Jeopardy! Host Alex Trebek Has Died Of Cancer Aged 80

Alex Trebek, the long-time host of American game show Jeopardy! has died at the age of 80 after a battle with cancer.

The news was confirmed on the show's official Twitter account, where a post read: "Jeopardy! is saddened to share that Alex Trebek passed away peacefully at home early this morning, surrounded by family and friends.

"Thank you, Alex."

Trebek was very well regarded both within his industry and with the American public, having hosted the game show since 1984.

However, he had been battling stage four pancreatic cancer for some time, following an announcement about his illness made in March 2019.

After his diagnosis, he decided to start chemotherapy immediately, but had made no plans to retire and end his stellar career on the game show.

His level of performance did not drop in the slightest as a result of his illness, but he knew that his chances of surviving were slim, speaking of the seven percent survival rate.

Despite the odds being against him, it is thought that Trebek remained hopeful that he would survive, but sadly his health recently turned for the worse and he lost the battle.

Jeopardy! has confirmed that the episodes that Alex filmed recently will continue broadcasting up until December 25, and that he last filmed with them in the studio on October 29.

The executive producer Mike Richards told TMZ: "Working beside him for the past year and a half as he heroically continued to host Jeopardy! was an incredible honour.

"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."

Trebek announced his diagnosis with a joke about how he would have to survive, having signed a contract to host the show for another three years.

He said: "Truth told, I have to! Because under the terms of my contract, I have to host 'Jeopardy!' for three more years!"

He is survived by his wife, Jean Currivan, and his two children Matthew and Emily.

Featured Image Credit: ABC/Jeopardy!

Topics: TV and Film, Celebrity, US News, US Entertainment

Tom Wood

Tom Wood is a LADbible journalist and Twin Peaks enthusiast. Despite having a career in football cut short by a chronic lack of talent, he managed to obtain degrees from both the University of London and Salford. According to his French teacher, at the weekend he mostly likes to play football and go to the park with his brother. Contact Tom on [email protected]

@TPWagwim