Answer: He is the Guinness World Record holder for the most game show episodes hosted by one announcer, and he is beloved by millions of fans across the world.
Of course, you know the correct response, posed in “Jeopardy!” format: “Who is Alex Trebek?”
Today, the world is mourning the loss of Trebek, who died Nov. 8 following a battle with stage 4 pancreatic cancer. He was 80 years old.
Official word of Trebek’s death came from the “Jeopardy!” Twitter account, which posted that Trebek had passed away peacefully while surrounded by 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
Immediately, fans everywhere — including many celebrities — took to social media to share their condolences, tributes and memories of a man who has been a part of our television culture for four decades.
“I was obsessed with Jeopardy as a nerdy kid growing up in Ohio,” tweeted John Legend. “I’ve loved and revered Alex Trebek since I can remember. What an iconic career.”
I was obsessed with Jeopardy as a nerdy kid growing up in Ohio. I’ve loved and revered Alex Trebek since I can remember. What an iconic career. RIP Alex Trebek.
— John Legend (@johnlegend) November 8, 2020
“Family Feud” host Steve Harvey called Trebek “the classiest game show host of all time” in his memorial tweet.
My heart is so sad over the passing of the classiest game show host of all time!!! His style was real to me …… condolences to his entire family and fans #AlexTrebek pic.twitter.com/3zMFAmpAXT
— Steve Harvey (@IAmSteveHarvey) November 8, 2020
Actress Rosie Perez shared a candid memory involving Trebek’s cameo appearance in a film that featured Perez. The two worked together on the 1992 film “White Men Can’t Jump.”
“Will never forget filming with him,” Perez tweeted. “He was kind and funny. When I mispronounced Mt. Vesuvius, he went right along & ad-libbed ‘checking with the judges’, and the rest is history. You will be missed! xoxo.”
Very sad. #AlexTrebek fought with dignity to the very end. Will never forget filming with him #WhiteMenCantJump. He was kind and funny. When I mispronounced Mt. Vesuvius, he went right along & ad-libbed "checking with the judges" and the rest is history. You will be missed! xoxo https://t.co/SzGfJIyJX3
— Rosie Perez (@rosieperezbklyn) November 8, 2020
Actor Ryan Reynolds had the opportunity to work with Trebek even as the “Jeopardy!” host battled cancer when Trebek made a cameo in the movie “Free Guy.”
Alex Trebek was kind enough to film a cameo for our film Free Guy last year despite his battle. He was gracious and funny. In addition to being curious, stalwart, generous, reassuring and of course, Canadian. We love you, Alex. And always will.
— Ryan Reynolds (@VancityReynolds) November 8, 2020
Actor Joe Mantegna’s tribute recalled the times they spent together as parents and peers.
From taking our kids to piano lessons to doing charity golf together he was always the consummate gentleman and a role model of class.
R. I. P. Alex Trebek. #AlexTrebek— Joe Mantegna (@JoeMantegna) November 9, 2020
Even the United States Central Intelligence Agency expressed grief over the passing of the TV legend, tweeting that Trebek had been a favorite among CIA staffers.
Alex Trebek, host of @Jeopardy, won the hearts of many including CIA's workforce.
We will miss you, Alex. May you rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/1H2YUrEpR5
— CIA (@CIA) November 9, 2020
As for those who were made celebrities by “Jeopardy!”, Ken Jennings, the highest-earning contestant ever, posted a fun photo of himself and Trebek on the set of the popular game show.
“Alex wasn’t just the best ever at what he did,” Jennings shared. “He was also a lovely and deeply decent man, and I’m grateful for every minute I got to spend with him.”
Alex wasn’t just the best ever at what he did. He was also a lovely and deeply decent man, and I’m grateful for every minute I got to spend with him. pic.twitter.com/CdHCcbqmp2
— Ken Jennings (@KenJennings) November 8, 2020
Fellow “Jeopardy!” champion James Holzhauer won more than $2 million during his tenure on the show in 2019. He remembered his time with Trebek as “one of the great privileges of my life.”
It was one of the great privileges of my life to spend time with this courageous man while he fought the battle of his life. You will never be replaced in our hearts, Alex. https://t.co/LLoUASRMa9
— James Holzhauer (@James_Holzhauer) November 8, 2020
Trebek stopped filming the game show on Oct. 29, according to Sony Pictures. However, the remaining episodes featuring the iconic host will continue to air through Dec. 25.
The Christmas Day episode will mark Trebek’s final appearance on “Jeopardy!”
“Today we lost a legend and a beloved member of the Sony Pictures family,” said Tony Vinciquerra, chairman-CEO of Sony Pictures Entertainment, according to Variety. “For 37 amazing years, Alex was that comforting voice, that moment of escape and entertainment at the end of a long, hard day for millions of people around the world. He was the heart and soul of ‘Jeopardy!’ and he will be deeply missed by everyone who made him part of their lives.”