Longtime Jeopardy! host Alex Trebek has died at the age of 80.
Trebek battled stage 4 pancreatic cancer for over a year since he first announced his illness in March 2019. He began chemotherapy treatments immediately after the diagnosis but made no plans to retire.
He remained hosting his game show throughout the duration of his illness.
Jeopardy! expressed its condolences on Twitter, telling the world the host died peacefully at home 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,” it wrote.
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
Steve LoCascio, president of CBS Television Division, called Trebek’s death a “tremendous loss” for the Jeopardy! family.
“Not only was Alex a television icon, but he was one of the most genuine, kind, caring people you could ever know,” LoCascio said in a statement. “The way he openly and bravely battled cancer, while continuing to host the show, was a true inspiration. He has brought joy to the millions of fans — including generations of families — who have welcomed Alex into their living room each night. Our hearts go out to Alex’s wife and children. We have truly lost a legend.”
Trebek hosted Jeopardy! since 1984. The host won five Daytime Emmy Awards for outstanding game show host, according to Variety. In 2011, Trebek received a Peabody Award for “encouraging, celebrating, and rewarding knowledge” making Jeopardy! the only post-1960 game show to hold that honor.
The host held the Guinness World Record for the most game show episodes hosted by the same presenter since June 13, 2014. He hosted over 6,800 episodes of Jeopardy! at that point.
“He was a legend of the industry that we were all lucky to watch night after night for 37 years,” said Jeopardy! executive producer Mike Richards. “Working beside him for the past year and a half as he heroically continued to host Jeopardy! was an incredible honor.”
Trebek’s last day in the studio before his death was Oct. 29, and new episodes with him as the host will air until Dec. 25, according to the New York Times.
Last month, Trebek alluded he knew he was close to his death, but as he has hosted his show for many years, he remained jovial in his outlook.
“I have lived a good life, a full life and I’m nearing the end of that life,” he told USA Today in October.
TMZ first broke this story.
