Alex Trebek has died at age 80.
November 8, 2020 9:53 AM Subscribe
Alex Trebek has passed after being treated for pancreatic cancer.
The beloved long-time host of “Jeopardy” has died after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2019.
His thoughts on the legacy of “Jeopardy.”
Final interview with NYT
American Cancer Society statistics on pancreatic cancer.
The beloved long-time host of “Jeopardy” has died after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2019.
His thoughts on the legacy of “Jeopardy.”
Final interview with NYT
American Cancer Society statistics on pancreatic cancer.
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posted by mikelieman at 9:54 AM on November 8, 2020
posted by mikelieman at 9:54 AM on November 8, 2020
What is a small dot symbol that signifies the end of a sentence?
posted by SoberHighland at 9:55 AM on November 8, 2020 [89 favorites]
posted by SoberHighland at 9:55 AM on November 8, 2020 [89 favorites]
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On which date did the 2020 Bad News Pause end?
posted by blairsyprofane at 9:57 AM on November 8, 2020 [10 favorites]
On which date did the 2020 Bad News Pause end?
posted by blairsyprofane at 9:57 AM on November 8, 2020 [10 favorites]
If The Theme Song From Final 'Jeopardy!' Had Lyrics They Might Sound Like This... -- Four Bitchin' Babes
posted by mikelieman at 10:00 AM on November 8, 2020 [4 favorites]
posted by mikelieman at 10:00 AM on November 8, 2020 [4 favorites]
He was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer around the same time as my mother-in-law, who passed away in Feb. 2020, so quite unfairly I felt such a connection to his situation. He was so so gracious to share parts of himself with us, both as a host and a person with cancer, in a difficult time.
posted by muddgirl at 10:02 AM on November 8, 2020 [8 favorites]
posted by muddgirl at 10:02 AM on November 8, 2020 [8 favorites]
Trebek also speculated about how Trump might fare in a hypothetical world leaders tournament on "Jeopardy!"
"He might not agree that any of the correct responses are correct."
QFT
posted by chavenet at 10:02 AM on November 8, 2020 [19 favorites]
"He might not agree that any of the correct responses are correct."
QFT
posted by chavenet at 10:02 AM on November 8, 2020 [19 favorites]
"I learned English because of you."
We <3 You, Alex!
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posted by mstokes650 at 10:03 AM on November 8, 2020 [9 favorites]
We <3 You, Alex!
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posted by mstokes650 at 10:03 AM on November 8, 2020 [9 favorites]
Just an all around decent dude who liked to do DIY stuff around his house even though he could afford to pay someone else to do it.
So long, Alex.
posted by bondcliff at 10:03 AM on November 8, 2020 [3 favorites]
So long, Alex.
posted by bondcliff at 10:03 AM on November 8, 2020 [3 favorites]
We couldn't have 24 fuckin' hours, could we.
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posted by tzikeh at 10:03 AM on November 8, 2020 [15 favorites]
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posted by tzikeh at 10:03 AM on November 8, 2020 [15 favorites]
I love Jeopardy!. It's the one show I try to watch every night. You could tell that after all these years Alex still loved the game (contrast that with Sajak who seems to just go through the motions). Alex loved his job. Even going back to watch his older shows like Concentration he seemed excited about what he was doing. And that excitement was shared by the audience.
posted by downtohisturtles at 10:04 AM on November 8, 2020 [5 favorites]
posted by downtohisturtles at 10:04 AM on November 8, 2020 [5 favorites]
My very first comment on metafilter was to describe being there in the live audience for Cindy Stowell’s last three games, in the thread commenting on her death before her shows aired. So this is the second time that cancer has made a heavy mark on Jeopardy! in my mind.
What is, “Fuck Cancer”, Mr. Trebek?
posted by notoriety public at 10:04 AM on November 8, 2020 [9 favorites]
What is, “Fuck Cancer”, Mr. Trebek?
posted by notoriety public at 10:04 AM on November 8, 2020 [9 favorites]
Alex Trebek was a hometown boy for me (the most famous person from our town who wasn't a hockey player) and doubly connected to him for being half French Canadian (which helped him pronounce all those French words...). I always appreciated his little injection of North Ontario ribbing to his banter with the contestants. He'll be missed.
posted by Ashwagandha at 10:05 AM on November 8, 2020 [6 favorites]
posted by Ashwagandha at 10:05 AM on November 8, 2020 [6 favorites]
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posted by geoff. at 10:05 AM on November 8, 2020 [15 favorites]
posted by geoff. at 10:05 AM on November 8, 2020 [15 favorites]
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posted by the Real Dan at 10:06 AM on November 8, 2020
posted by the Real Dan at 10:06 AM on November 8, 2020
Ahhh another thing I found so endearing about Trebek is how he never let pass an opportunity to rep for his homeland, even after becoming an American citizen. Like in Oct. of this year when he announced a draft pick for the Ottawa Senators. Or when he wore this for Canada's 150th birthday.
posted by muddgirl at 10:06 AM on November 8, 2020 [3 favorites]
posted by muddgirl at 10:06 AM on November 8, 2020 [3 favorites]
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posted by Going To Maine at 10:07 AM on November 8, 2020
posted by Going To Maine at 10:07 AM on November 8, 2020
Alas, this genre of posts never gets any easier to read.
posted by Huffy Puffy at 10:08 AM on November 8, 2020 [4 favorites]
posted by Huffy Puffy at 10:08 AM on November 8, 2020 [4 favorites]
A real legend. In addition to my immediate family watching it religiously while I was growing up, Jeopardy! was a favorite of my late aunt's, too. Would like to see the show continue, but... What are some awfully big shoes to fill?
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posted by May Kasahara at 10:10 AM on November 8, 2020 [2 favorites]
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posted by May Kasahara at 10:10 AM on November 8, 2020 [2 favorites]
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posted by bonobothegreat at 10:10 AM on November 8, 2020
posted by bonobothegreat at 10:10 AM on November 8, 2020
My family watched jeopardy every night after dinner. I dvr it now. I feel like a huge part of my life is gone.
posted by CostcoCultist at 10:12 AM on November 8, 2020 [3 favorites]
posted by CostcoCultist at 10:12 AM on November 8, 2020 [3 favorites]
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posted by cyrusdogstar at 10:14 AM on November 8, 2020
posted by cyrusdogstar at 10:14 AM on November 8, 2020
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posted by oozy rat in a sanitary zoo at 10:15 AM on November 8, 2020
posted by oozy rat in a sanitary zoo at 10:15 AM on November 8, 2020
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But I also feel that
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Is appropriate here.
posted by nubs at 10:16 AM on November 8, 2020 [10 favorites]
But I also feel that
?
Is appropriate here.
posted by nubs at 10:16 AM on November 8, 2020 [10 favorites]
My father also died of pancreatic cancer. This hits especially hard now.
posted by pxe2000 at 10:16 AM on November 8, 2020 [6 favorites]
posted by pxe2000 at 10:16 AM on November 8, 2020 [6 favorites]
As an immigrant and a child growing up in America, Jeopardy was one of the most helpful things to help me understand and cultivate a curiosity in so many aspects of life here. I truly don't think I would be where I am today without it.
