Alex Trebek, long-time host of the game show Jeopardy has died after a protracted battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 80.
While best known for his 36 year run hosting Jeopardy, Trebek hosted several other game shows including High Rollers, Battle Stars and To Tell the Truth. His final episode hosting Jeopardy will air on Christmas Day 2020.
Born in Sudbury, Ontario, Trebek attended the University of Ottawa, where he earned a degree in philosophy. After university, Trebek worked for the CBC, covering national news and special events for radio and television. He made his American television debut in 1973 as the host of NBC’s game show “Wizard of Odds”.
In 2017, Trebek was named an officer of the Order of Canada, his native country’s second-highest civilian honor. He is one of the few celebrities to have been honored with a coveted star on both the Hollywood Walk of Fame and the Canadian Walk of Fame.
He is survived by his wife, Jean Currivan-Trebek and the couple’s two adult children Matthew and Emily.