If you have been around a TV in the past thirty-six years, you are no stranger to Alex Trebek, host of the game show Jeopardy!. His mustache, deep booming, yet calming voice, and all-answer-knowing qualities have drawn viewers to the show since he began hosting in 1984.
Alex Trebek History
Alex Trebek, 79, was born and raised in Ontario, Canada. He began his career in broadcasting in 1961. He has an extensive resume including hosting multiple other shows and roles in film and television. However, in much of his later work, he plays himself as the host of Jeopardy!.
Viewers enjoyed the show and his persona so much that he guest starred as himself in shows such as The Golden Girls, Cheers, Seinfeld, The Simpsons, Family Guy, and How I Met Your Mother, just to name a few.
In October 2018, Alex signed a contract to continue to host the show through 2022 after dancing with the decision to retire earlier in the year. Little did anyone know what the next year would bring for the seven time Emmy winner.
Trebek’s Announcement
March 6, 2019, Alex Trebek reported that he was diagnosed with Stage IV pancreatic cancer. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, this diagnosis carries a five year survival rate of 1%. By May, after chemotherapy, his cancer went into remission.
A sigh of relief followed by shocking results that the cancer had come back and more chemotherapy would be needed.
Alex Trebek has had health setbacks in the past yet has continued to host the show. “There are weaknesses I feel in my body but I can always suck it up when it comes to tape the show,” he said. He continued hosting the show until the Covid-19 caused production to halt for everyone’s safety, including Trebek’s.
The Guinness World Record holder is exciting to get back into the studio. The show is expecting to begin taping again in another few weeks. He credits much of his strength to his wife of 30 years, Jean and his supporters.
Alex Trebek joked back in 2019 that he will continue to host the show as long as possible, stating that his contract says he must for the next three years.
“My doctor has told me that he is counting on me celebrating two years of survivorship past the diagnosis of Stage 4 pancreatic cancer, and that two years happens in February,” the Jeopardy! host told GMA. “So I expect to be around — because he said I will be around — and I expect to be hosting the show if I am around.”
Conclusion
In life, the only certainty that we have is death. Trebek continues to fight but if his declining health prevails, what is the future of Jeopardy!? It is well known that if the show does continue to air after Alex Trebek’s reign, the next host will have quite the shoes to fill.
