PEMBROKE PARK, Fla. – Beloved gameshow host Alex Trebek has died.
The longtime face of Jeopardy! passed away after battling Stage 4 pancreatic cancer.
He was 80 years old.
Trebek had been hosting Jeopardy since 1984 and became an icon in the industry during his four decades in front of the camera.
He was entering his 37th season hosting the show.
A spokesperson said he died at his home, surrounded by family and friends.
“This is an enormous loss for the JEOPARDY! staff, crew and all of Alex’s millions of fans. He was a legend of the industry that we were all lucky to watch night after night for 37 years. Working beside him for the past year and a half as he heroically continued to host JEOPARDY! was an incredible honor. His belief in the importance of the show and his willingness to push himself to perform at the highest level was the most inspiring demonstration of courage I have ever seen. His constant desire to learn, his kindness, and his professionalism will be with all of us forever,” said Jeopardy! Executive Producer Mike Richards.
Trebek is survived by his wife of 30 years, Jean, and children Matthew, Emily and Nicky.
“Today we lost a legend and a beloved member of the Sony Pictures family,” said Tony Vinciquerra, Chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures Entertainment. “For 37 amazing years, Alex was that comforting voice, that moment of escape and entertainment at the end of a long, hard day for millions of people around the world. He was the heart and soul of JEOPARDY! and he will be deeply missed by everyone who made him part of their lives. Our hearts go out to Jean, Matthew, Emily, and Nicky.”
“We join our colleagues at Sony Pictures in mourning the passing of Alex Trebek,” said Kenichiro Yoshida, Chairman, President and CEO, Sony Corporation. “Alex was an extraordinary talent whose intelligence, wit and comforting presence appealed to millions of people around the world and made JEOPARDY! the outstanding show it is today.”