SAG-AFTRA Statement on the Passing of Alex Trebek

SAG-AFTRA mourns the loss of Jeopardy host Alex Trebek, who passed away today at age 80.

Trebek was a television icon who hosted more than 7,000 episodes of the long-running game show. A native of Ontario, Canada, who became a U.S. citizen in 1998, Trebek started as a broadcaster, before eventually taking on the role that would define his career: that of legendary game show host.

Trebek was also a philanthropist, supporting a variety of causes, including those that promoted education, aided the blind and the homeless, and preserved natural spaces. In addition, he toured with the USO more than a dozen times. 

“I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Alex Trebek,” said SAG-AFTRA President Gabrielle Carteris. “The world will miss his sharp mind, clever wit and friendly manner. Whether the discussion was about geography, food, history or opera, he would always have something interesting to add, and he undoubtedly sparked many a conversation on obscure topics among members of his audience. My condolences to his family and friends.”
 

About SAG-AFTRA

SAG-AFTRA represents approximately 160,000 actors, announcers, broadcast journalists, dancers, DJs, news writers, news editors, program hosts, puppeteers, recording artists, singers, stunt performers, voiceover artists and other entertainment and media professionals. SAG-AFTRA members are the faces and voices that entertain and inform America and the world. A proud affiliate of the AFL-CIO, SAG-AFTRA has national offices in Los Angeles and New York and local offices nationwide representing members working together to secure the strongest protections for entertainment and media artists into the 21st century and beyond. Visit SAG-AFTRA online at SAGAFTRA.org.