We have lost an icon. Almost every night for more than three decades, Alex Trebek entertained and educated millions around the world, instilling in so many of us a love for trivia. My deepest condolences to his family, friends, and all who are mourning this tremendous loss. pic.twitter.com/XoobAfJwBv
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) November 8, 2020
For many, Alex Trebek was about Jeopardy! since the game show was relaunched in 1984. That would be a lot for most people but Trebek had many lives in his 80 years on this planet.
Trebek was famous for hosting Jeopardy! but also hosted a number of other game shows. The first of many U.S. game shows was The Wizard of Odds. I first remember Trebek as the host of High Rollers.
Game shows tape in advance. The last episode with Trebek is scheduled to air Christmas Day. Trebek passed away at the age of 80 from pancreatic cancer.
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Trebek got his first big break as a relief announcer at CBC in Ottawa. Trebek soon became the host of the TV show Music Hop. His biggest Canadian contribution was as host of Reach for the Top from 1966-1973. The game show was a quiz bowl type setup for high school students.
Trebek also hosted radio shows at CBC such as Young Man's Fancy (a music-based series) and Outside/Inside (design and architecture). Trebek was born and grew up in Sudbury. He was bilingual with a Franco-Ontarian mother.
Trebek was so well-known in Canadian circles that Eugene Levy did a parody of Trebek as Alex Trebel on SCTV.
Who is Tim Stützle? #NHLDraft #Jeopardy pic.twitter.com/KfYKyEcqMj
— Ottawa Senators (@Senators) October 6, 2020
Canadian icon isn't a job though Alex Trebek wore that well. His announcement of the Ottawa Senators first draft pick earlier this year was one of those moments. His appearance with other well-known Canadians on How I Met Your Mother was another great example.
Trebek was awarded the Order of Canada in 2017 for instilling "a love of learning in millions of people around the world. Off-camera, he is a champion of geographic literacy in the United States and Canada through his work with their geographic societies."
Trebek was one of the Special Award honourees this year for the 2020 Canadian Screen Awards.
Canadian Screen Awards ceremony scheduled for last night but remains in limbo
I still remember getting the YouTube video from 2015. Canadian cities was the final category since all 3 contestants had blown that off until the end. The poor contestant in 3rd place had to do his best to answer questions, knowing his fellow contestants wouldn't jump in and answer any of the questions.
He went 0-for-5. Not to brag, but I knew all 5 questions. He went from $5600 to -$2600 in fewer than 2 minutes.
Trebek must have been joyous to have the category on Jeopardy! and a bit frustrated there were 0 correct answers. Trebek kept his cool like he always did. A Canadian icon who didn't forget his roots. RIP.
Twitter captures: @JustinTrudeau; @Senators
photo credits: CBC; SCTV
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