Longtime Jeopardy! host Alex Trebek has passed away from pancreatic cancer. He was 80.Jeopardy!announcedhis death and said "he passed away peacefully at home early this morning, surrounded by family and friends."
- BornGeorge Alexander Trebekon July 22nd, 1940 in Sudbury, Ontario, Canada
- Trebek got his first big game show hosting job on NBC's High Rollers which ran from '74-'76, and then again from '78-'80
- He first began hosting Jeopardy!i n 1984, and continued until his death
- He became the first person in broadcast history to host three different American game shows simultaneously in 1991, running Jeopardy!, Classic Concentration, andTo Tell the Truth
- Trebek won five Outstanding Game Show Host Emmy Awards and has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
- Suffered minor heart attacks in December 2007 and June 2012
- He is survived by wife Jean Currivan Trebek and their two children,MatthewandEmily
George Alexander Trebek was born on July 22nd, 1940 in Sudbury, Ontario, Canada. He began his television career working as a newscaster and sportscaster for CBS in the late 1960s, but quickly moved on to hosting game shows. He moved to the United States in 1973 in order to host NBC'sthe Wizard of Odds, which only lasted about a year. Despite that show's relative lack of success, he was given the chance to host the popular game show High Rollers for two years at a time, for the first time from '74-'76, then again from '78-'80.
Trebek hosted and appeared in a few unsuccessful projects following his stint onHigh Rollers, but finally got his big break when he and his iconic mustache (though he later devastated fans by shaving it off in 2001) were hired as the host of the TV quiz showJeopardy!in 1984. In 1987, he simultaneously hosted NBC'sClassic Concentration, which lasted for four years. In 1991, he became the first person in broadcast history to host three different American game shows at the same time when, in addition toJeopardy! and Classic Concentration he filled in for Lynn Swannon NBC'sTo Tell the Truth for the series's final three months.
Trebek's success was recognized over the course of his career,as he was awarded with five Outstanding Game Show Host Emmy Awards, and was immortalized with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1999.
The legendary host's physical problems began in 2007 when he suffered his first of two minor heart attacks. Though he quickly returned to hosting after both, they eventually took their toll on his overall health. He is survived by his second wifeJean Currivan Trebekwith whom he was married for over 20 years, as well as their two children,MatthewandEmily Trebek.
In March 2019, Trebek announced that he had been diagnosed with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer.
Celebrities are remembering Jeopardy! host AlexTrebek, who died Sunday at age 80.
Ryan Reynolds wrote: "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."
White Men Can't Jump co-star RosiePerez: "Very sad. #AlexTrebek fought with dignity to the very end. Will never forget filming with him #WhiteMenCantJump. He was kind and funny. When I mispronounced Mt. Vesuvius, he went right along & ad-libbed 'checking with the judges' and the rest is history. You will be missed! xoxo."
Jamie Lee Curtis: "The answer is..... THANK YOU! Alex Trebek. You were grace and guts and humor and deep love."
William Shatner: "Very sorry to hear the news about Alex Trebek. Condolences to his family."
EllenDeGeneres: "Alex Trebek hosted Jeopardy for 36 years. What an incredible career and remarkable life. I’m sending love to his family and fans."
Peter Frampton: "Rest in peace Alex Trebek. I had the honour of meeting him once. He made me feel like we’d known each other forever. So very sad. We will all miss him. Thinking of his family today."
ArmieHammer: "Greatest host of one of the greatest shows of all time who passed away sadly after a long battle with cancer.... Who was Alex Trebek? RIP Mr. Trebek. Thank you for always being there at the end of the day to take my mind off things."
JoshGad: "Goodbye legend. What is...greatness. RIP #AlexTrebek."
George Takei: "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."
Jimmy Kimmel: "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."
Fox News'Bret Baier: "What is a life well lived? R.I.P. Alex Trebek."
Mario Lopez: "An inspiring, strong, distinguished legend of a man. What is Alex Trebek? #RIP."
Nancy Sinatra: "Part of our lives for decades, he taught us about so many things and now Alex Trebek has gone from us. Sending love to his family and friends. We will miss you, sir. Godspeed."
Gene Simmons: "Alex Trebek, Rest In Peace. A wonderful, kind soul. You will be missed."