Alex Trebek, longtime host of “Jeopardy,” has died after losing his public battle with pancreatic cancer, according to The Hollywood Reporter. He was 80. He announced last year that he had Stage 4 pancreatic cancer and that he planned to beat the diagnosis, according to the Los Angeles Times.
“So help me,” he said on a YouTube video at the time. “Keep the faith and we’ll win.”
He also joked then that he had three years left on his contract. The 36-year host became a nationwide institution and was even parodied on “Saturday Night Live.” Trebek also played himself on numerous television shows. As a result of his popularity, the theme music to “Jeopardy” even became a recognizable jingle.
Trebek had suffered health setbacks in the past, including a heart attack 13 years ago. He also had brain surgery two years ago for blood clots he suffered after a fall. Trebek was originally from Canada and began his career as a television reporter. Before being hand picked by Merv Griffin to host “Jeopardy,” Trebek had hosted “The Wizard of Odds,” a game that focused on statistical questions and “High Rollers,” a gambling-related game show.
ABC News will honor Trebek with an hour-long special next Sunday, according to Variety. The show, “Alex Trebek, Remembered: A 20/20 Special,” will give an overview of his life and include file footage from his early days on television as well as an interview with his wife, Jean. “Jeopardy” episodes hosted by Trebek are set to air through Dec. 25.
