The world is paying tribute to Alex Trebek this morning. The iconic Jeopardy! host and philanthropist passed away peacefully at his home in California this morning at the age of 80. Trebek announced in March 2019 that he had been diagnosed with stage IV pancreatic cancer, noting that he would still continue to host Jeopardy! for as long as he was physically able to do so. He was able to keep up his work on the show while taking on chemotherapy that left him physically drained and, at times, depressed.
Actor, and fellow Canadian, Ryan Reynolds posted a tribute to Alex Trebek on social media. “Alex Trebek was kind enough to film a cameo for our film Free Guy last year despite his battle. He was gracious and funny. In addition to being curious, stalwart, generous, reassuring and of course, Canadian. We love you, Alex. And always will,” said Reynolds. The official Twitter account for Jeopardy! tweeted, “Jeopardy! is saddened to share that Alex Trebek passed away peacefully at home early this morning, surrounded by family and friends. Thank you, Alex.”
Rage Against the Machine guitarist Tom Morello also paid tribute to Alex Trebek this morning. “Rest In Peace, Alex Trebek. A brilliant educator and fixture of our lives for decades he made everyone who watched Jeopardy happier and smarter. Thank you,” said Morello. Fans of Trebek and the show have also been flooding social media with tributes, with many noting that the host was more like a member of the family than some talking head on the television. Trebek hosted Jeopardy from 1984 to the present, and rarely took time off, even when his health was declining.
Alex Trebek continued shooting new Jeopardy! episodes over the summer, which are now airing. Last week, Trebek received a touching tribute from contestant Burt Thakur. During the episode, Trebek asked Thakur, who is from India, “Any family members back home cheering you on?” Thakur responded, “You know, here’s a true story. I learned English because of you… My grandfather who raised me, I’m gonna get tears right now. I used to sit on his lap and watch you every day… It’s a pretty special moment. Thank you very much.” Trebek was moved by the champion’s words, as have been the millions of viewers who have seen the footage online.
In October 2019, Alex Trebek spoke about his health. He stated, “I’m not afraid of dying,” and “I’ve lived a good life, a full life, and I’m nearing the end of that life … if it happens, why should I be afraid [of] that?” Trebek was strong until the very end, though he was realistic when it came to the future of his hosting duties, noting that he would not be the one to choose his replacement. Jeopardy! will likely go on, but it will never be the same without Alex Trebek. TMZ was the first to announce that Trebek had passed away.
Alex Trebek was kind enough to film a cameo for our film Free Guy last year despite his battle. He was gracious and funny. In addition to being curious, stalwart, generous, reassuring and of course, Canadian. We love you, Alex. And always will.
— Ryan Reynolds (@VancityReynolds) November 8, 2020
Rest In Peace, Alex Trebeck. A brilliant educator and fixture of our lives for decades he made everyone who watched Jeopardy happier and smarter. Thank you. pic.twitter.com/03rVVQ70Kk
— Tom Morello (@tmorello) November 8, 2020
rip Alex Trebeck 🕊
— Chance The Rapper (@chancetherapper) November 8, 2020
“We ❤️ you, Alex!”