What a tremendous life and what a devastating loss.
posted by Ouverture at 10:17 AM on November 8, 2020 [13 favorites]
What a tremendous life and what a devastating loss.
posted by Ouverture at 10:17 AM on November 8, 2020 [13 favorites]
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posted by C. K. Dexter Haven at 10:18 AM on November 8, 2020
posted by C. K. Dexter Haven at 10:18 AM on November 8, 2020
I turn 50 in about a month. I remember eating in a little café during my break for a job I had in High School... eating my sandwich and watching Trebek host Jeopardy! on their CRTV. Then I watched it off and on over the rest of the ~30 years.
Sad to see him go. He was a real gem. And I learned a lot and got a lot of entertainment from the show. RIP.
posted by SoberHighland at 10:18 AM on November 8, 2020 [1 favorite]
Sad to see him go. He was a real gem. And I learned a lot and got a lot of entertainment from the show. RIP.
posted by SoberHighland at 10:18 AM on November 8, 2020 [1 favorite]
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posted by graymouser at 10:21 AM on November 8, 2020
posted by graymouser at 10:21 AM on November 8, 2020
. . ...
(my best dot attempt at the buzz in sound)
My dog growing up used to watch Jeopardy with me. He'd 'sing' through final Jeopardy (like this, apparently it's not uncommon), and he got so used to it, as soon as he'd hear the first buzz in, he'd sit and stare at the TV with me until the end of the episode. Each buzz getting a head tilt.
Such a legacy.
posted by DigDoug at 10:22 AM on November 8, 2020 [8 favorites]
(my best dot attempt at the buzz in sound)
My dog growing up used to watch Jeopardy with me. He'd 'sing' through final Jeopardy (like this, apparently it's not uncommon), and he got so used to it, as soon as he'd hear the first buzz in, he'd sit and stare at the TV with me until the end of the episode. Each buzz getting a head tilt.
Such a legacy.
posted by DigDoug at 10:22 AM on November 8, 2020 [8 favorites]
Trebek has been dead to me since he shaved off his mustache.
Okay, that's a bad joke.
There will never be another like him, and he will be missed daily by millions.
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posted by hippybear at 10:23 AM on November 8, 2020 [4 favorites]
Okay, that's a bad joke.
There will never be another like him, and he will be missed daily by millions.
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posted by hippybear at 10:23 AM on November 8, 2020 [4 favorites]
Oh dear. :(
posted by Kitchen Witch at 10:24 AM on November 8, 2020
posted by Kitchen Witch at 10:24 AM on November 8, 2020
Jeopardy! episodes have been the only thing keeping me sane in 2020. They've been the only TV I can successfully watch with my (conservative-ish) parents for a decade. Thanks for being there for me, Alex, and I'm sorry you won't be anymore.
posted by nat at 10:25 AM on November 8, 2020 [3 favorites]
posted by nat at 10:25 AM on November 8, 2020 [3 favorites]
I lost a good friend and colleague to pancreatic cancer a decade ago. I now feel I have lost two. He was a warm and witty presence in the living rooms of three generations of my family.
posted by ricochet biscuit at 10:26 AM on November 8, 2020 [2 favorites]
posted by ricochet biscuit at 10:26 AM on November 8, 2020 [2 favorites]
Jeopardy is one of those things that's reliably been there, on and off through the years as entertainment, education, and just a comforting distraction. You could keep coming back to it and know that it would be the same good-natured bit of entertainment that you could actively engage with if you felt like it, and he was the reason why. A real loss.
posted by mandolin conspiracy at 10:27 AM on November 8, 2020 [7 favorites]
posted by mandolin conspiracy at 10:27 AM on November 8, 2020 [7 favorites]
My family watched Jeopardy every weeknight over dinner, without fail. I still keep up with it, even though it airs mid-afternoon here and I have to torrent every episode. I’ve probably heard Alex’s voice speaking for more cumulative minutes than anyone outside of close family.
I’ve auditioned in-person for the show three times, but never been lucky enough to get the call. I’ll probably keep trying forever, but it won’t be the same without that voice.
posted by theodolite at 10:27 AM on November 8, 2020 [2 favorites]
I’ve auditioned in-person for the show three times, but never been lucky enough to get the call. I’ll probably keep trying forever, but it won’t be the same without that voice.
posted by theodolite at 10:27 AM on November 8, 2020 [2 favorites]
He started hosting Jeopardy the month after I was born.
I only watched it occasionally, but it’s always been a constant cultural touchstone.
What a loss. What a legacy.
posted by itesser at 10:27 AM on November 8, 2020 [1 favorite]
I only watched it occasionally, but it’s always been a constant cultural touchstone.
What a loss. What a legacy.
posted by itesser at 10:27 AM on November 8, 2020 [1 favorite]
I'm a longtime fan. I tired out for Jeopardy! three times, never made it. Very sad right now, but he lived a full life, and is at peace and out of pain now. I think I'll try out for the show again, in his memory.
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posted by vibrotronica at 10:30 AM on November 8, 2020 [3 favorites]
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posted by vibrotronica at 10:30 AM on November 8, 2020 [3 favorites]
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posted by MrBadExample at 10:30 AM on November 8, 2020
posted by MrBadExample at 10:30 AM on November 8, 2020
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posted by Golden Eternity at 10:30 AM on November 8, 2020
posted by Golden Eternity at 10:30 AM on November 8, 2020
What is "." ?
posted by KillaSeal at 10:31 AM on November 8, 2020 [1 favorite]
posted by KillaSeal at 10:31 AM on November 8, 2020 [1 favorite]
I always liked how when someone answered a question wrong, he frequently knew why they had gotten it wrong. Like saying, "ah no, you are thinking of Catherine of Austria, rather than Catherine of Russia.'' He just had a breadth of knowledge and agreeable presence, he was perfect for Jeopardy.
posted by os tuberoes at 10:32 AM on November 8, 2020 [23 favorites]
posted by os tuberoes at 10:32 AM on November 8, 2020 [23 favorites]
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posted by ecourbanist at 10:32 AM on November 8, 2020
posted by ecourbanist at 10:32 AM on November 8, 2020
Jeopardy! is a show I watch whenever I'm home when it's on (7:30pm in my local market). That used to be 2-3 times a week. Since March, for obvious reasons, that has changed to nearly every weeknight. Even when J! itself had to go into reruns for its own COVID shutdown, I still watched. The constancy of Jeopardy! has been a source of comfort in "these uncertain times."
What is "requiescat in pace?"
posted by DevilsAdvocate at 10:33 AM on November 8, 2020
What is "requiescat in pace?"
posted by DevilsAdvocate at 10:33 AM on November 8, 2020
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posted by dorkydancer at 10:34 AM on November 8, 2020
posted by dorkydancer at 10:34 AM on November 8, 2020
Trebek was such a master of being a subtle asshole to the contestants in a way that was half the fun of the show. I don't think anyone can replicate that specific style with the same sly flair he brought to the table.
posted by Ferreous at 10:35 AM on November 8, 2020 [13 favorites]
posted by Ferreous at 10:35 AM on November 8, 2020 [13 favorites]
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posted by NoThisIsPatrick at 10:41 AM on November 8, 2020
posted by NoThisIsPatrick at 10:41 AM on November 8, 2020
It has been 28 years since my appearance on "JEOPARDY!". When I got to shake hands with Alex Trebek, he told me that they had misspelled my name wrong on the contestant card, and he almost called me "Brain" on-air. That was the entirety of my interaction with him outside of playing the game, but it's one of the best moments of that day for me. He showed an enormous amount of courage over the last couple of years, and the show will never be the same without him. Honestly, I think they should end it.
posted by briank at 10:43 AM on November 8, 2020 [34 favorites]
posted by briank at 10:43 AM on November 8, 2020 [34 favorites]
Sorry, apparently I gotta reminisce. My older brother was always really into Jeopardy (he never made it on the show, but he made it to the live audition round a couple of times), and I was on my high school quiz bowl team (we consistently came in second in competitions, but felt superior about it because we never practiced) in the '00s, so Ken Jennings's run was hugely memorable for me. I'm pretty sure I saw this moment live, and it was definitely one of the first video files I patiently downloaded from the internet.
