Long-time game show host and well-known TV personality Alex Trebek passed away peacefully in his Los Angeles home on Sunday, Nov. 8. Trebek was best known for his position as a host on the popular trivia game show Jeopardy! 

While reflecting on Trebek’s legacy, winning contestant Ken Jennings tweeted, “Alex wasn’t just the best ever at what he did. He was also a lovely and deeply decent man, and I am grateful for every minute I got to spend with him.” 

In March 2019, Trebek was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer at age 79. Although this was quite a shock to many. Like always, Trebek used his platform for awareness of the disease, and he continued to host Jeopardy! throughout the later months of his life. Fans from all over the world supported him throughout his fight. 

Trebek hosted more than 32 seasons of Jeopardy!, equaling around 8,000 episodes. Starting in 1984, Trebek was a part of the game show for 36 years. In that time, he also found himself making special appearances on other shows, such Saturday Night Live and Wheel of Fortune, due to Jeopardy!’s growth in popularity.

 Not only was he an iconic TV personality, but he was also a longtime philanthropist. Trebek visited many developing countries on behalf of World Vision, an organization that reaches out to help those who are experiencing poverty. The goal he had in mind was to create a better future for those individuals and their families by getting them the help they needed. He also visited U.S. military troops in order to show his support. This helped boost morale to those serving and brought joy to them during the toughest of times. 

Trebek became very accomplished throughout his life and won many awards for his work including an Emmy Award for outstanding game show host, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and the TCA Lifetime Achievement Award. He will be remembered for his role in the entertainment industry along with the work he did for those around him. Trebek is survived by his wife Jean Currvian Trebek and his two children, Matthew and Emily.