Long-standing veteran entertainer Alex Trebek, the infamous host of the popular quiz show ‘Jeopardy!’, passes away on Sunday at 80 years of age after a lengthy fight against cancer. He was the center host for “Jeopardy!” for more than three decades and was known as a charming yet strict man to personal acquaintances and fans alike.
The producers of the show ‘Jeopardy!’ confirmed the respected host’s death on Sunday. According to them, the show episodes that he hosted will air until December 25th of this year in honor of the late veteran host. Furthermore, the show producers disclosed that they didn’t have plans yet to pick a host replacement.
Many people remember Trebek as a funny and respectable veteran in the entertainment industry. As he once stated, “A good host could set his ego aside and let contestants be all they could be.” However, he is also quick to point easy answers that ‘Jeopardy!’ participants miss in the show.
Due to his fabled wit and humor, several fans have tried to test his thinking skills. For instance, a stranger went up to Trebek during his dine-in at a restaurant to challenge him several years ago. The stranger asked him a question derived from the answers to the questions he hosts on ‘Jeopardy!’
“The American flag flies here 24 hours a day, every day of the year,” the stranger started. However, Trebek noticed that the stranger was looking for an apt answer to his inquiry. Trebek wittily gave his response by phrasing a question: “What is the moon?”
According to enthusiasts, Trebek was authoritative yet humorous in hosting ‘Jeopardy!’ as millions of Americans saved their schedule to watch the show every weekend. He yells the questions with delight to the audience and announces the answers with flawless delivery.
Trebek disclosed in New York magazine that every time show contenders overlook easy answers, he speaks in a tone that meant to convey, “How can you not get this? This question is not rocket science.” Additionally, he occasionally raises an eyebrow or repeats a hint with a condescending resonance each time he commands a new game. The game runs on a strict schedule every time.
On March 6th of 2019, Trebek revealed that he got officially diagnosed with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer. According to him, he has displayed no symptoms of the disease until it spread all across his body, like many other patients’ recollections. Trebek expressed the news from the show’s set, wearing his usual fresh suit and tie as he professionally relayed the statement with no sentiment or dramatics.
Unlike other famous personalities who conceal their illnesses, Trebek was very open about his pancreatic diagnosis in the media. He also revealed that he was suffering from excruciating pain while filming some shows with Mr. Holzhauer. According to his May 2019 interview with CBS’ ‘Sunday Morning,’ his pain levels would surge “from 3 to 11” in the middle of show tapings.
“I taped the show, and then I made it to the dressing room on one occasion, just barely, before I writhed in pain and cried in pain,” declared Trebek.
After a year, Trebek gave a video update on his condition in March of this year, emphasizing that only 18 percent of pancreatic cancer patients can live longer lives. Furthermore, he admitted that the chemo sessions were almost too much.
“There were moments of great pain,” said Trebek, adding “days when certain bodily functions no longer functioned and sudden, massive attacks of the great depression that made me wonder if it was worth fighting on.” However, Trebek stressed that he would only betray his loved ones if he decides to give up, so he tries his best to battle the disease for the sake of those who are helping him to survive.
Trebek started his hosting career in 1984 after ‘Jeopardy!’ went on a hiatus. Since then, he has been the only host except on the April Fools’ Day episode in 1997 when he switched places with ‘Wheel of Fortune’ host Pat Sajak.
