Late ‘Jeopardy!’ Host Alex Trebek Has a New Postage Stamp in His Honor
For those of us who love Jeopardy!, it's hard to imagine the show without its iconic host, Alex Trebek. His calm demeanor, quick wit and authoritative presence became synonymous with the game show, making him a beloved figure in countless households across the country. To honor his enduring legacy, the United States Postal Service (USPS) has issued a special Forever stamp featuring Trebek, unveiled on July 22, 2024. The commemorative stamp not only celebrates Trebek's remarkable career but also marks the 60th anniversary of the hit competition show.
What does the Alex Trebek stamp look like?
The Alex Trebek Forever stamp was designed to replicate the unique format of Jeopardy!, where answers are provided, and contestants must respond with questions. The stamp features a grid of 20 identical images resembling the familiar cobalt blue game board. Each stamp displays the phrase, "THIS NATURALIZED U.S. CITIZEN HOSTED THE QUIZ SHOW ‘JEOPARDY!’ FOR 37 SEASONS," with the correct response, "Who is Alex Trebek?" written upside down beneath it. See the stamps in this Instagram post below:
The artwork for the stamp was created by Antonio Alcalá, an art director for USPS, using photography provided by Sony Pictures Entertainment, along with hand lettering by Marti Davila. The stamps come in sheets of 20 for $14.60 per the USPS website. As Forever stamps, they will always be valid for the current First-Class Mail one-ounce rate. This is regardless of future price changes.
You can purchase the stamps at USPS locations nationwide and online, ensuring that Trebek's legacy continues to be honored by future generations.
How was the Alex Trebek stamp announced?
The stamp was officially unveiled at a public ceremony on July 22. Sony Pictures Studios in Culver City, California hosted the event. Featured appearances included Michael Elston, Secretary of the Board of Governors of the U.S. Postal Service, current Jeopardy! host Ken Jennings and Jean Trebek, Alex Trebek's widow. The ceremony celebrated not only the release of the stamp but also the enduring legacy of Jeopardy! and its beloved host.
"His life had such a beautiful impact on so many people around the world, and it's just a real honor for my family and I to be here with all of you to acknowledge that," Jean said in a statement at the event. "Alex would have felt overwhelmed with humility and joy to receive such a distinctive tribute."
The legacy of Alex Trebek
Alex Trebek, born in Ontario, Canada, and a naturalized U.S. citizen, hosted Jeopardy! for 37 seasons, becoming a household name and earning widespread respect. His time on the show spanned from 1984 until his passing in 2020. Trebek's influence extended beyond television, with his advocacy for education and cancer awareness, particularly following his public battle with pancreatic cancer.
Reactions to the Alex Trebek stamp
Loyal fans of Jeopardy! have expressed mostly positive reactions to the new stamps. On Instagram, users commented heart emojis among other sweet messages. One user wrote, “Love it!!” while another added “Well deserved.”
On the constructive side, some people expressed their disappointment in the stamp design. Particularly, omitting Trebek himself proved to be a point of contention. “Disappointed that Alex’s image/face isn’t on the stamp itself” wrote one Reddit user. Another responded, “they should have depicted Alex's varying looks over the course of his time on "Jeopardy" (dark hair, gray hair, no facial hair, beard). There are millions who saw that "evolution" in real time.”
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