As the news hit that “Jeopardy!” host Alex Trebek passed away at age 80 from pancreatic cancer, tributes from former contestants, fans, and the entertainment world poured in.
Alex was so much more than a host. He was an impartial arbiter of truth and facts in a world that needs exactly that. He was someone you could count on to entertain you every weekday, even when his health barely allowed it. And he was an underrated rapper: pic.twitter.com/ybvp7RlvjH
— James Holzhauer (@James_Holzhauer) 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
Those interviewers knew even the greatest contestants come and go, but the greatest host is eternal. Keep wearing that title belt wherever you are now, friend. You certainly earned it. pic.twitter.com/wIpPodA9n1
— James Holzhauer (@James_Holzhauer) November 9, 2020
Fans also shared some of the host’s best moments
Many @Jeopardy contestants had a blind spot for sports and Alex Trebek dropped the gloves on them with great frequency. #RIPAlexTrebek pic.twitter.com/VrMO5NX47A
— Rich Eisen (@richeisen) November 9, 2020
Flash back to a Jeopardy contestant using his final Jeopardy to tell Alex Trebek, who had advised he had stage 4 pancreatic cancer: “We ❤️ You, Alex”. It makes him nearly break down with tears of joy. 😭 RIP #AlexTrebek #Jeopardy pic.twitter.com/Jp7f10LOIB
— Jim Genac (@Jim_Genac) November 8, 2020
Jeopardy! episode last week:
Alex Trebek: “Any family members back home cheering you on?”
Contestant Burt Thakur: “I learned English because of you. My grandfather who raised me…I used to sit on his lap and watch you every day.”pic.twitter.com/5kygDSi3fZ
— Jon Erlichman (@JonErlichman) November 8, 2020
Wheel of Fortune host Pat Sajak commented on the tremendous loss.
Alex Trebek’s courage, grace and strength inspired millions and awed those of us who knew him. A tremendous loss for his family, friends, co-workers and countless viewers. I was honored to be a friend and a part of his professional family for all these years. A very sad day.
— Pat Sajak (@patsajak) November 8, 2020
According to a press release, “Jeopardy!” episodes hosted by Trebek will air through Dec. 25, 2020. The release also shared that his last day in the studio was Oct. 29, 2020, which means he worked until only 10 days before his death.
It’s unclear how the show will move forward without Alex. “The show is not announcing plans for a new host at this time,” they said in a statement.
Fans will have a chance to see Alex in the new Ryan Reynolds’ movie Free Guy as well. Before Alex Trebek passed away he filmed a cameo in Ryan Reynolds’ film Free Guy.
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
(TODAY)