Celebrities & Contestants React to the Death of Alex Trebek
Alex Trebek has sadly passed away at the age of 80, and many celebrities and fan-favorite contestants are speaking out on social media to mourn the loss of the beloved Jeopardy icon.
From stars like John Legend and Josh Gad to fellow TV hosts like Jimmy Kimmel to memorable contestants and championship winners like Ken Jennings, many people are paying their respects with heartfelt, considerate messages about the longtime host.
Alex revealed his cancer diagnosis back in 2019.
“I have lived a good life, a full life and I’m nearing the end of that life,” he said to USA Today.
The game show host won five Daytime Emmy Awards for his work, as well as a Peabody Award for “encouraging, celebrating and rewarding knowledge.”
He held the Guinness World Record for the most gameshow episodes hosted by the same presenter since June 13, 2014, having hosted 6,829 episodes of Jeopardy! at that point, overtaking the previous record-holder, Bob Barker.
Alex wasn’t just the best ever at what he did. He was also a lovely and deeply decent man, and I’m grateful for every minute I got to spend with him. pic.twitter.com/CdHCcbqmp2
— Ken Jennings (@KenJennings) November 8, 2020
Check out some of the responses inside…
Goodbye legend. What is…greatness. RIP #AlexTrebek pic.twitter.com/1HudkNRgzp
— Josh Gad (@joshgad) November 8, 2020
alex trebek.
RIP.
We both worked out of NBC Burbank at start of our careers.
Later reminisced about our good fortune.
Classy, modest and gifted.
#@%* cancer!— Tom Brokaw (@tombrokaw) November 8, 2020
We mourn the loss of #alextrebek -a friend, a colleague, an icon. He graced us with warmth, wit & pure elegance, which is why we welcomed him into our homes night after night, year after year.
We are deeply saddened for his wife Jean, his family & millions of Jeopardy fans.— Robert Iger (@RobertIger) November 8, 2020
Just gutted. There will never be another. RIP, Alex, and thank you so much for everything. https://t.co/4FMlgaFYvI
— Brad Rutter (@bradrutter) November 8, 2020
A picture from one of the best days of my life. You wait your whole life to get on this show and nothing is more satisfying than buzzing in and hearing this legend call your name for a response. An amazing emcee who loved seeing contestants perform at their best. I will miss him. pic.twitter.com/rPFAmc9Rh6
— Louis Virtel (@louisvirtel) November 8, 2020
It was one of the great privileges of my life to spend time with this courageous man while he fought the battle of his life. You will never be replaced in our hearts, Alex. https://t.co/LLoUASRMa9
— James Holzhauer (@James_Holzhauer) November 8, 2020
Couldn't we have one nice weekend? A kind gentleman whose excellence was so consistent, it was easy to take for granted. Rest well, Mr. Trebek. https://t.co/Zq7RN6kSKk
— Jimmy Kimmel (@jimmykimmel) November 8, 2020
I was obsessed with Jeopardy as a nerdy kid growing up in Ohio. I’ve loved and revered Alex Trebek since I can remember. What an iconic career. RIP Alex Trebek.
— John Legend (@johnlegend) November 8, 2020
Alex Trebek, you brought us so much knowledge, both important and fun, through the years. Your final battle with cancer was heroic, and we are heartbroken that it has taken you from us. I’ll take “Great TV Personas of Our Time” for $800. The heavens have all the answers now.
— George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) November 8, 2020