My dad was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer in 2017. He's still doing well, and he is supernaturally calm in the face of his own mortality, but treatments take a toll. This year in particular has been hard; he's a musician, and for a while I'd been feeling that any gig might be the last one I ever get to see, and now... that's almost certainly happened, this country isn't going to be safe for immunocompromised folks to perform in for a long while (he's recording and making videos and so forth, but it's not the same). Trebek was absolutely inspirational during these years as he faced something similar in the public eye with utter dignity, poise, and honesty. So when I heard this I went to check Ken Jennings's twitter, and saw from a few days ago this retweet (video clip), and, yeah.
What is leaving a long-lasting impact on those you knew well, those who probably never thought they'd meet you, and those who never did? That's one hell of a legacy.
posted by C. K. Dexter Haven at 10:44 AM on November 8, 2020 [10 favorites]
My dad was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer in 2017. He's still doing well, and he is supernaturally calm in the face of his own mortality, but treatments take a toll. This year in particular has been hard; he's a musician, and for a while I'd been feeling that any gig might be the last one I ever get to see, and now... that's almost certainly happened, this country isn't going to be safe for immunocompromised folks to perform in for a long while (he's recording and making videos and so forth, but it's not the same). Trebek was absolutely inspirational during these years as he faced something similar in the public eye with utter dignity, poise, and honesty. So when I heard this I went to check Ken Jennings's twitter, and saw from a few days ago this retweet (video clip), and, yeah.
What is leaving a long-lasting impact on those you knew well, those who probably never thought they'd meet you, and those who never did? That's one hell of a legacy.
posted by C. K. Dexter Haven at 10:44 AM on November 8, 2020 [10 favorites]
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My boyfriend was on Jeopardy just about a year ago, and Alex Trebek actually said "Boo! Hiss!" to him on air and it was pretty amazing. He's very sad, and so am I.
posted by ChuraChura at 10:45 AM on November 8, 2020 [18 favorites]
My boyfriend was on Jeopardy just about a year ago, and Alex Trebek actually said "Boo! Hiss!" to him on air and it was pretty amazing. He's very sad, and so am I.
posted by ChuraChura at 10:45 AM on November 8, 2020 [18 favorites]
I remember my mom used to listen to him on CBC Radio back in the 60s, well before his U.S. game-show days. He went by "Alec" Trebek then.
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posted by Epixonti at 10:45 AM on November 8, 2020 [2 favorites]
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posted by Epixonti at 10:45 AM on November 8, 2020 [2 favorites]
As my dad's health and mobility declined, one of his few remaining joys was to enjoy a glass of Jack Daniels while he watched Jeopardy!. When I visited, he and his wife and I would compete to see if we could beat the contestants to the answers.
We played this game for the last time just two days before he died, in those moments when every "this is the last time ..." gets burned into your brain. He passed away in late September, and with Alex Trebek now also passing it feels like the closing of a curtain.
Thanks, Alex, for all those evenings with my dad - I'll raise a glass of Jack Daniels tonight in honor of you both.
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posted by Chanther at 10:45 AM on November 8, 2020 [16 favorites]
We played this game for the last time just two days before he died, in those moments when every "this is the last time ..." gets burned into your brain. He passed away in late September, and with Alex Trebek now also passing it feels like the closing of a curtain.
Thanks, Alex, for all those evenings with my dad - I'll raise a glass of Jack Daniels tonight in honor of you both.
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posted by Chanther at 10:45 AM on November 8, 2020 [16 favorites]
Jeopardy was a fixture in my house growing up. More often than not, my mother had dinner ready just as the show was starting, and it was a happy background to our meals. I say this even though my parents’ marriage was unhappy, and my father was an abusive alcoholic. Everything simmered down and was peaceful while we ate dinner and Jeopardy was on. Everyone would call out answers they knew. One year a high school classmate was on teen Jeopardy, and our family got a kick out of watching someone local on TV. Alex Trebek has always made me feel calm and grounded and safe, because I internalized the idea as a kid that nothing bad would happen to me while I was watching Jeopardy. I knew his prognosis was grim at best, but it still hits harder than I expected to learn he has passed.
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posted by little mouth at 10:47 AM on November 8, 2020 [8 favorites]
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posted by little mouth at 10:47 AM on November 8, 2020 [8 favorites]
Oh, fuck. No.
I skipped watching Jeopardy during the run-up to the election in order to miss subjecting myself to the insane political ads, and now I feel cheated and guilty. Are they still airing new shows?
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posted by Thorzdad at 10:50 AM on November 8, 2020
I skipped watching Jeopardy during the run-up to the election in order to miss subjecting myself to the insane political ads, and now I feel cheated and guilty. Are they still airing new shows?
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posted by Thorzdad at 10:50 AM on November 8, 2020
"Mulder didn't say it was Alex Trebek...
posted by doctornemo at 10:52 AM on November 8, 2020 [6 favorites]
posted by doctornemo at 10:52 AM on November 8, 2020 [6 favorites]
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posted by Special Agent Dale Cooper at 10:52 AM on November 8, 2020
posted by Special Agent Dale Cooper at 10:52 AM on November 8, 2020
• I really will miss Mr. Trebek.
posted by bz at 10:53 AM on November 8, 2020 [2 favorites]
posted by bz at 10:53 AM on November 8, 2020 [2 favorites]
!
posted by Halloween Jack at 10:53 AM on November 8, 2020
posted by Halloween Jack at 10:53 AM on November 8, 2020
Are they still airing new shows?
They taped a bunch back in August which have been airing. I don't know how many are left. Someone at the r/jeopardy subreddit keeps track of how many were taped but obviously right now we're all still in mourning.
posted by muddgirl at 10:55 AM on November 8, 2020 [1 favorite]
They taped a bunch back in August which have been airing. I don't know how many are left. Someone at the r/jeopardy subreddit keeps track of how many were taped but obviously right now we're all still in mourning.
posted by muddgirl at 10:55 AM on November 8, 2020 [1 favorite]
Towards the end of my father's life, my parents fought a lot and when I was home, we all fought a lot. He spent all day watching wrestling, Hitler shows and way too much news but every day at 7pm, without fail, he would tune in Wheel and Jeopardy and yell "Your show is on."
