Things We Saw Today: RIP Jeopardy! Host Alex Trebek

Jeopardy! host Alex Trebek has passed away at the age of 80, after a battle with pancreatic cancer. The television icon was beloved by audiences everywhere thanks to his 36 year tenure as the host of the popular trivia game show. His passing was announced via the official Jeopardy! Twitter account, which read “Jeopardy! is saddened to share that Alex Trebek passed away peacefully at home early this morning, surrounded by family and friends.”

Trebek, who announced his cancer diagnosis last year, said at the time, “I have lived a good life, a full life and I’m nearing the end of that life.” Over the course of his career, Trebek won five Daytime Emmy Awards for outstanding game show host, and in 2011 he received a Peabody Award for “encouraging, celebrating and rewarding knowledge.” In 2011, Trebek received a lifetime achievement award from the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences.

Trebek and Jeopardy! also hold the Guinness World Record for the most gameshow episodes hosted by the same presenter (same program) since June 13, 2014. Over 37 seasons, Trebek has hosted more than 8,200 episodes of the series. For many of us, Trebek was a comforting television staple, a familiar face and voice that has been with us for as long as we can remember. It feels impossible to imagine Jeopardy! without him.

The Ontario born Trebek was always a source of comfort and entertainment, and his commitment to education extended well beyond his hosting duties. Trebek sat on the boards of the National Geographic Society Education Foundation and the National Advisory Council for the Literary Volunteers of America, and participated in multiple charities and outreach programs throughout his life. He inspired a love of knowledge and trivia in several generations of viewers.

Many took to social media to remember Trebek:

Trebek’s final Jeopardy! episode will air Christmas day.

(via Variety, image: ABC)

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Chelsea Steiner

Chelsea was born and raised in New Orleans, which explains her affinity for cheesy grits and Britney Spears. An pop culture journalist since 2012, her work has appeared on Autostraddle, AfterEllen, and more. Her beats include queer popular culture, film, television, republican clownery, and the unwavering belief that 'The Long Kiss Goodnight' is the greatest movie ever made. She currently resides in sunny Los Angeles, with her husband, 2 sons, and one poorly behaved rescue dog. She is a former roller derby girl and a black belt in Judo, so she is not to be trifled with. She loves the word “Jewess” and wishes more people used it to describe her.

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