Alex Trebek, the long-time host of US game show Jeopardy!, has died, it has been confirmed.
The presenter died today (November 8) at the age of 80. He was diagnosed with stage IV pancreatic cancer in March 2019 and had been undergoing treatment to try and beat the disease since.
Trebek began hosting Jeopardy!, which originally ran from 1964 to 1979, when it was revived in 1984. He was nominated 31 times for the Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Game Show Host for his work, winning the trophy seven times.
During his career, he also helmed numerous other game shows, including The Wizard Of Odds, High Rollers, Battlestars, and To Tell The Truth.
According to a tweet shared by the official Jeopardy! Twitter account, Trebek “passed away peacefully at home early this morning, surrounded by family and friends”.
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
Tributes have begun to pour in for the beloved TV presenter on social media.
“Greatest host of one of the greatest shows of all time who passed away sadly after a long battle with cancer,” wrote actor Armie Hammer on Twitter. “RIP Mr. Trebek. Thank you for always being there at the end of the day to take my mind off things.”
Greatest host of one of the greatest shows of all time who passed away sadly after a long battle with cancer.
……Who was Alex Trebek?
RIP Mr. Trebek. Thank you for always being there at the end of the day to take my mind off things.
— Armie Hammer (@armiehammer) November 8, 2020
Ryan Reynolds recalled Trebek making a cameo in his film Free Guy last year, while being treated for cancer. “He was gracious and funny. In addition to being curious, stalwart, generous, reassuring and of course, Canadian,” he said. “We love you, Alex. And always will.”
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
US TV host Ryan Seacrest likened Trebek to “a family member”, saying he watched him “every night”. “I remember going to the set to watch him tape a show before I started my TV career,” he added. “He was a big influence and one of a kind. Rest In Peace, Alex.”
Alex Trebek was like a family member who I watched every night. I remember going to the set to watch him tape a show before I started my TV career. He was a big influence and one of a kind. Rest In Peace, Alex. https://t.co/B9wq95uRg4
— Ryan Seacrest (@RyanSeacrest) November 8, 2020
See more tributes to Trebek below.
rip Alex Trebeck
— Chance The Rapper (@chancetherapper) November 8, 2020
RIP Alex Trebek. He fought a tremendous and inspiring battle against an implacable foe. I met him a few times during Celebrity Jeopardy and found him as charming and enjoyable off-air as everybody knew he was on-air. Will miss him every evening.
— Harry Shearer (@theharryshearer) November 8, 2020
Couldn't we have one nice weekend? A kind gentleman whose excellence was so consistent, it was easy to take for granted. Rest well, Mr. Trebek. https://t.co/Zq7RN6kSKk
— Jimmy Kimmel (@jimmykimmel) November 8, 2020
Goodbye legend. What is…greatness. RIP #AlexTrebek pic.twitter.com/1HudkNRgzp
— Josh Gad (@joshgad) November 8, 2020
oh my god alex trebek:(
— maia (@mxmtoon) November 8, 2020
Alex Trebek hosted Jeopardy for 36 years. What an incredible career and remarkable life. I’m sending love to his family and fans.
— Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) 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
After such happy news yesterday, sad news today. RIP Alex Trebek
— Diane Warren (@Diane_Warren) November 8, 2020
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