And for an hour, no one would fight.
posted by jacquilynne at 10:56 AM on November 8, 2020 [17 favorites]
And for an hour, no one would fight.
posted by jacquilynne at 10:56 AM on November 8, 2020 [17 favorites]
The show's full statement says Alex's last day on set was October 29 and his episodes will air through December 25.
posted by DevilsAdvocate at 11:04 AM on November 8, 2020 [10 favorites]
posted by DevilsAdvocate at 11:04 AM on November 8, 2020 [10 favorites]
His memoir isn't one of those celebrity books I'd recommend regardless of whether you care about the celebrity - but if you're sad about this news, it's short and he narrates part of the audiobook version. There's a section near the end where he discusses his end of life conversations with his family. It was generous of him to share that, in a way that I think is emblematic of how generous a TV personality he was.
A weird silver lining of the pandemic was the "from the vault" episodes of Jeopardy they aired while they were figuring out how to do more new episodes. Feels like we just got a retrospective.
Getting to be on the show while he hosted was a huge, exciting thing for me, but it's watching him on TV, with my family, then roommates, now my boyfriend that earns Trebeck his place in my heart. Glad we have some more episodes taped before I really have to reckon with the loss. He's been great this season, clearly still enjoying and giving it his all.
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posted by the primroses were over at 11:04 AM on November 8, 2020 [4 favorites]
A weird silver lining of the pandemic was the "from the vault" episodes of Jeopardy they aired while they were figuring out how to do more new episodes. Feels like we just got a retrospective.
Getting to be on the show while he hosted was a huge, exciting thing for me, but it's watching him on TV, with my family, then roommates, now my boyfriend that earns Trebeck his place in my heart. Glad we have some more episodes taped before I really have to reckon with the loss. He's been great this season, clearly still enjoying and giving it his all.
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posted by the primroses were over at 11:04 AM on November 8, 2020 [4 favorites]
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He was an honorary family member in my household. Every week day on 7:30 it was Jeopardy time and if you were there you were obligated to participate. Shout out the answer if you knew it, no hesitation and no mercy. It was nice to find out that, by all accounts, he was exactly the kind of person that he appeared to be on the show: kind, intelligent, slyly funny. The world is a lesser place for hs absence.
posted by HunterFelt at 11:10 AM on November 8, 2020 [1 favorite]
He was an honorary family member in my household. Every week day on 7:30 it was Jeopardy time and if you were there you were obligated to participate. Shout out the answer if you knew it, no hesitation and no mercy. It was nice to find out that, by all accounts, he was exactly the kind of person that he appeared to be on the show: kind, intelligent, slyly funny. The world is a lesser place for hs absence.
posted by HunterFelt at 11:10 AM on November 8, 2020 [1 favorite]
For showing the world that questions are more important than answers...
R.I.P. Alex Trebek
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posted by wabbittwax at 11:11 AM on November 8, 2020 [4 favorites]
R.I.P. Alex Trebek
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posted by wabbittwax at 11:11 AM on November 8, 2020 [4 favorites]
I watched Jeopardy all through high school, it started airing my freshman year. It was one of my little clique of nerds favorite shows. I have a bunch of shows DVRd to catch up on.
Really bummed.
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posted by zengargoyle at 11:12 AM on November 8, 2020
Really bummed.
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posted by zengargoyle at 11:12 AM on November 8, 2020
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Classic Concentration and Jeopardy! were gateways to my love of game shows as a kid - and Trebek was a big reason why. It’s impossible to imagine anyone else hosting Jeopardy! but here we are. It’s a small solace to know he was surrounded by family when he died.
As always, fuck cancer.
posted by hijinx at 11:14 AM on November 8, 2020
Classic Concentration and Jeopardy! were gateways to my love of game shows as a kid - and Trebek was a big reason why. It’s impossible to imagine anyone else hosting Jeopardy! but here we are. It’s a small solace to know he was surrounded by family when he died.
As always, fuck cancer.
posted by hijinx at 11:14 AM on November 8, 2020
A nice hometown memory of Alex Trebek from this summer sort of showing how much he meant to a lot of us, and despite being in California and successful, Canada and his hometown were still important to him.
posted by Ashwagandha at 11:15 AM on November 8, 2020 [3 favorites]
posted by Ashwagandha at 11:15 AM on November 8, 2020 [3 favorites]
On reflection, it’s somehow fitting that he should pass so soon after the death of his longtime nemesis.
posted by MrBadExample at 11:18 AM on November 8, 2020 [17 favorites]
posted by MrBadExample at 11:18 AM on November 8, 2020 [17 favorites]
I have watched Jeopardy for years and Alex Trebek has been on for my entire adult life. I mean, the national news anchors used to have that status, where they’d be in your home every evening and were that constant. These days, I can’t name a national weeknight news anchor. But Alex was always there. 80 is a good run but never enough.
I’m not sure how to proceed with my Alexa Jeopardy skill now. My husband and I play every night. It’s just going to be weird hearing Alex’s voice but I’m not sure I want to hear anyone else’s.
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posted by kimberussell at 11:20 AM on November 8, 2020 [4 favorites]
I’m not sure how to proceed with my Alexa Jeopardy skill now. My husband and I play every night. It’s just going to be weird hearing Alex’s voice but I’m not sure I want to hear anyone else’s.
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posted by kimberussell at 11:20 AM on November 8, 2020 [4 favorites]
I used to watch Jeopardy! regularly, but that was quite a few years ago. Nevertheless, I have always appreciated that he kept that show as a little corner—perhaps the last corner—of American popular culture where erudition was valued.
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posted by adamrice at 11:21 AM on November 8, 2020 [1 favorite]
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posted by adamrice at 11:21 AM on November 8, 2020 [1 favorite]
He'd 'sing' through final Jeopardy (like this...
DigDoug, that video made me cry.
I'm pretty sure I saw this moment live
Then I died laughing. Thanks, Dexter.
posted by neuron at 11:22 AM on November 8, 2020 [1 favorite]
DigDoug, that video made me cry.
I'm pretty sure I saw this moment live
Then I died laughing. Thanks, Dexter.
posted by neuron at 11:22 AM on November 8, 2020 [1 favorite]
The undiscovered country: may everyone's death be in the form of a question.
posted by dances_with_sneetches at 11:22 AM on November 8, 2020 [2 favorites]
posted by dances_with_sneetches at 11:22 AM on November 8, 2020 [2 favorites]
He was a part of countless dinners with my parents, both growing up, and then while caring for them in more recent years. My father died of cancer in April. This hurts.
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posted by bcd at 11:28 AM on November 8, 2020 [2 favorites]
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posted by bcd at 11:28 AM on November 8, 2020 [2 favorites]
An hilarious Jeopardy video clip for NFL football sunday where Alex dodges an earlier death.
posted by srboisvert at 11:29 AM on November 8, 2020 [4 favorites]
posted by srboisvert at 11:29 AM on November 8, 2020 [4 favorites]
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7:45PM on February 24th, 2012, my wife and I were just about to watch the Double Jeopardy round when her water broke and it was off to the hospital.
The show has been a cornerstone of so many lives. Godspeed.
posted by selfnoise at 11:43 AM on November 8, 2020
7:45PM on February 24th, 2012, my wife and I were just about to watch the Double Jeopardy round when her water broke and it was off to the hospital.
