# Alex Trebek

> Canadian and American game show host and TV personality (1940–2020)

**Wikidata**: [Q929985](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q929985)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alex_Trebek)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/alex-trebek

## Summary
Alex Trebek was a Canadian and American game show host and TV personality, best known for hosting the long-running quiz show *Jeopardy!* from 1984 until his death in 2020. His charismatic hosting style and deep knowledge of trivia made him a cultural icon in the United States and Canada.

## Biography
- Born: July 22, 1940
- Nationality: Canadian, American
- Education: University of Ottawa, Royal Military College of Canada
- Known for: Hosting *Jeopardy!* for 36 years
- Employer(s): Jeopardy Productions, Disney-ABC Domestic Television
- Field(s): Television hosting, game show production

## Contributions
- Hosted *Jeopardy!* from 1984 to 2020, making it the longest-running American game show in history.
- Developed and maintained the show's signature format, which included the "Daily Double" and "Final Jeopardy!" segments.
- Recognized for his extensive knowledge of trivia, including literature, history, science, and pop culture.
- Authored the book *The Answer Is...: A Celebration of 36 Years of Jeopardy!* (2019), reflecting on his career.

## FAQs
### What was Alex Trebek's most famous role?
Alex Trebek is best known for hosting *Jeopardy!*, the longest-running American game show in history, from 1984 until his death in 2020.

### Where did Alex Trebek study?
Trebek attended the University of Ottawa and the Royal Military College of Canada, where he earned degrees in political science and military science, respectively.

### What awards did Alex Trebek receive?
Trebek received numerous awards, including an honorary doctorate from the University of Ottawa, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and an honorary doctorate from Fordham University.

### How long did Alex Trebek host *Jeopardy!*?
Trebek hosted *Jeopardy!* for 36 years, from 1984 to 2020, making it the longest tenure for any host in the show's history.

### What was Alex Trebek's signature phrase?
Trebek's signature phrase was "Ken Jennings," which he often used to introduce contestants and set the tone for the show.

## Why They Matter
Alex Trebek's impact on television and popular culture is immeasurable. His hosting of *Jeopardy!* for 36 years made the show a cultural institution, influencing generations of trivia enthusiasts. His charisma and deep knowledge of a wide range of subjects set a standard for game show hosts. Trebek's legacy continues to inspire new hosts and producers in the entertainment industry.

## Notable For
- Hosting *Jeopardy!* for 36 years, the longest tenure in the show's history.
- Receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for his contributions to television.
- Authoring *The Answer Is...: A Celebration of 36 Years of Jeopardy!* (2019).
- Being honored with an honorary doctorate from the University of Ottawa.
- Developing the signature format of *Jeopardy!*, including the "Daily Double" and "Final Jeopardy!" segments.

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Alex Trebek was born on July 22, 1940, in Sudbury, Ontario, Canada. He attended the University of Ottawa, where he studied political science, and later graduated from the Royal Military College of Canada with a degree in military science. His military background influenced his disciplined and structured approach to hosting.

### Career Beginnings
Trebek began his career in television as a journalist and actor, appearing in various Canadian and American productions. His early work in television laid the foundation for his later success as a game show host. He transitioned into hosting in the 1970s, working on shows like *The $64,000 Question* and *The Newlywed Game*.

### Rise to Fame
In 1984, Trebek was hired to host *Jeopardy!*, replacing Art Fleming. His deep knowledge of trivia, combined with his engaging personality, quickly made him a fan favorite. The show's format, which he helped develop, became iconic, featuring the "Daily Double" and "Final Jeopardy!" segments.

### Longest-Running Host
Trebek's tenure as host of *Jeopardy!* spanned 36 years, from 1984 to 2020. During this time, he hosted over 8,000 episodes, making him the longest-running host in the show's history. His ability to maintain the show's integrity and appeal over decades is a testament to his skill and dedication.

### Personal Life and Legacy
Trebek was married to his wife, Barbara, for over 50 years. He was known for his love of travel, often visiting countries and cities featured on *Jeopardy!*. His death in November 2020 was widely mourned, and his legacy continues to inspire new generations of game show hosts and trivia enthusiasts.

### Awards and Recognition
Trebek received numerous awards and honors throughout his career, including an honorary doctorate from the University of Ottawa, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and an honorary doctorate from Fordham University. His contributions to television and entertainment were widely recognized and celebrated.

### Publications
In 2019, Trebek published *The Answer Is...: A Celebration of 36 Years of Jeopardy!*, a book that reflected on his career and the impact of *Jeopardy!* on popular culture. The book was well-received and further cemented his status as a cultural icon.

### Influence on Game Shows
Trebek's influence on the game show genre extends beyond *Jeopardy!*. His hosting style and deep knowledge of trivia set a standard for future game show hosts. Many of his techniques and formats have been emulated in other shows, making his impact lasting and enduring.

### Cultural Impact
Trebek's hosting of *Jeopardy!* made the show a staple of American television, influencing generations of viewers. His charisma and deep knowledge of a wide range of subjects made the show a cultural institution. Trebek's legacy continues to inspire new hosts and producers in the entertainment industry.

