Long-running and beloved “Jeopardy!” host Alex Trebek has died at the age of 80.
The cause of death was not immediately announced. Trebek revealed in March 2019 that he had been diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer but kept working through anyway.
Trebek has hosted the show since 1984 and has often popped up in cameos in TV and film as himself in everything from “White Men Can’t Jump” and “Groundhog Day” to “The X-Files” and “Ru Paul’s Drag Race”. Will Ferrell famously played him many times on SNL.
Trebek’s last non-“Jeopardy” appearance will be in the upcoming “Free Guy” alongside fellow Canadian Ryan Reynolds.
The show’s Twitter account says Trebek: “passed away peacefully at home early this morning, surrounded by family and friends.”
Trebek won six Daytime Emmy Awards for outstanding game show host. He also scored the Guinness World Record in 2014 for most game show episodes hosted by the same presenter.
Trebek is survived by his wife, Jean, and their two children, Emily and Matthew.
Jeopardy! is saddened to share that Alex Trebek passed away peacefully at home early this morning, surrounded by family and friends. Thank you, Alex. pic.twitter.com/Yk2a90CHIM
— Jeopardy! (@Jeopardy) November 8, 2020