The show has been a cornerstone of so many lives. Godspeed.
posted by selfnoise at 11:43 AM on November 8, 2020
What is ... crushing sadness?
posted by Drumhellz at 11:44 AM on November 8, 2020 [1 favorite]
posted by Drumhellz at 11:44 AM on November 8, 2020 [1 favorite]
Art Fleming died of pancreatic cancer, too.
posted by 1970s Antihero at 11:48 AM on November 8, 2020 [5 favorites]
posted by 1970s Antihero at 11:48 AM on November 8, 2020 [5 favorites]
Quod, “Requiem aeternam dona ei, Domine, et lux perpetua luceat ei. Requiescat in pace?”
I haven't watched Jeopardy every day in at least five years now. With no one to watch with, the pleasure diminishes and the memory of the pleasure is too painful, perhaps. Still, from the time I was a teenager, through the years of the afternoon game show madness on USA network, the remarkable runs of the last couple of decades, I've always liked him and thought he did a superlative job as host.
posted by ob1quixote at 11:56 AM on November 8, 2020 [2 favorites]
I haven't watched Jeopardy every day in at least five years now. With no one to watch with, the pleasure diminishes and the memory of the pleasure is too painful, perhaps. Still, from the time I was a teenager, through the years of the afternoon game show madness on USA network, the remarkable runs of the last couple of decades, I've always liked him and thought he did a superlative job as host.
posted by ob1quixote at 11:56 AM on November 8, 2020 [2 favorites]
Me: “This popular game show host –”
Her: “Who is Alex Trebek?”
Me: “Very good.”
posted by Joe in Australia at 11:58 AM on November 8, 2020
Her: “Who is Alex Trebek?”
Me: “Very good.”
posted by Joe in Australia at 11:58 AM on November 8, 2020
During one dark period of my life I went and stayed with my elderly mom for two months. Every day was such a long emotional struggle for me, but then when evening came we would sit down with Old-Fashioneds and watch Jeopardy and I could get out of my head a little. I'm really good at it and she's terrible but she took a lot of pleasure in listening to me shout out mostly right answers, then she would feed her dog the orange slice from her Old-Fashioned. It was such a comforting ritual.
A few weeks after I went back to my own life my mom called me up laughing her ass off because she had found my attempt at writing out a daily schedule for myself while I was at her house. In its entirety it read:
Lunch
Jeopardy
posted by HotToddy at 12:04 PM on November 8, 2020 [27 favorites]
A few weeks after I went back to my own life my mom called me up laughing her ass off because she had found my attempt at writing out a daily schedule for myself while I was at her house. In its entirety it read:
Lunch
Jeopardy
posted by HotToddy at 12:04 PM on November 8, 2020 [27 favorites]
I’m trying to think if any other game show host has ever had anywhere close to the amount of good will that Alex Trebek had. Bob Barker? Pat Sajak? Chuck Woolery? Alex Trebek was a cut above.
posted by wabbittwax at 12:08 PM on November 8, 2020 [1 favorite]
posted by wabbittwax at 12:08 PM on November 8, 2020 [1 favorite]
Well...................fuck.
That's all I have.
Once again I have to say thank you to Metafilter for having more.
.
posted by Phlegmco(tm) at 12:15 PM on November 8, 2020
That's all I have.
Once again I have to say thank you to Metafilter for having more.
.
posted by Phlegmco(tm) at 12:15 PM on November 8, 2020
I'll take fuck cancer for all my heart.
Thanks for a lot lot lot of years Mr Trebek.
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posted by chasles at 12:16 PM on November 8, 2020 [1 favorite]
Thanks for a lot lot lot of years Mr Trebek.
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posted by chasles at 12:16 PM on November 8, 2020 [1 favorite]
Oh no. I'm old enough to remember when he first came on the scene, and I had such a crush. He has always been such a dignified man. I was once in a mock Jeopardy-style game at a convention, and I got to be the host, so I practiced my Canadian "no, sorry"s and my calm, even voice, and had such a good time. I've been watching some recent Jeopardy segments on YouTube lately, feeling sort of preemptively sad because I know how evil pancreatic cancer is. Dang.
posted by kitten kaboodle at 12:25 PM on November 8, 2020 [3 favorites]
posted by kitten kaboodle at 12:25 PM on November 8, 2020 [3 favorites]
Between this and Connery the SNL celebrity jeopardy sketches have a bitter edge.
posted by BrotherCaine at 12:41 PM on November 8, 2020 [8 favorites]
posted by BrotherCaine at 12:41 PM on November 8, 2020 [8 favorites]
2020: Sucking until the bitter end.
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posted by pmurray63 at 12:43 PM on November 8, 2020 [1 favorite]
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posted by pmurray63 at 12:43 PM on November 8, 2020 [1 favorite]
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posted by chinesefood at 12:53 PM on November 8, 2020
posted by chinesefood at 12:53 PM on November 8, 2020
Was sad to hear this :( I've watched Jeopardy most evenings for several years now and have auctioned twice (have never made it past the initial test though). You will be missed Alex.
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posted by photo guy at 12:55 PM on November 8, 2020 [2 favorites]
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posted by photo guy at 12:55 PM on November 8, 2020 [2 favorites]
There is a clip of a Jeopardy champion from a few weeks ago where he thanks Trebek for teaching him English growing up. I kinda lost it when he started crying. I grew up watching it with my brothers and playing the video games. End of an era for several generations for sure.
posted by Young Kullervo at 1:15 PM on November 8, 2020 [8 favorites]
posted by Young Kullervo at 1:15 PM on November 8, 2020 [8 favorites]
What is deep sadness and a sense of personal loss, Alex?
There’s something to be said about just how deeply subversive it is that somehow they made a show, made it popular, and made it such a cultural touchstone, all while promoting the idea that the only way to win was to ask the correct questions. Thanks, Mr. Trebek, for instilling in me the idea that we can do so much, and all we have to do is ask the right questions.
posted by Ghidorah at 1:18 PM on November 8, 2020 [4 favorites]
There’s something to be said about just how deeply subversive it is that somehow they made a show, made it popular, and made it such a cultural touchstone, all while promoting the idea that the only way to win was to ask the correct questions. Thanks, Mr. Trebek, for instilling in me the idea that we can do so much, and all we have to do is ask the right questions.
posted by Ghidorah at 1:18 PM on November 8, 2020 [4 favorites]
Less than 24 hours of happiness. Thanks 2020.
posted by tommasz at 1:20 PM on November 8, 2020 [1 favorite]
posted by tommasz at 1:20 PM on November 8, 2020 [1 favorite]
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posted by They sucked his brains out! at 1:32 PM on November 8, 2020
posted by They sucked his brains out! at 1:32 PM on November 8, 2020
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posted by Champagne Supernova at 1:39 PM on November 8, 2020
posted by Champagne Supernova at 1:39 PM on November 8, 2020
He was so humble and self-effacing! We will miss you, Alex.
posted by Monochrome at 1:41 PM on November 8, 2020
posted by Monochrome at 1:41 PM on November 8, 2020
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posted by The Ardship of Cambry at 1:48 PM on November 8, 2020
posted by The Ardship of Cambry at 1:48 PM on November 8, 2020
Retiring the show might seem appropriate right now but it’s too popular/lucrative for the network to let that happen. Another host will take over. My money is on Ken Jennings, who has had a credit on the show this season as “consulting producer.”
posted by beagle at 1:54 PM on November 8, 2020 [5 favorites]
posted by beagle at 1:54 PM on November 8, 2020 [5 favorites]
I used to watch this with my grandmother, gone so many years now. She always pronounced it Jee-OP-erdy. I miss her so much. Thank you Alex for giving me so many happy memories.
