“Jeopardy!” game show host Alex Trebek died on Sunday at the age of 80, had 4th stage pancreatic cancer. His demise was mourned by fans who called the brainy quizmaster a nightly source of information and sheer joy.
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
The Canada-born celebrity was instantly remembered by the Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau.
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
For some fans, news of Trebek’s death surpassed the world’s biggest news story – Joe Biden winning the US presidency.
“I don’t really care about election lawsuits or transition plans, I just want to dwell on how much Alex Trebek and JEOPARDY! meant to me as a small kid who turned into a trivia maniac. It was always the best game show on television by far. Nothing approached it, or him,” said a Twitter user identified as @EsotericCD.
Twenty years after “Jeopardy!” first aired in 1964, Trebek became the face of the show and turned it into a ratings powerhouse.
Trebek, who was known for engaging contestants with straight-faced but witty banter and for his scholarly demeanor and scrupulous pronunciation, hosted more than 7,000 episodes of “Jeopardy!”
Trebek won six Emmy Awards for the outstanding game-show host, most recently in 2019, and also received a Lifetime Achievement Emmy in 2011. The Hollywood Reporter said in a 2014 article that Trebek was earning $10 million a year.
