Iconic TV show host Alex Trebek has died after battling pancreatic cancer for nearly two years. He was 80. Trebek died at home early Sunday with family and friends surrounding him, studio Sony said in a statement.
Trebek presided over the beloved quiz show, ‘Jeopardy!’ for more than 30 years.
“Jeopardy! is saddened to share that Alex Trebek passed away peacefully at home early this morning, surrounded by family and friends. Thank you, Alex,” the show’s Twitter account said on Sunday.
He was a master of the format, engaging in friendly banter with contestants and appearing genuinely pleased when they answered correctly.
He was also able to move the game along in a brisk no-nonsense fashion whenever people struggled for answers.
In 2014 he set a Guinness World Record for “most game show episodes hosted by the same presenter”.
The Canadian-born host was more than qualified for the job, having started his game show career on “Reach for the Top” in his native country.
Moving to the US in 1973, he appeared on ‘The Wizard of Odds,’ ‘Classic Concentration,’ ‘To Tell the Truth,’ ‘High Rollers,’ ‘The $128,000 Question’ and ‘Double Dare.’
Mr Trebek had vowed to continue presenting Jeopardy! while receiving treatment including chemotherapy. He was contracted to host the show until 2022.
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