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posted by silverstatue at 1:55 PM on November 8, 2020 [2 favorites]
.
posted by silverstatue at 1:55 PM on November 8, 2020 [2 favorites]
Things That Suck for 1000
My brother died of what was likely pancreatic cancer caught tragically late. Fuck Cancer.
Thanks, Alex, you brought something special to us and we'll miss you.
.
posted by theora55 at 1:58 PM on November 8, 2020 [2 favorites]
My brother died of what was likely pancreatic cancer caught tragically late. Fuck Cancer.
Thanks, Alex, you brought something special to us and we'll miss you.
.
posted by theora55 at 1:58 PM on November 8, 2020 [2 favorites]
I am old enough to remember when Jeopardy was a new show, and young enough to be able to say it has existed for most of my life. As a trivia nerd from a family of trivia nerds: thank you Alex for all the good times.
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posted by hurdy gurdy girl at 2:01 PM on November 8, 2020 [1 favorite]
.
posted by hurdy gurdy girl at 2:01 PM on November 8, 2020 [1 favorite]
-he has been a fan over 30 years
-who is this dude, alex?
watching jeopardy was the only thing my old man and me could do together when we hated each others guts. then it was really fun later when we didn't.
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posted by j_curiouser at 2:08 PM on November 8, 2020 [4 favorites]
-who is this dude, alex?
watching jeopardy was the only thing my old man and me could do together when we hated each others guts. then it was really fun later when we didn't.
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posted by j_curiouser at 2:08 PM on November 8, 2020 [4 favorites]
.
In 2011 I was having a pretty hard year--it was my first year of my PhD and I had moved across the country and was very lonely. That New Years, I made a bucket list and decided to check one thing off of it: audition for Jeopardy. I had wanted to be on it my whole life--we were one of those families that watched every single night when I was growing up. (The game I invented was to try to guess the correct Final Jeopardy response based only on the category. If you watch enough Jeopardy, this is fun and even possible!)
Well--I got on the show on my very first try.
I didn't win (I lost to Joon Pahk who went on to the tournament of champions, and it was a very close game) but it was an amazing experience and I'm so grateful that I was brave enough to try it. I never imagined that even *losing* on the show I'd have virtually everyone I'd ever known get in touch to tell me they were proud of me and I'd done so well.
Rest well, Alex Trebek, and thank you.
posted by Tesseractive at 2:48 PM on November 8, 2020 [19 favorites]
In 2011 I was having a pretty hard year--it was my first year of my PhD and I had moved across the country and was very lonely. That New Years, I made a bucket list and decided to check one thing off of it: audition for Jeopardy. I had wanted to be on it my whole life--we were one of those families that watched every single night when I was growing up. (The game I invented was to try to guess the correct Final Jeopardy response based only on the category. If you watch enough Jeopardy, this is fun and even possible!)
Well--I got on the show on my very first try.
I didn't win (I lost to Joon Pahk who went on to the tournament of champions, and it was a very close game) but it was an amazing experience and I'm so grateful that I was brave enough to try it. I never imagined that even *losing* on the show I'd have virtually everyone I'd ever known get in touch to tell me they were proud of me and I'd done so well.
Rest well, Alex Trebek, and thank you.
posted by Tesseractive at 2:48 PM on November 8, 2020 [19 favorites]
I too grew up in a Jeopardy! watching home. I have watched it on and off over the years myself (and always enjoyed it immensely) and got my husband pretty into it over the years too. Trebek had a pretty good run, it will be interesting to see if they try to replace him. End of an era for sure.
?
posted by supermedusa at 3:09 PM on November 8, 2020 [1 favorite]
?
posted by supermedusa at 3:09 PM on November 8, 2020 [1 favorite]
Answer: This famous University of Ottawa alumnus donated another $2.1 million to a school forum that bears his name, for a total donation of $10 million. He knew how to give back.
posted by BozoBurgerBonanza at 3:09 PM on November 8, 2020 [2 favorites]
posted by BozoBurgerBonanza at 3:09 PM on November 8, 2020 [2 favorites]
?
posted by jabo at 3:12 PM on November 8, 2020 [1 favorite]
posted by jabo at 3:12 PM on November 8, 2020 [1 favorite]
What is "."?
posted by dannyboybell at 3:20 PM on November 8, 2020 [1 favorite]
posted by dannyboybell at 3:20 PM on November 8, 2020 [1 favorite]
Another cultural icon gone. This year, dammit.
RIP, Alex, profuse thanks for making all of us just a little smarter, and all the fun times watching the show.
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posted by dbiedny at 3:22 PM on November 8, 2020
RIP, Alex, profuse thanks for making all of us just a little smarter, and all the fun times watching the show.
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posted by dbiedny at 3:22 PM on November 8, 2020
ANAL BUM COVER
"I'll punch his lights out"
yes, Alex Trebek will be missed, in all his incarnations.
posted by supermedusa at 3:36 PM on November 8, 2020
"I'll punch his lights out"
yes, Alex Trebek will be missed, in all his incarnations.
posted by supermedusa at 3:36 PM on November 8, 2020
What is not enough dots? I'm in tears. What an icon, what a true class act. Incalculable the amount of enjoyment brought, the great example set, the love of learning promoted.
posted by blue shadows at 3:51 PM on November 8, 2020
posted by blue shadows at 3:51 PM on November 8, 2020
.
posted by Big Al 8000 at 3:51 PM on November 8, 2020
posted by Big Al 8000 at 3:51 PM on November 8, 2020
A good man, a good Canadian, a good sport.
posted by Capt. Renault at 4:30 PM on November 8, 2020 [1 favorite]
posted by Capt. Renault at 4:30 PM on November 8, 2020 [1 favorite]
100 100 100 100 100 100
200 200 200 200 200 200
300 300 300 300 300 300
400 400 400 400 400 400
500 500 500 500 500 500
yeah, I know, it's the old board
posted by JoeXIII007 at 4:31 PM on November 8, 2020 [5 favorites]
200 200 200 200 200 200
300 300 300 300 300 300
400 400 400 400 400 400
500 500 500 500 500 500
yeah, I know, it's the old board
posted by JoeXIII007 at 4:31 PM on November 8, 2020 [5 favorites]
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posted by FallibleHuman at 5:47 PM on November 8, 2020
posted by FallibleHuman at 5:47 PM on November 8, 2020
.
I grew up watching Jeopardy religiously, and had dreams of being on it one day. I spent a lot of time overseas after high school, and of all the american TV shows you could watch abroad, Jeopardy was never among them. Every time I went home, I watched it.
Lately, still abroad, I found some fairly recent episodes that Netflix, in its wisdom, had started streaming. A little taste of home during a year when god knows I needed one.
Thanks for everything Alex.
posted by mariokrat at 6:02 PM on November 8, 2020 [1 favorite]
I grew up watching Jeopardy religiously, and had dreams of being on it one day. I spent a lot of time overseas after high school, and of all the american TV shows you could watch abroad, Jeopardy was never among them. Every time I went home, I watched it.
