“I’ll go with “2020 SUCKS” for 200 please.”

Ladies and gentlemen, on November 8th, 2020 America and the world experienced yet another loss in the tragic deaths of some of the most influential television personalities in history. On Sunday, Alex Trebek, long-running Jeopardy host died at the age of 80, losing his fight in his battle against pancreatic cancer. He passed away peacefully at his home early this morning, surrounded by family and friends. 

Trebek had been diagnosed with stage four pancreatic cancer in March of  2019, and fought to the best of his ability, but as we all know cancer is a monstrous beast that overpowers even the strongest. 

Trebek hosted Jeopardy over a string of 37 seasons, over 8,000 episodes of Jeopardy, the most of any presenter in any TV game show. But he was more than just a game show host. A man that denoted a sense of reassurance for society, as one who we always knew the answer to was a legacy we will never forget. Regarded as a truly decent man, Trebek developed a television personality with his audience whether it was his charismatic remarks, or his games with how he decided to wear his facial hair to work for the day.

Trebek was an active philanthropist, and multiple Daytime Emmy Award winner. He is survived by his wife of over 30 years and three children. A truly accomplished man professionally and personally.  

Trebek’s love for knowledge and understanding in a world full of information, in a show where arguably the greatest minds answered the most complex questions was part of what drew others to the show. I myself, am an avid Jeopardy watcher, and I cannot imagine how the show will look without his flare that made it what it was. 

His voice of reason, voice of comfort, and voice of intelligence we all know and love, is one we will unfortunately never hear on a new episode of Jeopardy again. But thank god for On-Demand, because at least we have an opportunity to hold on to the memories of what true television hosting really means.