our homes night after night, year after year.
We are deeply saddened for his wife Jean, his family & millions of Jeopardy fans.— Robert Iger (@RobertIger) November 8, 2020
He was a sweet, smart and graceful gentleman always and will be missed as he rests in gentle peace. Who is Alex Trebek?#RIPAlexTrebek
— jason alexander (@IJasonAlexander) November 8, 2020
RIP @Jeopardy’s Alex Trebek.
I was on Celebrity Jeopardy & was making fun of him, during rehearsal. He came from backstage and said “And Jon Lovitz, make fun of me during the show!” “Really?” “Yes! We want you to be funny! That’s why you’re here!” Very nice man. He’ll be missed.— Jon Lovitz (@realjonlovitz) November 8, 2020
Alex Trebek has been a part of my life since childhood. He was like a family friend. This is one of those losses that will take a while to accept. I’m heartbroken.
— Michelle Collins (@michcoll) November 8, 2020
(Photo by Amanda Edwards/Getty Images)