Lately, still abroad, I found some fairly recent episodes that Netflix, in its wisdom, had started streaming. A little taste of home during a year when god knows I needed one.
Thanks for everything Alex.
posted by mariokrat at 6:02 PM on November 8, 2020 [1 favorite]
Netflix switches up which episodes they show periodically and for awhile it was the first episode of each new season. It was a delightful nostalgia trip through set changes, rule changes and mustache changes.
posted by jacquilynne at 6:06 PM on November 8, 2020 [3 favorites]
posted by jacquilynne at 6:06 PM on November 8, 2020 [3 favorites]
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posted by Mister Moofoo at 6:06 PM on November 8, 2020
posted by Mister Moofoo at 6:06 PM on November 8, 2020
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posted by Kevin Street at 6:25 PM on November 8, 2020
posted by Kevin Street at 6:25 PM on November 8, 2020
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posted by Philofacts at 7:33 PM on November 8, 2020
posted by Philofacts at 7:33 PM on November 8, 2020
Humble, self-effacing, and enough of a sense of humour to guest on the X-Files (alongside Jesse Ventura) as a Man in Black threatening Mulder.
Trebek as MiB
posted by Philofacts at 7:41 PM on November 8, 2020 [5 favorites]
Trebek as MiB
posted by Philofacts at 7:41 PM on November 8, 2020 [5 favorites]
.?
posted by bunnysquirrel at 8:07 PM on November 8, 2020
posted by bunnysquirrel at 8:07 PM on November 8, 2020
Since it has come up at least twice in this thread: What does a single period in a comment by itself mean?
posted by pmurray63 at 9:00 PM on November 8, 2020
posted by pmurray63 at 9:00 PM on November 8, 2020
My guess is that those Mefites were deliberately answering the thread in the form of a question.
posted by jacquilynne at 9:30 PM on November 8, 2020 [7 favorites]
posted by jacquilynne at 9:30 PM on November 8, 2020 [7 favorites]
.
posted by dogstoevski at 10:48 PM on November 8, 2020
posted by dogstoevski at 10:48 PM on November 8, 2020
There are some excerpts from his memoir here: Alex Trebek: In His Own Words. Sounds like he found some peace at the end.
posted by meowzilla at 10:57 PM on November 8, 2020 [2 favorites]
posted by meowzilla at 10:57 PM on November 8, 2020 [2 favorites]
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posted by Standard Orange at 1:13 AM on November 9, 2020
posted by Standard Orange at 1:13 AM on November 9, 2020
.
I'm really sad for this.
I can only wonder if the timing was like John Adams and Thomas Jefferson "pack[ing] it in" on the same day, 50 years after the US declared independence: Alex finally had some assurance that 2020 wouldn't all be awful, and so he could let go.
posted by batter_my_heart at 1:16 AM on November 9, 2020 [1 favorite]
I'm really sad for this.
I can only wonder if the timing was like John Adams and Thomas Jefferson "pack[ing] it in" on the same day, 50 years after the US declared independence: Alex finally had some assurance that 2020 wouldn't all be awful, and so he could let go.
posted by batter_my_heart at 1:16 AM on November 9, 2020 [1 favorite]
This has been a deeply distressing/depressing year for my dad. My grandfather passed away on Father's Day. Other important public figures passed away earlier in the year, ones who had a big impact on him, too. Now this
Jeopardy was our family activity every night after work. My dad was always so exhausted from his job and frequently made our home quite toxic because everything involving his job was toxic and just couldn't be left at the front door. But when Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune came on, my dad was able to put his venting aside so we could sit and watch and enjoy the intellectual break from the previous hours of the day. And my dad is/was SO knowledgeable. My mom and I would race to answer questions before he did or guess the puzzle (which I was undeniably the best at.) It was joyful peace, just us, our TV dinners, our armchairs, and the TV.
And Alex.
I haven't checked in with my dad about this yet. He sent me a link to a photo of Trebek and Sean Connery (haven't looked at it; have mixed feelings about Connery right now.) We really haven't had any in depth discussions about who we've lost this year because the pandemic makes it hard for us to talk often. But I want to see if he still has any tapes of the Ken Jennings episodes. I know he recorded those because he and I were really invested in that saga. I'd like to rewatch them with him. I'd like to revisit the calm we'd feel for about an hour when I was 9 to 14 years old. Growing up with a smart dad who had anger management issues and the ability to say the worst stuff was so difficult. But I treasure those times when we were just dad and daughter, yelling at our TV screen while my mom made dinner in the background.
Thanks for bringing my dad and I some peace, Alex. We miss you.
posted by Kitchen Witch at 2:29 AM on November 9, 2020 [1 favorite]
Jeopardy was our family activity every night after work. My dad was always so exhausted from his job and frequently made our home quite toxic because everything involving his job was toxic and just couldn't be left at the front door. But when Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune came on, my dad was able to put his venting aside so we could sit and watch and enjoy the intellectual break from the previous hours of the day. And my dad is/was SO knowledgeable. My mom and I would race to answer questions before he did or guess the puzzle (which I was undeniably the best at.) It was joyful peace, just us, our TV dinners, our armchairs, and the TV.
And Alex.
I haven't checked in with my dad about this yet. He sent me a link to a photo of Trebek and Sean Connery (haven't looked at it; have mixed feelings about Connery right now.) We really haven't had any in depth discussions about who we've lost this year because the pandemic makes it hard for us to talk often. But I want to see if he still has any tapes of the Ken Jennings episodes. I know he recorded those because he and I were really invested in that saga. I'd like to rewatch them with him. I'd like to revisit the calm we'd feel for about an hour when I was 9 to 14 years old. Growing up with a smart dad who had anger management issues and the ability to say the worst stuff was so difficult. But I treasure those times when we were just dad and daughter, yelling at our TV screen while my mom made dinner in the background.
Thanks for bringing my dad and I some peace, Alex. We miss you.
posted by Kitchen Witch at 2:29 AM on November 9, 2020 [1 favorite]
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posted by fourpotatoes at 3:36 AM on November 9, 2020
posted by fourpotatoes at 3:36 AM on November 9, 2020
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posted by limeonaire at 4:31 AM on November 9, 2020
posted by limeonaire at 4:31 AM on November 9, 2020
When people say Canadians have a reputation for being nice, they mean people like Alex Trebek.
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posted by kaymac at 5:24 AM on November 9, 2020 [2 favorites]
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posted by kaymac at 5:24 AM on November 9, 2020 [2 favorites]
Pancreatic cancer has taken way too many people I care about.
posted by The Underpants Monster at 6:58 AM on November 9, 2020 [3 favorites]
posted by The Underpants Monster at 6:58 AM on November 9, 2020 [3 favorites]
Jeopardy is of course his legacy, but I will always treasure his turn helming Pitfall, an awesome gameshow with a wild elevator-based finale that was bizarre and thrilling to young Hot Dogs. Apparently Mister Trebek wasn't so taken with it, for good reason.
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posted by Ten Cold Hot Dogs at 8:11 AM on November 9, 2020 [1 favorite]
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posted by Ten Cold Hot Dogs at 8:11 AM on November 9, 2020 [1 favorite]
One of the highlights of my life to date, after watching the show forever, has been competing on Jeopardy! and meeting Alex Trebek. He was gracious and professional with the contestants and when fielding what must've been the bajillionth time the studio audience asked him questions about the show.
