‘Jeopardy!’ pays tribute to Alex Trebek in poignant message

Associated Press
Monday, Nov. 9, 2020 9:10 p.m. | Monday, Nov. 9, 2020 9:10 p.m.

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A shrine to the late ‘Jeopardy’ quiz show host Alex Trebek is pictured Monday near his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Los Angeles. Trebek died of pancreatic cancer Sunday at age 80.

AP

Alex Trebek gestures while presenting an award at the 46th annual Daytime Emmy Awards in Pasadena, Calif.

NEW YORK — “Jeopardy!” paid tribute to Alex Trebek on Monday in a poignant message that celebrated the show’s longtime, unflappable host of 37 years.

The day after Trebek died at age 80 following a battle with cancer, the show’s executive producer, Mike Richards addressed viewers from the “Jeopardy!” set in a taped introduction.

“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,” said Richards. “He loved this show and everything it stood for.”

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

Richards said Trebek taped his final episodes less than two weeks ago. Beginning Monday, those last shows hosted by Trebek are set to air through Dec. 25.

“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.