It is truly a sad day for trivia and game show fans. Beloved Jeopardy host Alex Trebek died earlier this morning at the age of 80.
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
The news was announced today via Jeopardy’s official Twitter. Trebek has hosted 37 seasons of Jeopardy, starting in 1984. In March of 2019, he was diagnosed with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer, a highly deadly disease. Still, after undergoing treatment, Trebek returned to host the latest season of the show. He holds the record for most game show episodes hosted by the same person, and throughout his career has won 8 Emmys, including a lifetime achievement award.
New episodes featuring him as host will air through Christmas 2020. At this time, Sony Pictures is not announcing plans to find or hire a new host.
The outpouring of support has been tremendous, with messages spreading across the Internet honoring the late host:
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
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
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
https://twitter.com/beatonna/status/1325497993756368896
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
My heart is so sad over the passing of the classiest game show host of all time!!! His style was real to me …… condolences to his entire family and fans #AlexTrebek pic.twitter.com/3zMFAmpAXT
— Steve Harvey (@IAmSteveHarvey) November 8, 2020
On a personal note, I am deeply saddened by this news. Jeopardy is on every night at my house, where we battle it out in every Final Jeopardy round. He’s been the host of the show all my life, and thinking about how he won’t be there in 2021 is deeply tragic. I cried when I heard the new that he had developed pancreatic cancer, because I know how deadly and difficult a disease it can be. Alex Trebek took the diagnosis and worked hard to fight every step of the way, and continued to be a beacon of hope and good will right until the very end. He is a legend, and will never be forgotten.
Trebek is survived by his wife Jean and his three children.
