‘Jeopardy’ Honors Alex Trebek With Pre-Show Message: “This Is An Enormous Loss”

Tonight’s episode of Jeopardy honored late host Alex Trebek with a special message of remembrance. The episode, which marks the first since Trebek’s death yesterday at age 80 from pancreatic cancer, began with a tribute to the beloved game show host.

Jeopardy executive producer Mike Richards addressed viewers before the episode began, telling the audience, “Over the weekend, we lost our beloved host, Alex Trebek. This is an enormous loss, for our staff, and crew, for his family, and for his millions of fans. He loved this show, and everything it stood for.

“In fact, he taped his final episodes less than two weeks ago,” Richards continued. “He will forever be an inspiration for his constant desire to learn, his kindness, and for his love of his family. We will air his final 35 episodes as they were shot — that’s what he wanted. On behalf of everyone here at Jeopardy: thank you for everything, Alex.”

Trebek, who hosted Jeopardy for over 30 years, continued to assume his nightly duties after his cancer diagnosis and throughout the coronavirus, filming episodes on a socially distanced set this year and resuming production over the summer after a months long hiatus. According to The Wrap, Trebek was in the studio up until his last day on Oct. 29. The new episodes he taped will continue airing through December, when the final one will premiere on Christmas Day.

When the news of Trebek’s death broke yesterday, Richards released a statement honoring the host’s legacy and iconic career. “This is an enormous loss for the Jeopardy! staff, crew and all of Alex’s millions of fans,” he said. “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.”

Jeopardy will continue to air new episodes this week and beyond. Tune in every weeknight at 7/6c on ABC.

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