Jeopardy! host Alex Trebek dies at 80
Posted November 8, 2020 9:32 am.
Last Updated November 9, 2020 8:57 am.
LOS ANGELAS (NEWS 1130) — Alex Trebek died at the age of 80 in his California home surrounded by friends and family early Sunday morning.
Jeopardy! confirmed his passing, and thanked the beloved game-show host who had been a welcomed guest in the living rooms of many for decades.
“Jeopardy! is saddened to share that Alex Trebek passed away peacefully at home early this morning, surrounded by family and friends. Thank you, Alex,” reads the tweet.
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
He had been diagnosed with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer last year. He acknowledged the survival rate was low but vowed to “fight this” and “keep working.”
His bravery was acknowledged by many, including some contestants. One man wrote, “We Love You, Alex,” in his final Jeopardy answer shortly after Trebek revealed his cancer diagnosis.
“What is We love you, Alex?” https://t.co/jyUr3uFd5R
— John Ackermann (@jackermann) November 8, 2020
The long-time game show host had undergone treatment while continuing to host Jeopardy!, as he had for more than 30 years.
Trebek was born in Sudbury, Ontario July 22, 1940. He worked for the CBC before taking his career to the U.S., where he hosted a variety of programs for NBC, including the short-lived game show “Pitfall,” which was filmed in Vancouver.
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It was in 1984 that he landed the job that would make him the legendary game show host.
Trebek rose to fame on Jeopardy, filming more than 8,000 episodes of the show.
He won seven Outstanding Game Show Host Emmy Award and received stars on both the Canadian and Hollywood walks of fame.
Trebek was named an officer of the Order of Canada in 2017.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau offered condolences on Twitter, saying “We have lost an icon.”
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
“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,” Trudeau writes.
In July, Trebek said if the cancer treatment he was undergoing didn’t work, he would probably stop pursuing medical intervention. In his memoir, “The Answer Is…Reflections on My Life,” Trebek wrote that “quality of life was an important consideration” in the decision.
-With files from the Canadian Press
