Alex Trebek, the longtime host of “Jeopardy!” has passed away at the age of 80 after a battle with stage 4 pancreatic cancer.
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According to TMZ, Alex Trebek was surrounded by friends and family early Sunday in his home after a year-long battle with stage 4 pancreatic cancer. He continued to work on “Jeopardy!” despite undergoing chemotherapy immediately after announcing his diagnosis. Although he stated he endured various episodes of depression throughout his treatment, he saw giving up as a disservice to his wife, God, and other cancer patients.
Although his tumors shrunk 50 percent back in May 2019 and he continued to undergo the chemo treatments, Trebek maintained a positive attitude despite his health issues.
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Trebek was signed on to host the show until 2022 and even joked that he had to fulfill it despite having cancer. His career began in 1961 at the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation and he hosted a quiz show called “Reach For The Top.” He also hosted a variety of American game shows and landed his infamous hosting gig for “Jeopardy!”
Over the course of his career, he has won 6 Daytime Emmy Awards for outstanding game show host and broke the Guinness World Record in 2014 for most episodes on a game show.
He is survived by his wife Jean Currivan and their two children, Matthew and Emily.