Alex Trebek, host of gameshow Jeopardy, dies aged 80

(The Guardian) Alex Trebek, the beloved host of the gameshow Jeopardy!, has died. He was 80.

Trebek had been suffering from pancreatic cancer for some time.

A message posted to the Jeopardy! Twitter account on Sunday said the show was “saddened to share that Alex Trebek passed away peacefully at home early this morning, surrounded by family and friends. Thank you, Alex.”

Trebek confirmed his advanced cancer diagnosis in March 2019, telling fans of the long-running show he would be “open and transparent” as treatment progressed and adding with trademark humour that he would have to beat the odds and survive – because his contract required he host Jeopardy! for three more years.

He continued to host the show while receiving treatment including chemotherapy.

Trebek, who was born in Canada in 1940, hosted Jeopardy! for 36 years, from its revival in 1984 until his death on Sunday.