On March 7, 2019, one of the greatest humans of our generation announced he had stage 4 pancreatic cancer, which is extremely serious, and almost certainly terminal. That man passed away just two days ago (at the time of writing). His name was Alex Trebek -- Declan McMahon, 8th grade
On March 7, 2019, one of the greatest humans of our generation announced he had stage 4 pancreatic cancer, which is extremely serious, and almost certainly terminal. That man passed away just two days ago (at the time of writing). His name was Alex Trebek.
Alex Trebek was born in Sudbury, Ontario, Canada in 1940. From a young age, he was interested in education, graduating from the University of Ottawa with a philosophy degree in 1961, where he was also a member of the English Debating Society
During his time at university, Trebek was a broadcaster for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. He progressed quickly through the CBC’s ranks to reading the national news and covering special events like horse racing and curling. Trebek himself was once quoted as saying “I went to school in the mornings and worked at nights; I did everything, at one time replacing every announcer in every possible job.”
He hosted his first TV show just two years after graduating, a musical program called Music Hop, and then his first quiz show, Reach for the Top. Over the next ten years, he hosted a series of game shows, including NBC’s Wizard of Odds, and perhaps his second most known quiz show, High Rollers. He also hosted CBS’s failed game show, Double Dare, and a show in Toronto, The 128,000 Question.
After a few more failed game shows (and some that didn’t even get past their pilot), Trebek shot a pilot of a revamped Jeopardy! in 1984 after the previous host, Art Fleming, left. Everybody loved this revamped Jeopardy!, and it aired until his death in 2020.
Alex touched many people’s hearts, not the least of which was Burt Thakur, a Navy veteran, and J! champion who watched Jeopardy! every day from his grandfather’s lap, learning English from the TV. Thakur told this story after winning the show.
Alex Trebek was born in Sudbury, Ontario, Canada in 1940. From a young age, he was interested in education, graduating from the University of Ottawa with a philosophy degree in 1961, where he was also a member of the English Debating Society
During his time at university, Trebek was a broadcaster for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. He progressed quickly through the CBC’s ranks to reading the national news and covering special events like horse racing and curling. Trebek himself was once quoted as saying “I went to school in the mornings and worked at nights; I did everything, at one time replacing every announcer in every possible job.”
He hosted his first TV show just two years after graduating, a musical program called Music Hop, and then his first quiz show, Reach for the Top. Over the next ten years, he hosted a series of game shows, including NBC’s Wizard of Odds, and perhaps his second most known quiz show, High Rollers. He also hosted CBS’s failed game show, Double Dare, and a show in Toronto, The 128,000 Question.
After a few more failed game shows (and some that didn’t even get past their pilot), Trebek shot a pilot of a revamped Jeopardy! in 1984 after the previous host, Art Fleming, left. Everybody loved this revamped Jeopardy!, and it aired until his death in 2020.
Alex touched many people’s hearts, not the least of which was Burt Thakur, a Navy veteran, and J! champion who watched Jeopardy! every day from his grandfather’s lap, learning English from the TV. Thakur told this story after winning the show.
Another person who loved Alex Trebek was Dhruv Gaur, who wagered $1995 out of his $2000 on Final Jeopardy, only to end up writing ‘We [Love] You Alex,’ after his cancer diagnosis which sent Trebek to the verge of tears. You can see the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-McR3sBWNRA
His death has had many people thinking and reflecting on his life, how strong he was, and how he’s affected them.
“Because of their recent deaths from the same horrible illness (pancreatic cancer), I can't help but think of the similarities between Alex Trebek and Ruth Bader Ginsburg,” said Amelia Whitcomb, a middle school teacher at Oakland School for the Arts. “Although they clearly worked in very different fields and played very different roles in our lives, both of them worked so hard to overcome their illnesses and put the people that they served far above their own wellbeing. They both held on for as long as they could in the face of their own pain and illness, which is so inspiring. Alex Trebek may not have played such a clear role in the betterment of our society as Ruth Bader Ginsburg did, but his encouragement of learning and intellectual curiosity, and the humanity he brought to hosting Jeopardy made such an impact. He was a true icon, someone I grew up with, and his death along with Ruth Bader Ginsburg's and so many others feels like an end of an era in a way.”
