‘Jeopardy!’ host Alex Trebek dies

Longtime “Jeopardy!” host Alex Trebek died at the age of 80 on Sunday morning, more than a year after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, the show confirmed.
“Jeopardy! is saddened to share that Alex Trebek passed away peacefully at home early this morning, surrounded by family and friends. Thank you, Alex,” the show tweeted on Sunday morning.
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
Trebek, who hosted the classic game show for nearly four decades, first announced on-air in March 2019 that he had been diagnosed with stage IV pancreatic cancer.
“Just like 50,000 other people in the United States each year, this week I was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer,” Trebek said at the time.
He received overwhelming support from fans and lawmakers following the revelation. The CIA had also tweeted a message in support of the host, writing: “Q: This game show host visited CIA HQs & won the hearts of CIA’s workforce. A: Who is Alex Trebek?”
Trebek continued to film episodes for the game show while undergoing treatment for the cancer, and he returned to host show’s 36th season during the summer last year.
“I’m happy to report I’m still here,” he said at the time.
According to Variety, Sony, which owns “Jeopardy,” said episodes of the show hosted by Trebek will stay on air through Christmas.
Tony Vinciquerra, Chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures Entertainment, called Trebek a “legend and a beloved member of the Sony Pictures family” in a statement to the outlet.
“For 37 amazing years, Alex was that comforting voice, that moment of escape and entertainment at the end of a long, hard day for millions of people around the world. He was the heart and soul of ‘Jeopardy!’ and he will be deeply missed by everyone who made him part of their lives,” he said.
The late host’s name has also surged to the top of Twitter’s list of trending items as a number of fans and celebrities take to social media to mourn the star.
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