Alex Trebek Host Of Jeopardy Dead At 80

There is sad news to report in the Hollywood world of celebrity news today, Jeopardy host Alex Trebek has died at the age of 80.

A Jeopardy! spokesperson told TMZ, “Jeopardy is saddened to share that Alex Trebek passed away peacefully at home early this morning, surrounded by family and friends.”

The television legend, Alex Trebek died Sunday at his home following a March 2019 announcement that he had stage 4 pancreatic cancer. He began chemotherapy immediately following the diagnosis and continued to host his signature show which is in its 37th season. In early 2020 he shot the historic ‘Greatest of All Time’ tournament which was shown on primetime.

Trebek noted that the odds of surviving a second year with pancreatic cancer were only 7% percent but the optimist hoped he would be among that select group; sadly his condition took a turn for the worse.

He was able to get through a full year following the diagnosis but shared that he often felt, “massive attacks of the great depression that made me wonder if it was really worth fighting on.

Jeopardy! host Alex Trebek is dead at the age of 80

Trebek shared that giving up on life would be a betrayal to his wife, God, and other cancer patients and he soldiered on.

Trebek was signed on to host the show through 2022 and he joked, “Truth told, I have to! Because under the terms of my contract, I have to host ‘Jeopardy!’ for three more years!”

In a July 2020 interview with Good Morning America, Trebek stated that he would not, “go to any extraordinary measures to ensure my survival. If the quality of life is not there, it’s hard sometimes to push and just say, ‘Well, I’m going to keep going, even though I’m miserable.’”

Alex Trebek hosted the Jeopardy! Gameshow ‘Greatest of All Time’ tournament this year

Two months after he announced he had cancer, Trebek announced his tumors had shrunk more than 50%, a wonderful sign, but then his numbers declined necessitating another round of chemotherapy.

Throughout his battle, the witty and kind host remained positive and shared regular health updates with fans.

Trebek began his career on the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation in 1961 as a news announcer. From there he hosted the high school quiz show, “Reach for the Top” and his game show hosting career was launched.

American audiences met the intellectual giant in 1973 when he hosted a brand new NBC show called “The Wizard of Odds.” From there, his career led him to host several game shows including “High Rollers” before settling in as the ubiquitous host of the rival of the game show “Jeopardy!”

RIP Alex Trebek!