Alex Trebek receives a moving tribute on the first aired episode of Jeopardy! after his passing. Trebek’s impeccable hosting skills graced the trivia game show for 37 seasons and more than 8,200 episodes. Winner of six Emmys for Outstanding Game Show Host, Trebek is one of the most recognized television personalities of all time. Hailed as an icon, Trebek has appeared, as himself, in a slew of TV shows including, Orange is the New Black, Jack Ryan, The X-Files, and The Golden Girls.
Last year, Trebek shocked the nation when he revealed that he’d been diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer. The survival rate for this particular strand of cancer is nine percent - the highest mortality rate of all cancers. Unrelentingly, Trebek continued his Jeopardy! hosting duties and helmed the successful Jeopardy!: The Greatest of All Time tournament. Earlier this year, Trebek offered a one-year update on his cancer battle and toted his iconic professionalism when he revealed his final 30 seconds of Jeopardy! was already rehearsed. On November 8, Trebek passed away peacefully at the age of 80. Now, the trivia show has honored the late host.
Per THR, Monday’s episode of Jeopardy! paid a touching tribute to Trebek. Opening the taped episode, executive producer Mike Richards stood on the show’s set to speak on Trebek. “He loved this show and everything it stood for. In fact, he filmed his final episodes less than two weeks ago," Richards said. Signing off his address to the audience, Richards stated, “On behalf of everyone, thank you for everything Alex,” and the camera revealed an empty Jeopardy! stage and aired a moment of silence.
As it stands, Trebek’s final 35 episodes will air through Christmas Day, in honor of Trebek’s request. Following the news of his death, Trebek has received countless tributes from celebrities around the world. Of course, Trebek continued to remain positive in his final days and even commented on his future memorial service. “One thing they’re not going to say at my funeral, as part of a eulogy is: ‘He was taken from us too soon,'” Trebek once said.
Deemed far more than a game show host, Trebek has had a profound impact on audience members, contestants, and fans. The host's dignified, pointed, and kind-hearted appearance is why so many have welcomed him into their homes. It’s still unclear about who will fill his large shoes as the new host of Jeopardy!, but it is a relief to fans that Trebek’s memory lives on behind the podium. Overall, Alex Trebek of Jeopardy! will always be the beloved host of America’s favorite game show.
Source: THR