On Nov. 8, 2020 it was announced that TV show host Alex Trebek passed away at the age of 80. Trebek was diagnosed with stage IV pancreatic cancer on March 6, 2019 and after months of treatment chose to withdraw from them.
“I’m not afraid of dying. I’ve lived a good life, a full life, and I’m nearing the end of that life. If it happens, why should I be afraid,” said Trebek in an interview with CTV.
Trebek began his career on “Jeopardy!” in the 1984 reboot of the show and prior to his death signed a contract which would allow him to remain host till 2022. In total, he hosted 37 seasons and won 7 total Daytime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Game Show Host. Trebek also made his way into the Guinness Book of World Records in 2014 for the most episodes of a TV game show hosted, coming to a total of 6,829 episodes.
Prior to “Jeopardy!,” he was the host of his high school quiz show, “Reach for the Top,” which aired in 1966. Trebek also served as the host for “The Wizard of Odds,” “Double Dare,” “High Rollers,” “Battlestars,” “Classic Concentration,” and “To Tell the Truth.”
However, his TV appearances weren’t just as a host, Trebek guest starred in season three of “The X-Files,” where he played one of the two men in black. Trebek ran the Olympic Torch in the 1996 Olympic games which were held in Jacksonville, Fla. and two years later became a naturalized citizen of the United States. Then in 2018, he moderated the governor’s debate for Pa., which was between Tom Wolf (Democrat) and Scott Wagner (Republican).
Away from the TV spotlight, Trebek owned and managed a ranch near Pasco Robles where he trained thoroughbred racehorses.
Trebek found his way into our homes and hearts for a total of 36 years and will continue to do so until Christmas Day 2020 when his final episode of “Jeopardy!” will air. His dedication to “Jeopardy!” even in his time of personal crisis will forever be remembered. #WeLoveYouAlex