Following a day of jubilation, 2020 comes back to kick us in the gut with the news of Alex Trebek's death. The Canadian born host of the long running syndicated game show Jeopardy! passed away this morning of pancreatic cancer which he was diagnosed with last year. He was 80.
Trebek's career as a broadcaster lasted nearly 60 years beginning when he joined the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) in 1961 working in both radio and television. His first foray as a game show host was for the high school quiz show Reach for the Top which aired on the CBC affiliate in Toronto.
Trebek would move to the United States in 1973 and hosted a variety of game shows such as The Wizard of Odds, High Rollers and Battlestars. But Trebek would find his calling in 1984 when he was offered hosting duties for the revival of Jeopardy! after its original host Art Fleming declined to resume his duties. He nearly hosted the show for half of his life and his presence made it become part of the American cultural landscape. Trebek's appeal transcended generations helped greatly by the show's annual College Week episodes.
When someone is omnipresent it is easy to think they will always be there. Trebek's cancer diagnosis reminded us that all things come to an end. It gave us an opportunity to cherish Trebek's contributions and to savor them one last time.
On November 8, 2020 the world lost the man who had the answers. Who is Alex Trebek?
R.I.P.
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