Published 19:49 IST, November 12th 2019
Alex Trebek: Is the Jeopardy! host retiring from the game show?
Alex Trebek is battling with pancreatic cancer. The chemotherapy has affected his speech, which is why the host has considered leaving Jeopardy. Read more.
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Alex Trebek has hosted Jeopardy! for 35 years now. He revealed in March that he has been diagnosed with stage IV pancreatic cancer. It is one of the fastest moving and deadliest types of cancer. Post that, Trebek decided to continue hosting the show, however, he returned to the show only in August after starting chemotherapy.
Is Alex Trebek planning to retire?
Recently, the host has hinted that his ongoing battle with pancreatic cancer might force him to step away from Jeopardy!. Trebek, in an interview with a media publication, opened up about his battle with cancer. He spoke about how chemotherapy treatments have started affecting his speech. He said that he spoke to the producers regarding this. He also told them that he was slurring his words and his tongue does not work as much and as well as it used to.
He also added that the chemo has caused sores inside his mouth that make it difficult for him to speak and enunciate properly. He spoke about the observant members of the television audience. He felt that they notice the problem but are forgiving so they let it go. But there will be a point when they will no longer be able to let go of this issue.
Some time ago, Trebek released a video on the show's YouTube channel. He wanted the news to go to his fans directly from him instead of through any other, possibly inaccurate source. In the video, Alex opened up about being diagnosed with stage IV pancreatic cancer. He also mentioned that the prognosis for this cancer is not very encouraging but he was still going to fight this. He also said that he shall keep working. With the love and support of his friends, family, and viewers, he said that he was going to beat the low survival rate statistics for the disease.
According to his contract, he is reportedly supposed to host Jeopardy! for another three years. He asked the audience to keep supporting him through this phase. In the interview, he also mentioned that he is not afraid of dying. Adding to this, he said that he has lived a good life and he is close to the end of his life. He also believes that if it happens, then there is no reason for him to be afraid of it. A few months ago, he shared that as long as he can walk out and greet the audience and the contestants and run the game, he will be happy.
Watch the video here:
Here is how netizens reacted to the speculations of his retirement:
Incredibly honored & humbled @Jeopardy Alex Trebek 1) knows who I am 2) thinks I'd be a great host of my fave game show ever that I grew up watching w/ my family & still watch w/ my own kids (who saw him say this & now think I'm a genius) #Dying https://t.co/qdMxWc9g5e via @TMZ
— Laura Coates (@thelauracoates) July 30, 2018
Well, I have recently discovered that Alex Trebek, longtime @Jeopardy host may retire by 2020. It's gonna be a sad day when he retires. He's always been favorite game show host. I don't know the future of Pat @patsajak and Vanna @TheVannaWhite though of Wheel of @WheelofFortune
— Jonathan Peter Ashbeck (@JonathanAshbeck) July 30, 2018
Just heard Alex Trebek is going to retire from Jeopardy and honestly I knew this day was going to come, but I wasn’t prepared 😢
— sabrina🌻 (@sabrinablondeau) July 30, 2018
18:36 IST, November 12th 2019