A lot of us have grown up or have at least watched “Jeopardy!”, the game show that lets contestants answer trivia questions in the form of a question.
Known for his soothing voice and humor, Alex Trebek was the longtime host commonly associated with the game show. And unfortunately, he passed away on Sunday following his battle with cancer. He was 80 at that time.
The official “Jeopardy!” Twitter account confirmed the news, saying that he “passed away peacefully at home, 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
According to a report from NBC News, “Jeopardy!” executive producer Mike Richards said that Trebek’s passing was an “enormous loss for the show’s crew.” He added that it was an incredible honor to work beside Trebek, as he continued to work on the show despite his diagnoses and cancer treatments. He even shared emotional moments with fans and contestants during those times and even before then.
“His belief in the importance of the show and his willingness to push himself to perform at the highest level was the most inspiring demonstration of courage I have ever seen,” Richards said. “His constant desire to learn, his kindness, and his professionalism will be with all of us forever.”
Photo from Jeopardy’s Official Twitter account
Last year, Trebek has already announced to fans on the show that he had been diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer. In a video posted on YouTube, he said that he’ll try to finish out the season, to which he received overwhelming support from fans.
“Hi everyone, I just want to take a few moments to say thanks to the — believe it or not — hundreds of thousands of people who have sent in tweets, texts, emails, cards, and letters wishing me well following my recent health announcement,” Trebek said.
“Now obviously, I won’t be able to respond to all of you individually but I did want you to know that I do read everything I receive and I am thankful for the kind words, the prayers, and the advice you have offered, and I’m extremely touched by the warmth you have expressed in your comments to me.”
“I’m a lucky guy,” he added.
Photo from Sony Pictures Television
Through the social media accounts of “Jeopardy!”, Trebek would periodically give updates to fans about his treatment. However, an interview with the New York Times last July showed that the disease was taking a toll on him. Trebek also added that if his treatment didn’t work at that time, he planned on stopping it altogether.
“Yesterday morning my wife came to me and said, ‘How are you feeling?’ And I said, ‘I feel like I want to die.’ It was that bad. There comes a time where you have to make a decision as to whether you want to continue with such a low quality of life, or whether you want to just ease yourself into the next level. It doesn’t bother me in the least,” he said in the interview.
A few days earlier, he told fans that his treatment was going well and that he can hopefully film new episodes of “Jeopardy!” again. According to Trebek, his “numbers are good” and that he was feeling great.”
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