~ November 2019 (and all of us today)
RIP Alex Trebek pic.twitter.com/qX6x3uiEA7— Brian A. Hernandez (@BAHjournalist) November 8, 2020
Alex’s impact is immeasurable. Thank you for sharing, Burt! pic.twitter.com/XgGGwJ8GlH
— Jeopardy! (@Jeopardy) November 6, 2020
A: Alex Trebeck
Q: Who was the coolest, smartest, most gracious and gentlemanly quiz show host in television history? pic.twitter.com/G3FqGHL9QK— George Hahn (@georgehahn) November 8, 2020
RIP ALEX TREBECK
😢— MERLYN! (@merlynwood) November 8, 2020
Three times either I or one of my books has been an answer on @Jeopardy. (Ken Jennings go it right.) I never met #AlexTrebeck. My loss. He was a class act all the way. Prayers and condolences to his family. #RestInPeace
— Sandra Brown (@SandraBrown_NYT) November 8, 2020
One of our greatest family pastimes was watching #jeopardy together. Our mother passed away from pancreatic cancer- it is a monster- but I’d like to think there is a very cool club somewhere with #RBG#AlexTrebeck & Mom. https://t.co/W4drMV6pnN
— Stephanie March (@MarchStephanie) November 8, 2020
Alex Trebeck passed away today. He was greatly respected and brought a lot of joy to us over the years. He will be missed . ❤️
— Carnie Wilson (@CarnieWilson) November 8, 2020
Got to know Alex Trebek and even got to play the game @Jeopardy in @RadioCity …iconic!!! You left an incredible mark on the planet and will be missed. #RIP#alextrebeckhttps://t.co/jotCZc30V0
— Joely Fisher (@MsJoelyFisher) November 8, 2020
Alex wasn’t just the best ever at what he did. He was also a lovely and deeply decent man, and I’m grateful for every minute I got to spend with him. pic.twitter.com/CdHCcbqmp2
— Ken Jennings (@KenJennings) November 8, 2020
Part of our lives for decades, he taught us about so many things and now Alex Trebek has gone from us. Sending love to his family and friends. We will miss you, sir. Godspeed. pic.twitter.com/dn7oAXiI5h
— Nancy Sinatra (@NancySinatra) November 8, 2020
to me Alex represented a calm joy of knowledge and it’s pursuit. he had a gentlemanly demeanor and seemingly kind soul and used intelligence playfully and encouragingly. sad to see him go and hope he rests peacefully.
— el-p (@therealelp) November 8, 2020
We mourn the loss of #alextrebek -a friend, a colleague, an icon. He graced us with warmth, wit & pure elegance, which is why we welcomed him into our homes night after night, year after year.
We are deeply saddened for his wife Jean, his family & millions of Jeopardy fans.— Robert Iger (@RobertIger) November 8, 2020
I was obsessed with Jeopardy as a nerdy kid growing up in Ohio. I’ve loved and revered Alex Trebek since I can remember. What an iconic career. RIP Alex Trebek.
— John Legend (@johnlegend) November 8, 2020
We lost a hosting legend today and a real gentleman Alex Trebek. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and his Jeopardy family. pic.twitter.com/hV414az4Q5
— Chris Harrison (@chrisbharrison) November 8, 2020
Such sad news about Alex Trebek. He was an immense talent and a class act. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
— Meredith Vieira (@meredithvieira) November 8, 2020
He was a sweet, smart and graceful gentleman always and will be missed as he rests in gentle peace. Who is Alex Trebek?#RIPAlexTrebek
— jason alexander (@IJasonAlexander) November 8, 2020
alex trebek.
RIP.
We both worked out of NBC Burbank at start of our careers.
Later reminisced about our good fortune.
Classy, modest and gifted.
#@%* cancer!— Tom Brokaw (@tombrokaw) November 8, 2020
This is beautiful…
RIP Alex Trebek https://t.co/4nUGBUQGSj— Ralph Macchio (@ralphmacchio) November 8, 2020
An inspiring, strong, distinguished legend of a man.
What is Alex Trebek? #RIPpic.twitter.com/bzumNChYWq— Mario Lopez (@mariolopezviva) November 8, 2020
What is a life well lived? R.I.P. Alex Trebek. https://t.co/EnvSbVBIqk
— Bret Baier (@BretBaier) November 8, 2020
RIP Alex Trebek. A true, true gentleman and courageous hero. May flights of angels sing thee to thy rest 💛 pic.twitter.com/autbyxnlcs
— Viola Davis (@violadavis) November 8, 2020
#RIP Alex Trebek. Dammit. We had a standing date. The one man I made time for every day. You will be missed. #AlexTrebek
— Anika Noni Rose (@AnikaNoniRose) November 8, 2020
Susan and I watch Jeopardy every night and Alex Trebek was like a member of the family after so many years. 7 PM in NYC won’t be the same without him… he will be missed.
— Tony Bennett (@itstonybennett) November 8, 2020
Rest In Peace, Alex Trebek. Sending all my love, thoughts and prayers. ❤️🙏 pic.twitter.com/MaOtcgvwYb
— Ken Jeong (@kenjeong) November 8, 2020
