Alex Trebek reassures 'Jeopardy!' fans about his health during cancer treatment: 'I'm feeling good'
Jeopardy! fans were relieved Wednesday to hear a positive health update from the show’s longtime host, Alex Trebek.
The 78-year-old, who has been the face of the show since 1984, said in a video shared on social media that he’s “feeling good” as he undergoes treatment for stage IV pancreatic cancer. He noted that the trivia show has completed filming for the season and that he plans to continue hosting the show when it returns with new episodes in September.
That’s a wrap! pic.twitter.com/iV0Of8xCEj
— Jeopardy! (@Jeopardy) April 17, 2019
Trebek, who maintains a decidedly neutral demeanor on the show, appeared emotional when he thanked his fans for their support during this time.
“Some of you may recall that at the beginning of this season, I promised you that we had some surprises in store for you,” Trebek said. “Well, of course, I had no idea at that time that there were some surprises in store for me as well. So here, on the last day of taping for our 35th anniversary season, I wanted once again to thank you for your continuing messages of encouragement and support, particularly the many cards I’ve received from young people. I’m touched beyond words. I’ve always tried to be straight with you, and I’m not going to stop now, so despite what you may have heard, I’m feeling good. I’m continuing with my therapy and we, by we the staff, is already working on our next season, the 36th year of Jeopardy! So, I look forward to seeing you once again with all kinds of good stuff.”
Jeopardy! viewers were thankful to hear from Trebek, although many of them said they were worried about him when they saw the caption of the update video: “That’s a wrap!”
Thought it was goodbye pic.twitter.com/4h02X0vbfo
— Bryan DeGruy (@bryand85) April 17, 2019
Scary headline, but Alex looks healthy and sounds strong! ??
— Bridget OBrien (@bridgetobrien06) April 17, 2019
Don't do that man. Change the caption or something. I thought y'all were announcing he died man. Don't do that!
— Tasha (@PiscesChikk) April 17, 2019
Me throughout the entire video until he said see you in September pic.twitter.com/Zlj6eaEIJp
— Marissa Martinez (@m25issa) April 17, 2019
They sent even more warm wishes Trebek’s way.
Take care of yourself over the summer, Alex. We are all thinking of you.
— @JaimieSeaton (@JaimieSeaton) April 17, 2019
Being an immigrant in the 80s, it was great watching your show with my family and learning all sorts of things about the culture and history of our new continent. Still love trivia to do this day because of your show.
See you in September good sir. Take good care of yourself.— TheTaoOfOat (@TheTaoOfOat) April 17, 2019
Best wishes Alex. We are all praying for your speedy recovery from every corner of the world
— James (@jamestrain8) April 17, 2019
Thank you for 35 great years and I am looking forward to more “good stuff” with Alex Trebek and @Jeopardy in year 36! Also, continuing to pray for Mr. Trebek. #JEffect pic.twitter.com/OxBwKCKeFU
— Andrew Paino (@AndrewPaino) April 17, 2019
Trebek said when he announced his diagnosis that he planned to remain on the show.
“Now, normally the prognosis for this is not very encouraging, but I’m gonna fight this,” Trebek said at the time. “And I’m gonna keep working, and with the love and support of my family and friends, and with the help of your prayers also, I plan to beat the low survival rate statistics for this disease. Truth told, I have to, because under the terms of my contract, I have to host Jeopardy! for three more years. So help me! Keep the faith, and we’ll win. We’ll get it done.”
His contract for the show is through the 2021-22 season.
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