After news broke that Alex Trebek had died aged 80 after suffering from pancreatic cancer, social media was flooded with tributes to the beloved Jeopardy! game show host.
From former contestants and celebrities to fellow TV hosts and politicians, messages of fond memories and condolences were shared on Twitter.
Read on to discover some of the most stirring tributes.
Jamie Lee Curtis
Actress Jamie Lee Curtis shared what many fans have likely wanted to say to Trebek, who was known for his quick wit and kindness.
The answer is..... THANK YOU! Alex Trebek. You were grace and guts and humor and deep love.
— Jamie Lee Curtis (@jamieleecurtis) November 8, 2020
Ryan Reynolds
Actor Ryan Reynolds also shared his memories of when the two filmed Free Guy together, calling him "gracious and funny" as well as "of course, Canadian".
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
Robert Iger
The Walt Disney Co executive chairman Robert Iger called Trebek “a friend, a colleague, an icon” while paying tribute.
We mourn the loss of #alextrebek -a friend, a colleague, an icon. He graced us with warmth, wit & pure elegance, which is why we welcomed him into our homes night after night, year after year.
— Robert Iger (@RobertIger) November 8, 2020
We are deeply saddened for his wife Jean, his family & millions of Jeopardy fans.
John Legend
Singer John Legend shared his memories of growing up with Trebek's game show as a child in Ohio.
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
Padma Lakshmi
As did television host and author Padma Lakshmi.
I’m so saddened that Alex Trebek has passed. Growing up, he made me feel like my nerdiness was valuable and I loved learning from watching jeopardy. It was our family’s nightly pleasure. https://t.co/MQLfQz6Fa1
— Padma Lakshmi (@PadmaLakshmi) November 8, 2020
Justin Trudeau
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also paid tribute, sharing a photo of the two together and thanking Trebek for entertaining and educating millions of people around the world.
We have lost an icon. Almost every night for more than three decades, Alex Trebek entertained and educated millions around the world, instilling in so many of us a love for trivia. My deepest condolences to his family, friends, and all who are mourning this tremendous loss. pic.twitter.com/XoobAfJwBv
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) November 8, 2020
George Takei
Actor George Takei thanked Trebek for all he had done and called him "heroic" in his fight with pancreatic cancer.
Alex Trebek, you brought us so much knowledge, both important and fun, through the years. Your final battle with cancer was heroic, and we are heartbroken that it has taken you from us. I’ll take “Great TV Personas of Our Time” for $800. The heavens have all the answers now.
— George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) November 8, 2020
Ellen DeGeneres
Ellen DeGeneres thanked him for all he had done in his 36 years as Jeopardy! host.
Alex Trebek hosted Jeopardy for 36 years. What an incredible career and remarkable life. I’m sending love to his family and fans.
— Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) November 8, 2020
Ken Jennings
Ken Jennings, the Jeopardy! champion, who holds the record for the longest winning streak at 74 games, shared a selfie of himself and Trebek, writing: "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
James Holzhauer
Another Jeopardy! champion, James Holzhauer, said spending time with Trebek was "one of the greatest privileges" of his 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
He also shared a story about how game show contestants come and go, but Trebek was the real star.
Those interviewers knew even the greatest contestants come and go, but the greatest host is eternal. Keep wearing that title belt wherever you are now, friend. You certainly earned it. pic.twitter.com/wIpPodA9n1
— James Holzhauer (@James_Holzhauer) November 9, 2020
Brad Rutter
Brad Rutter, who had a 22-game winning streak on the show, also sent a tweet thanking Trebek for everything he gave to the world.
Just gutted. There will never be another. RIP, Alex, and thank you so much for everything. https://t.co/4FMlgaFYvI
— Brad Rutter (@bradrutter) November 8, 2020
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Read more:
‘Jeopardy!’ host Alex Trebek dies at 80
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