ALEX TREBEK

Alex Trebek: the greatest game show host of all time?

As the longest-running game show host on TV, it’s not hard to see why Alex Trebek has become such a household name. But the admiration for the Canadian born host extends far deeper than “Jeopardy.”

When the 79-year old was diagnosed with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer in March 2019 he received an unprecedented outpouring of support from his fans. He responded with a tearful on-air thank you.

“Alex Trebek is much more than a game show host. Alex Trebek is an American institution,” says game show producer and development executive Bob Boden.

Trebek has continued to host “Jeopardy” despite going through treatment that has been both physically and mentally demanding. He has not set an end date for his duties but hinted when he decides to leave he’ll do it “on a whim” at the end of the show.

Born in Sudbury, Ontario, Trebek studied philosophy at the University of Ottawa before working as a broadcaster at CBC. He landed his first hosting gig on the network’s “Music Hop” in 1963 and continued to hone his craft in Canada on everything from “Strategy” and “Stars on Ice” to “Reach For The Top.”

His versatility as a host did not go unnoticed in the U.S. and he eventually was offered roles on shows like “The Wizard of Odds,” “Classic Concentration” and “High Rollers.” 

But it wasn’t until he took over the reins of “Jeopardy” in 1984 that he really secured his iconic status. 

“He is the modern day epitome of the game show host,” says Briane Nasimok, a writer and producer who has worked with Trebek.

“Alex Trebek should be on the Mount Rushmore of game show hosts,” echoes Canadian TV host and comedian Howie Mandel. 

Trebek has generously given back to his alma mater and has received many accolades on both sides of the border including the Order of Canada in 2017. 

“My intimate knowledge of him as a person is a giving human being, someone who cares, and the way that he’s handled the problems with his cancer, he’s been so open and positive,” says Nasimok. 

“If somebody else were to say Alex Trebek is the greatest game show host of all time, I absolutely would not argue with that,” says game show author and expert Adam Nedeff. 

“Alex has absolutely earned the right to be called that.”