“[Trebek] is certainly been someone I can brag about for many years, but he was very supportive and kind while I was on. The way he would introduce the contestants with little bits of trivia about them is always such an interesting part of the show, but to be in that moment and have him know something about you, validate it and ask more about it was just so charming and as a young person, made me feel seen,” says Katie Orphan, a former College Jeopardy! Tournament Competitor.
“[Trebek] was very nice to us, the contestants, even when we ran into him off stage. He also would take questions from the audience during the commercial breaks. He got a lot of the same questions over and over (many of them about Celebrity Jeopardy! on SNL), and yet was funny, gracious, and thoughtful every time he replied,” says Orphan.
“It has provided entertainment and fun,” remarked Nancy Hartman, a retired teacher, current volunteer, and 30- year J! Fan. “I look forward to watching it every night and love to try to answer the questions. It’s especially satisfying when I get the right answer and none of the contestants do. I always say that everything that I know about opera has come from Jeopardy and crossword puzzles. I’m always disappointed when it’s not on.”
When asked about Trebek himself, Hartman responded, “I think he did a very good job of being the host. He was calm and respectful, not loud or goofy like many TV hosts are, and seemed to really enjoy his job. Jeopardy is the only quiz show that I watch.”
In conclusion, Alex Trebek was a well-rounded, kind, and smart man and host that affected many people’s lives. His passing has sent shockwaves through America and beyond.
Thank you, Alex Trebek.
“Because of their recent deaths from the same horrible illness (pancreatic cancer), I can't help but think of the similarities between Alex Trebek and Ruth Bader Ginsburg,” said Amelia Whitcomb, a middle school teacher at Oakland School for the Arts. “Although they clearly worked in very different fields and played very different roles in our lives, both of them worked so hard to overcome their illnesses and put the people that they served far above their own wellbeing. They both held on for as long as they could in the face of their own pain and illness, which is so inspiring. Alex Trebek may not have played such a clear role in the betterment of our society as Ruth Bader Ginsburg did, but his encouragement of learning and intellectual curiosity, and the humanity he brought to hosting Jeopardy made such an impact. He was a true icon, someone I grew up with, and his death along with Ruth Bader Ginsburg's and so many others feels like an end of an era in a way.”
“[Trebek] is certainly been someone I can brag about for many years, but he was very supportive and kind while I was on. The way he would introduce the contestants with little bits of trivia about them is always such an interesting part of the show, but to be in that moment and have him know something about you, validate it and ask more about it was just so charming and as a young person, made me feel seen,” says Katie Orphan, a former College Jeopardy! Tournament Competitor.
“[Trebek] was very nice to us, the contestants, even when we ran into him off stage. He also would take questions from the audience during the commercial breaks. He got a lot of the same questions over and over (many of them about Celebrity Jeopardy! on SNL), and yet was funny, gracious, and thoughtful every time he replied,” says Orphan.
“It has provided entertainment and fun,” remarked Nancy Hartman, a retired teacher, current volunteer, and 30- year J! Fan. “I look forward to watching it every night and love to try to answer the questions. It’s especially satisfying when I get the right answer and none of the contestants do. I always say that everything that I know about opera has come from Jeopardy and crossword puzzles. I’m always disappointed when it’s not on.”
When asked about Trebek himself, Hartman responded, “I think he did a very good job of being the host. He was calm and respectful, not loud or goofy like many TV hosts are, and seemed to really enjoy his job. Jeopardy is the only quiz show that I watch.”
In conclusion, Alex Trebek was a well-rounded, kind, and smart man and host that affected many people’s lives. His passing has sent shockwaves through America and beyond.
Thank you, Alex Trebek.
