“Jeopardy!” paid an emotional tribute to Alex Trebek the day after the longtime host died after battling pancreatic cancer.
The show’s executive producer, Mike Richards, opened Monday’s episode with a tribute to Trebek, 80, who had hosted the show since 1984.
“This is an enormous loss, for our staff, crew, for his family, for his millions of fans,” Richards said. “He loved this show, and everything it stood for. In fact, he taped his final episodes less than two weeks ago. He will forever be an inspiration for his constant desire to learn, his kindness and for his love of his family.”
Trebek’s last day of taping was Oct. 29, and his final show will come on Christmas Day.
>> ‘Jeopardy!’ episodes featuring Alex Trebek will air through Christmas Day
Trebek took over as host of “Jeopardy” when the show was revived on ABC in 1984. Previously, the show aired during weekend afternoons on NBC from 1964 to 1979 and was hosted by Art Fleming.