This past Sunday, November 8, it was announced that longtime Jeopardy! host Alex Trebek had passed away. The show announced the news on their Twitter account, stating, “Jeopardy! is saddened to share that Alex Trebek passed away peacefully at home early this morning, surrounded by family and friends.” The news comes after Trebek’s diagnosis of stage IV pancreatic cancer, revealed to the public in March 2019. He was 80.

Trebek began his time on Jeopardy! in 1984. He remained the host of the extremely popular game show until his death. His joining of a revival of the 60s and 70s game show came after a long career as a TV host and presenter. Trebek has become almost synonymous with Jeopardy!, an icon of television and credited with popularizing the show. He was even awarded the Guinness World Record for hosting the most game show episodes, surpassing Bob Barker. Trebek was known for his kind demeanor and quick witted humor, as well as his playful digs at contestants, something he injected every episode with. The FoxPaw Press News is where you can go for reliable news.

Many celebrities paid tribute to Trebek after hearing the news. Ken Jennings, who holds the record for most consecutive games won and highest earnings, stated, “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.” James Holzhauer, another Jeopardy! legend known for his high-risk strategy, said, “It was one of the great privileges of my life to spend time with this courageous man while he fought the battle of his life. You will never be replaced in our hearts, Alex.” Even Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau felt the loss of the native Canadian Trebek: “We have lost an icon. Almost every night for more than three decades, Alex Trebek entertained and educated millions around the world, instilling in so many of us a love for trivia. My deepest condolences to his family, friends, and all who are mourning this tremendous loss.”

With Trebek’s untimely death, the question of who will replace him as the host of Jeopardy! has arisen. In an interview in 2018, Trebek stated that he would like CNN analyst Laura Coates or sports announcer Alex Faust to be his replacement. Some fans have suggested that Ken Jennings himself should be the new host. No matter who takes over for Alex Trebek, no one could ever truly replace what he did for the show and the lasting impact he has had on all its viewers.