The final show featuring longtime Jeopardy! host Alex Trebek aired Friday (Jan. 08, 2021) and a special tribute at the end of it captured everything that audiences loved about the man.
In a video montage, Trebek jokes, banters with contestants, and generally delivers the same warm, naturally smooth, humble and reassuring presence that guided his performances through 36 years.
With Peter Allen’s “Once Before I Go” playing in the background, the 90-second clip looked back at Alex’s iconic mustache as well as footage from “family visiting day” when his children, Matthew and Emily Trebek, visited him.
There is also a montage of clips showing off Alex’s dance moves through the years despite his claims that he did not “dance.” Ending the tribute video was a message that read, “Dedicated to Alex Trebek. Forever in our hearts. Always our inspiration.” The accompanying message on each social media post also read, “Simply the best. Thank you, Alex.”
Trebek died November 8, 2020, after a very public battle with pancreatic cancer, and the syndicated show has been running the pre-taped segments.
The show was a normal taping, according to show producers, with Trebek saying, “See you next time” and credits rolling. Trebek and producers did not know that would be his final show.
