“Jeopardy!” paid tribute to longtime host Alex Trebek on Monday with a touching message that reflected on his memorable 37 years on the show.
Trebek passed away on Sunday at the age of 80 following a battle with cancer. The day after his death, the show’s executive producer, Mike Richards, addressed “Jeopardy!” viewers at the onset of Monday’s show.
“Over the weekend we lost our beloved host, Alex Trebek. This is an enormous loss for our staff, for our crew, for his family, for his millions of fans,“ Richards said. “He loved this show and everything it stood for.”
Richards acknowledged that Trebek taped his final episodes less than two weeks ago on October 29. The show is planning on airing Trebek’s last recorded shows up until Dec. 25. At this time, “Jeopardy!” says they don’t have plans to name a new host.
Today we honor Alex Trebek. For over three decades he brought integrity, humor and intelligence to his duties as host of Jeopardy! He will be in our hearts forever.
Thank you, Alex. Love from us all. 💜 pic.twitter.com/w8abYY8SX5
— Jeopardy! (@Jeopardy) November 10, 2020
“He will forever be an inspiration for his constant desire to learn, for his kindness and for his love of his family,” said Richards. “We will air his final 35 episodes as they were shot. That’s what he wanted. On behalf of everyone here at ‘Jeopardy!’ thank you for everything, Alex.”
Richards concluded with the show’s trademark opening — “This is ‘Jeopardy!’” — which was followed by a moment of silence on the ”Jeopardy!“ set with lights dimmed.
Since his passing, tributes have poured in for the Canadian-born show host, from former contestants to Hollywood actors.
“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,” said “Jeopardy!” contestant James Holzhauer on Twitter.
“Alex Trebek was kind enough to film a cameo for our film Free Guy last year despite his battle. He was gracious and funny. In addition to being curious, stalwart, generous, reassuring and of course, Canadian. We love you, Alex. And always will,” fellow Canadian Ryan Reynolds said.
Even the bells at Parliament Hill in Ottawa could be heard playing the ‘Jeopardy!’ theme song in tribute on Monday.
It is safe to say that the beloved host will be missed.
With files to Canadian Press
Graham Cox
