Alex Trebek has passed away 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,” said a statement shared on the show’s Twitter account Sunday. “Thank you, Alex.
Although no cause of death was immediately announced, Alex Trebek had Announced that he was fighting pancreatic cancer.
Trebek is survived by his wife, Jean, whom he married in 1990, and his three children.
Trebek’s first hosting job was on a Canadian music program called Music Hop in 1963. In 1966 he hosted a high school quiz show called Reach for the Top. From 1967 to 1970 he was a host for the CBC, introducing classical music programs including performances by Glenn Gould. For one or two seasons he hosted a weekly skating program. Starting in spring 1969, Trebek also hosted Strategy, a weekday afternoon game show. From 1971 until the end of 1972, Trebek hosted I’m Here Til 9, the local morning drive radio show on CBC Toronto.
In 1973 moved to the U.S and worked for NBC as the host of “The Wizard Of Oz” a game show in which people from the studio audience vied in a number of rounds, primarily games revolving around statistical questions.
By 1984 he was hosting Jeopardy. Over 37 seasons, Trebek hosted more than 8,200 episodes of “Jeopardy!,” the most by a presenter of any single TV game show, according to a statement from Sony Pictures.
Through out his career Alex Trebek has earned five Daytime Emmy Awards for his role as host.
In 2018 he announced retirement. His final contract would last him on the show until 2022.
Trebek’s last day in the studio was October 29, according to Sony Pictures.
“The show is not announcing plans for a new host at this time,” the statement from Sony Pictures said.
Alex Trebek and Jeopardy have left a huge staple in the 80’s baby era and beyond as we are so sure many have tried this at with Jeopardy board games being sold through many shopping outlets.
