Commemorating Alex Trebek

by Maya Krolik

Edited by Manushri Bapat & Uday Lingampalli, layout by Vrinda Gandhi, art by Sanjna Mootakoduru

It is with great sorrow that we commemorate the passing of the beloved Alex Trebek, who died at the ripe old age of 80. Though the host of the popular game show “Jeopardy!” passed during the early hours of Sunday, November 8, in the company of friends and family, he will always remain an inseparable part of the heart of America.

Before his passing, Mr. Trebek served families across America through his game show: he hosted 8,200 episodes over 37 seasons and brought millions of families together to enjoy his charming character and sharp wits along with his everlasting kindness and sincerity. He began his career as a journalist for the Canadian Broadcasting Corp. before later pursuing a hosting career in the mid 1960’s and later finding his home in the then new “Jeopardy!” in 1984 (CNN, 2020). His amiable personality earned him the Daytime Emmy Award seven times over.

But what Alex Trebek will go down in history for, is his perseverance. In 2019, he was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer, yet insisted on continuing his career. Following his diagnosis, the entire “Jeopardy!” community expressed their concerns and best wishes. The whole movement showed the true strength of the community that has fallen in love in the same things as Mr. Trebek; the pursuit of knowledge (USA Today, 2020).

Whether you knew Alex Trebek or not, he was the epitome of what it meant to be kind and to encourage learning in others. Mr. Trebek was a teacher, a friend, an example and a legend. So to our dear Alex Trebek, we answer our final question. A question already asked by millions, even on stage (Legacy, 2020). What is we ♥ you Alex?