## References

1. [Source](https://www.ctvnews.ca/mobile/entertainment/alex-trebek-has-died-at-age-80-1.5179975)
2. Integrated Authority File
3. [Alex Trebek, Longtime Host of ‘Jeopardy,’ Dies at 80. 2020](https://variety.com/2020/tv/news/alex-trebek-dead-dies-longtime-host-of-jeopardy-1234825564/)
4. [Alex Trebek Becomes U.S. Citizen. Associated Press. 1997](https://apnews.com/article/6231c6c3d23bf128c09c92bb7bb5c159)
5. [Wired. 1997](https://www.wired.com/1997/11/alex-trebek-american/)
6. [A statement from the President on the passing of Alex Trebek. University of Ottawa. 2020](https://media.uottawa.ca/news/statement-president-passing-alex-trebek)
7. [CBS leads in daytime Emmy nominations. United Press International. 1989](http://www.upi.com/Archives/1989/05/11/CBS-leads-in-daytime-Emmy-nominations/4654610862400/)
8. [Alex Trebek "rounds up" previous uOttawa donation to an even $10M. 2019](https://www.ottawamatters.com/local-news/alex-trebek-rounds-up-previous-uottawa-donation-to-an-even-10m-1845982)
9. [Canada's stars glow brightly on Walk of Fame. CBC News. 2006](https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/canada-s-stars-glow-brightly-on-walk-of-fame-1.582066)
10. [Celebrity Circuit. CBS News](https://www.cbsnews.com/pictures/celebrity-circuit-5-6-06/3/)
11. [Alex Trebek, PAR, and Jean Trebek, PAR. Fordham University](https://www.fordham.edu/info/21784/founders_dinner/11246/alex_trebek_par_and_jean_trebek_par#:~:text=Their%20son%2C%20Matthew%2C%20is%20a,7%2C%202020.)
12. [Alex Trebek, Television Mainstay For Decades, Has Died at Age 80. 2020](https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2020/11/alex-trebek-television-mainstay-for-decades-has-died-at-age-80)
13. [Governor General to Invest 44 Recipients into the Order of Canada. Governor General of Canada. 2017](https://www.gg.ca/en/media/news/2017/order-canada-investiture-ceremony-5)
14. ['Santa Barbara,' Two Latino Stars Top Daytime Emmy List : Awards: Joan Rivers rebounds from Fox debacle to take best talk show host honors. Susan Lucci of 'All My Children' was a loser for the 11th year in a row.. 1990](https://www.webcitation.org/6HicqKCpC?url=http://articles.latimes.com/1990-06-29/entertainment/ca-617_1_joan-rivers)
15. [Talk show newcomer Brady wins 2 Daytime Emmy Awards. 2003](https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=WsAaAAAAIBAJ&sjid=SEQEAAAAIBAJ&dq=daytime%20emmy%20jordi%20vilasuso&pg=6465%2C5126278)
16. [Ellen DeGeneres repeats sweep of Daytime Emmys. 2006](https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=W_srAAAAIBAJ&sjid=N20FAAAAIBAJ&dq=33rd%20daytime%20emmy&pg=3422%2C2952633)
17. [35th ANNUAL CREATIVE ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT EMMY®AWARDS PRESENTED AT STAR-STUDDED GALA AT LINCOLN CENTER IN NEW YORK CITY. National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. 2008](http://cdn.emmyonline.org/day_35th_winners_creative.pdf)
18. [THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF TELEVISION ARTS & SCIENCES ANNOUNCES WINNERS OF THE 46thANNUAL DAYTIME EMMY®AWARDS. National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. 2019](http://cdn.emmyonline.org/daytime-46th-winners-may-5.pdf)
19. [The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences announces the winners of the 47th annual Daytime Emmy Awards. National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. 2020](https://theemmys.tv/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/daytime-47th-winners-telecast.pdf)
20. International Standard Name Identifier
21. Virtual International Authority File
22. Library of Congress
23. IMDb
24. MusicBrainz
25. [Source](https://variety.com/2020/tv/news/alex-trebek-dead-dies-longtime-host-of-jeopardy-1234825564/)
26. [Alex Trebek, Longtime ‘Jeopardy!’ Host, Dead at 80. 2020](https://www.rollingstone.com/tv/tv-news/alex-trebek-dead-jeopardy-host-obit-813583/)
27. [Jeopardy!. 2020](https://twitter.com/Jeopardy/status/1325490106329751553)
28. [Alex Trebek, Longtime Host of ‘Jeopardy!,’ Dies at 80. 2020](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/11/08/arts/television/alex-trebek-dead.html)
29. Freebase Data Dumps
30. NNDB
31. [Source](https://variety.com/2020/tv/news/alex-trebek-dead-dies-longtime-host-of-jeopardy-1234825564/#comment-6347255)
32. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
33. Facebook
34. The Movie Database
35. Canadian Encyclopedia
36. Open Media Database
37. [Source](https://www.podchaser.com/creators/alex-trebek-107ZzsBND7/appearances)
38. [Alex Trebek MBTI Personality Type: INTJ](https://www.personality-database.com/profile/1714/alex-trebek-hosts-presenters-mbti-personality-type)