Fans and celebrities alike were saddened at the news of Alex Trebek’s passing on Sunday (Nov. 8). The longtime “Jeopardy!” host passed away at the age of 80 after a long battle with stage 4 pancreatic cancer. The game show confirmed the news by sharing a message thanking the television personality for his contributions to the show over his 36 years as host.
“‘Jeopardy!’ is saddened to share that Alex Trebek passed away peacefully at home early this morning, surrounded by family and friends. Thank you, Alex,” the statement read on Saturday.
“I was obsessed with Jeopardy as a nerdy kid growing up in Ohio,” John Legend wrote. “I’ve loved and revered Alex Trebek since I can remember. What an iconic career. RIP Alex Trebek.”
“RIP Alex Trebek. A true, true gentleman and courageous hero. May flights of angels sing thee to thy rest 💛,” Davis wrote. Trebek appeared in White Men Can’t Jump in 1992 alongside Rosie Perez and she shared a heartfelt message about him.
“Very sad. #AlexTrebek fought with dignity to the very end. Will never forget filming with him #WhiteMenCantJump. He was kind and funny,” his former co-star wrote. “When I mispronounced Mt. Vesuvius, he went right along & ad-libbed ‘checking with the judges’ and the rest is history. You will be missed! xoxo.”
Steve Harvey also shared his thoughts about the host’s passing. “My heart is so sad over the passing of the classiest game show host of all time!!! His style was real to me …… condolences to his entire family and fans #AlexTrebek,” the talk show host tweeted.
Other TV hosts also took to Twitter to react to the loss. “Alex Trebek was like a family member who I watched every night. I remember going to the set to watch him tape a show before I started my TV career. He was a big influence and one of a kind. Rest In Peace, Alex,” Ryan Seacrest wrote.
Jimmy Kimmel lamented the news that put a damper on a weekend where people were celebrating the results of the 2020 presidential election. “Couldn’t we have one nice weekend? A kind gentleman whose excellence was so consistent, it was easy to take for granted. Rest well, Mr. Trebek,” the late-night talk show host tweeted. Jimmy Fallon also shared a photo of the late Jeopardy! host and called him “the best in the business.”
Ellen DeGeneres also shared in their grief, writing: “Alex Trebek hosted ‘Jeopardy’ for 36 years. What an incredible career and remarkable life. I’m sending love to his family and fans.”
Neil deGrasse Tyson posed for a photo holding a “Jeopardy!” banner to pay homage to the show’s host, writing: “Farewell, patron saint of geeks. Jeopardy host since 1984.” NASA shared a video of the TV host along with a message mourning Trebek. “We’re saddened by the passing of legendary @Jeopardy host Alex Trebek. Earlier this year, he helped us recruit the next generation of astronauts – a testament to his dedication to challenging us to expand our knowledge,” the tweet read.
DJ D-Nice wrote shared a black-and-white photo of Trebek. “Wow. Rest peacefully, Alex Trebek. I’ve learned so much while watching Jeopardy. Fcancer! 🕊🕊🕊🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾,” he wrote.
The longtime “Jeopardy!” host shared a video in March 2019 to inform the game show fans that he was battling cancer. He vowed to continue working while getting treatment and continued to update fans about his health. The REVOLT team sends our condolences to Trebek’s loved ones and his fans.
Check out more tributes from the stars for Alex Trebek below.