Fans react to the death of Alex Trebek

People took to Twitter to send their condolences and pay homage to Trebek

Nov 8, 2020

Alex Trebek, the long-running host of the beloved game show Jeopardy!, lost his battle with pancreatic cancer on Sunday. He was 80.

When Trebek arrives, I hope the good Lord states His answer to the meaning of Life in the form of a question. That might actually be appropriate, come to think of it. https://t.co/RdIS70D01Z
— Jamil Smith جميل كريم (@JamilSmith) November 8, 2020

In March 2019, the Canadian-born host announced his cancer diagnosis to the public but assured fans that despite the prognosis, “I’m going to fight this.”

“Just like 50,000 other people in the United States each year, this week I was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer,” Trebek said.

Trebek passed away at his home surrounded by his family and friends.

Jeopardy! is saddened to share that Alex Trebek passed away peacefully at home early this morning, surrounded by family and friends. Thank you, Alex. pic.twitter.com/Yk2a90CHIM
— Jeopardy! (@Jeopardy) November 8, 2020

Pat Sajak, game show host of Wheel of Fortune, commended Trebek for his “courage, grace and strength” and their friendship.

https://twitter.com/patsajak/status/1325538010226679808?s=20

Since the news of his passing, people took to Twitter to send their condolences and pay homage.

One fan shared his favorite clip of The Simpsons where Trebek made an appearance.

https://twitter.com/AwesomEmergency/status/1325560746965495808?s=20

Actress Rosario Dawson thanked the host for sharing his life with viewers.

Thanks for sharing so much of your life w us Alex Trebek. You have brought me to tears so many times w your cheeky humor, kindness & brilliance & esp. as I watched you bravely take on the same cancer my father has been battling these past years. Blessings. https://t.co/9su4mERiQE
— Rosario Dawson (@rosariodawson) November 8, 2020

Stephen Colbert and Jimmy Fallon wished their fellow host well.

Alex Trebek was a gentleman, and it was a privilege to share the stage, even briefly, with such a kind, thoughtful guy. Rest in Peace. pic.twitter.com/moZrpOhLwA
— Stephen Colbert (@StephenAtHome) November 8, 2020

The best in the business. You will be missed, my friend 🙏🏻 Rest In Peace #AlexTrebek… pic.twitter.com/2lWZCFeYwE
— Jimmy Fallon (@jimmyfallon) November 8, 2020

Many news outlets including CNN and E! News, shared videos of former Jeopardy! contestant Burt Thakur. Thakur shared an emotional story about the revered host who he said taught him how to speak English.

“My grandfather who raised me – I’m going to get tears right now – I used to sit on his lap and watch your everyday,” Thakur said to Trebek during his appearance on the show. “So, it’s a pretty special moment for me, man. Thank you very much.”

Thank you for everything, Alex Trebek. ❤️ (🎥:@jeopardy) https://t.co/G83TbU8W7G pic.twitter.com/55raPBIaLI
— E! News (@enews) November 8, 2020

Thakur would go on to win the game with a total of $20,400.

It’s not the first time a contestant has shown appreciation for Trebek. In November 2019, contestant Dhruv Gaur gambled away his $2,000 earnings in Final Jeopardy with a message that made the host choke up: “What is: We love you, Alex!”

The gesture went viral with the hashtag #WeLoveYouAlex resulted in Gaur being invited to The Ellen Show.

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