Alex Trebek: Based on NeemTime research
Who is Alex Trebek?
Alex Trebek was a beloved Canadian-American television personality and game show host, best known for his role as the host of Jeopardy! for over 36 years. Trebek’s intelligence, quick wit, and warm demeanor made him a household name and a cultural icon. He hosted numerous game shows throughout his career, but it was Jeopardy! that solidified his legacy as one of the greatest game show hosts in television history.
Biography of Alex Trebek
Full Name: George Alexander Trebek
Date of Birth: July 22, 1940
Place of Birth: Sudbury, Ontario, Canada
Date of Death: November 8, 2020
Place of Death: Los Angeles, California, USA
Nationality: Canadian-American
Profession: Game Show Host, Television Personality
Education: University of Ottawa (Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy)
Career Highlights: Hosted Jeopardy! (1984-2020), The Wizard of Odds, Double Dare, High Rollers
Notable Awards: Multiple Daytime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Game Show Host, Lifetime Achievement Award
Alex Trebek began his broadcasting career with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) as a news and sportscaster. He later transitioned to hosting game shows, eventually moving to the United States in the early 1970s. Trebek gained widespread fame as the host of Jeopardy! starting in 1984, a position he held until his death in 2020. Trebek was known for his deep knowledge, professionalism, and rapport with contestants. He continued to host the show even after being diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer in March 2019, demonstrating his resilience and dedication.
10 Facts About Alex Trebek
Dual Citizenship: Trebek held both Canadian and American citizenship, becoming a U.S. citizen in 1998.
**Longevity on Jeopardy!: He hosted Jeopardy! for 36 years, filming over 8,000 episodes.
Guinness World Record: In 2014, he was awarded the Guinness World Record for “Most Game Show Episodes Hosted by the Same Presenter.”
Educational Background: Trebek earned a degree in philosophy, which contributed to his intellectual demeanor.
Passionate Philanthropist: He donated millions to education and cancer research, including a significant donation to his alma mater, the University of Ottawa.
Multilingual: Trebek was fluent in both English and French and also had some proficiency in German.
Resilient Fighter: After being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, Trebek continued to host Jeopardy! and inspire fans with his positive outlook.
Signature Style: Known for his iconic mustache, which he sported for much of the 1980s and 1990s before eventually going clean-shaven.
Author: In 2020, he released his memoir, The Answer Is…: Reflections on My Life, offering insights into his life and career.
Hollywood Walk of Fame: Trebek received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1999.
Alex Trebek’s Family
Father: George Edward Trebek, a Ukrainian immigrant who worked as a chef.
Mother: Lucille Lagacé, of French-Canadian descent.
Spouses:
First wife: Elaine Trebek Kares (m. 1974-1981).
Second wife: Jean Currivan Trebek (m. 1990 until his death in 2020).
Children:
Matthew Trebek (son): A restaurateur.
Emily Trebek (daughter): A real estate agent.
Stepdaughter: Nicky Trebek, from his first wife Elaine.
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Personal Details of Alex Trebek
Full Name: George Alexander Trebek
Date of Birth: July 22, 1940
Date of Death: November 8, 2020
Place of Birth: Sudbury, Ontario, Canada
Place of Death: Los Angeles, California, USA
Nationality: Canadian-American
Height: 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm)
Profession: Television Personality, Game Show Host, Author
Education: University of Ottawa (Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy)
Spouse: Jean Currivan Trebek (married in 1990)
Children: Matthew Trebek (son), Emily Trebek (daughter), Nicky Trebek (stepdaughter)
Years Active: 1961–2020
Famous For: Hosting Jeopardy! (1984-2020)
Hobbies: Reading, collecting classic cars, and spending time with family
Alex Trebek was a beloved television personality who hosted Jeopardy! for 36 years, becoming a fixture in American pop culture. He was known for his quick wit, intelligence, and compassionate demeanor, leaving an indelible mark on television history.
10 Quotes by Alex Trebek
“Don’t tell me what you believe in. I’ll observe how you behave and I will make my own determination.”
“The secret to happiness, of course, is not getting what you want, but wanting what you get.”
“Take your job seriously, but don’t take yourself too seriously.”
“I’m curious about everything. Even subjects that don’t interest me.”
“Keep calm and carry on. That’s what I’ve learned from hosting Jeopardy!”
“You are only as old as you feel. Age is just a number.”
“I have learned that all moments are to be cherished.”
“I believe it’s important to keep your mind active.”
“I don’t mind getting old. It’s what comes with it.”
“As long as I can still enjoy it, I will keep doing it.”
10 Trivia Facts About Alex Trebek
Fluently Bilingual: Trebek was fluent in both English and French, which helped him secure his early roles at the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC).
World Record Holder: He holds the Guinness World Record for “Most Game Show Episodes Hosted by the Same Presenter.”
Dual Citizenship: He became a U.S. citizen in 1998, while maintaining his Canadian citizenship.
Multiple Emmy Wins: Trebek won seven Daytime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Game Show Host.
Generous Philanthropist: Trebek donated millions to charity, including a $1 million donation to the University of Ottawa.
Cancer Diagnosis: He was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer in March 2019 but continued hosting Jeopardy! during treatment.
Autobiography: Trebek released his memoir, The Answer Is…: Reflections on My Life, just months before his death.
Star on the Walk of Fame: He received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1999.
Quiz Show Love: Trebek once appeared as a contestant on Celebrity Bowling and Celebrity Poker Showdown.
Passionate Car Collector: He was known for his love of classic cars, especially his vintage Bentley.
Why We Love Alex Trebek
Consummate Professional: Trebek’s dedication to his role as host of Jeopardy! was unwavering, even during his battle with cancer.
Intellectual Role Model: He made learning cool and inspired countless viewers to embrace knowledge.
Icon of Grace and Dignity: He handled his cancer diagnosis and treatment with remarkable courage and openness, inspiring fans around the world.
Endearing Wit: Trebek’s quick wit and playful humor made Jeopardy! an entertaining experience for millions.
Generous Heart: His philanthropy extended to various causes, including education, homelessness, and medical research.
Relatable and Humble: Despite his fame, he remained grounded and approachable, never letting success go to his head.
Encouraged Curiosity: Trebek’s lifelong curiosity was contagious, motivating others to be lifelong learners.
Devoted Family Man: His love for his wife Jean and their children was evident in every interview he gave.
Inspiring Resilience: He continued to do what he loved, hosting Jeopardy!, until the very end, demonstrating remarkable strength.
Timeless Legacy: Trebek’s impact on television and popular culture will be remembered for generations to come.