Just watching him right up close do, you know, The Thing: give the answers, interview the contestants, do the eyebrow raise and camera take at a weirdly wrong answer. His class, honesty and bravery in dealing with the wretched disease that ultimately took him just made him even more of a star in my mind, beyond the respect I already had for his efforts year after year to promote learning as an inherent and common good.
To an earlier point, yeah, I'd guess Ken Jennings is a lock as Alex's successor. He's the GOAT at the show and has the kind of on-his-feet wit and encyclopedic knowledge that would make him an excellent host. If the producers go elsewhere with it, I'll be very surprised.
Thank you, Mr. Trebek, for so many fabulous hours of answers and questions. Rest in peace and knowledge.
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posted by the sobsister at 10:42 AM on November 9, 2020 [10 favorites]
Just watching him right up close do, you know, The Thing: give the answers, interview the contestants, do the eyebrow raise and camera take at a weirdly wrong answer. His class, honesty and bravery in dealing with the wretched disease that ultimately took him just made him even more of a star in my mind, beyond the respect I already had for his efforts year after year to promote learning as an inherent and common good.
To an earlier point, yeah, I'd guess Ken Jennings is a lock as Alex's successor. He's the GOAT at the show and has the kind of on-his-feet wit and encyclopedic knowledge that would make him an excellent host. If the producers go elsewhere with it, I'll be very surprised.
Thank you, Mr. Trebek, for so many fabulous hours of answers and questions. Rest in peace and knowledge.
.
posted by the sobsister at 10:42 AM on November 9, 2020 [10 favorites]
"Jeopardy!" has been a family ritual for years. How is my pod going to one-up each other now?! Alex; hope you're partying with Eddie Van Halen. You will be very missed.
posted by Wylie Kyoto at 11:10 AM on November 9, 2020 [1 favorite]
posted by Wylie Kyoto at 11:10 AM on November 9, 2020 [1 favorite]
To an earlier point, yeah, I'd guess Ken Jennings is a lock as Alex's successor
I thought for sure that the "Champion of Champions" thing earlier this year was going to turn out to have been a series of auditions to be Trebek's replacement.
posted by rhizome at 11:55 AM on November 9, 2020
I thought for sure that the "Champion of Champions" thing earlier this year was going to turn out to have been a series of auditions to be Trebek's replacement.
posted by rhizome at 11:55 AM on November 9, 2020
'He meant a lot': Hamilton man mourning loss of pen pal Alex Trebek
The takeaway? Trebek was a mensch, and a Ti-Cat fan.
Oskee wee wee, Trebek!
posted by Capt. Renault at 11:59 AM on November 9, 2020 [5 favorites]
The takeaway? Trebek was a mensch, and a Ti-Cat fan.
Oskee wee wee, Trebek!
posted by Capt. Renault at 11:59 AM on November 9, 2020 [5 favorites]
We watch every night at 7pm, without fail, at my house.
I have been watching Jeopardy for nearly 30 years. Alex Trebek feels closer to me than any TV personality I have ever watched (yes, even Mr Rogers).
This is devastating beyond belief. Fuck cancer.
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posted by nayantara at 12:40 PM on November 9, 2020 [3 favorites]
I have been watching Jeopardy for nearly 30 years. Alex Trebek feels closer to me than any TV personality I have ever watched (yes, even Mr Rogers).
This is devastating beyond belief. Fuck cancer.
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posted by nayantara at 12:40 PM on November 9, 2020 [3 favorites]
So far as I know, only one friend of mine has ever appeared on Jeopardy! Her stint was short and not notably successful, it she points out that she was on the week before Ken Jennings first appeared. She says ruefully that she could hold her head much higher about her third-place finish if she could add, "but it was against Ken Jennings."
posted by ricochet biscuit at 8:17 PM on November 9, 2020 [1 favorite]
posted by ricochet biscuit at 8:17 PM on November 9, 2020 [1 favorite]
I'm not entirely sure how feel about my home town making it onto TMZ but at least its for a good reason - Alex Trebek's Canadian Hometown Plans to Honor Him in Big Way. Sudbury also has a nice page of condolences, which includes some funny pictures of Alex Trebek taking a tour of the Big Nickel Mine.
posted by Ashwagandha at 2:37 PM on November 10, 2020
posted by Ashwagandha at 2:37 PM on November 10, 2020
I think Sarah or Jimmy from the Clue Crew would be good hosts!
posted by muddgirl at 2:53 PM on November 10, 2020 [2 favorites]
posted by muddgirl at 2:53 PM on November 10, 2020 [2 favorites]
I am not sure if anyone here had posted this yet but this video of the Dominion Carilloneur playing Think! on the Peace Tower carillon is making me weepy. Ottawa feels a very deep attachment to Alex and he has always been kind to the city. This is a tribute both from his home country and a city that just really loves him.
Sadly the audio quality is not great. I wish I had known it was happening, it might have been worth it to go downtown just for that 30 seconds. I can never quite hear the bells from here.
posted by jacquilynne at 6:20 PM on November 10, 2020 [3 favorites]
Sadly the audio quality is not great. I wish I had known it was happening, it might have been worth it to go downtown just for that 30 seconds. I can never quite hear the bells from here.
posted by jacquilynne at 6:20 PM on November 10, 2020 [3 favorites]
?
posted by jwhite1979 at 3:17 AM on November 11, 2020
posted by jwhite1979 at 3:17 AM on November 11, 2020
After last night's aired episode, get Mariah Carey to host! She was one of the best celebrity clue readers they've ever had. (Note I know this is not going to happen, don't come for me).
posted by muddgirl at 9:47 AM on November 11, 2020
posted by muddgirl at 9:47 AM on November 11, 2020
Alex Trebek Politely Listens To Lame Anecdote About Time Archangel Saw Bear
posted by rhizome at 2:57 PM on November 12, 2020 [5 favorites]
posted by rhizome at 2:57 PM on November 12, 2020 [5 favorites]
We send our love and prayers to Mr. Trebek’s family and friends. He was a strong supporter of #BlackLivesMatter who believed deeply in racial justice. He was one of the kindest souls. BLMLA feels blessed to have called him friend. May the good that he has done last forever.
posted by creepygirl at 9:46 AM on November 13, 2020
posted by creepygirl at 9:46 AM on November 13, 2020
Ken Jennings named the first interim host of Jeopardy, to follow Alex Trebek.
posted by jacquilynne at 8:09 PM on November 23, 2020 [2 favorites]
posted by jacquilynne at 8:09 PM on November 23, 2020 [2 favorites]
An amusing note on the above -- Ken Jennings writes a weekly trivia email, and this week's edition came out this morning, very shortly after that announcement was made public, and it includes this introduction:
I'm Ken Jennings, the non-interim, extremely permanent host of Tuesday Trivia, and here are the next seven questions in our never-ending quest for knowledge.
posted by jacquilynne at 8:33 AM on November 24, 2020 [2 favorites]
I'm Ken Jennings, the non-interim, extremely permanent host of Tuesday Trivia, and here are the next seven questions in our never-ending quest for knowledge.
posted by jacquilynne at 8:33 AM on November 24, 2020 [2 favorites]
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posted by Beardman at 9:53 AM on November 8, 2020 [14 favorites]