Alex Trebek was one of the most famous and beloved game show hosts of all time. He hosted the popular trivia show Jeopardy! for 37 years, from 1984 until his death in 2020. He was known for his calm and witty demeanor, his vast knowledge, and his iconic mustache. In this article, we will explore his salary, net worth, contract, earning career, education, partner, family, age, and bio.
Salary and Net Worth
Alex Trebek had a very successful career as a game show host, and he was well compensated for it. According to Celebrity Net Worth, he earned $18 million per year as the host of Jeopardy!, which translates to about $43,000 per episode. He hosted more than 8,200 episodes of Jeopardy!, setting a Guinness World Record for the most game show episodes hosted by the same presenter. His total net worth was estimated to be $75 million at the time of his death.
Earning Career
Alex Trebek started his career in Canada, working as a journalist and a staff announcer for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC). He moved to the United States in 1973, where he hosted various game shows for NBC and CBS, such as The Wizard of Odds, Double Dare, High Rollers, The $128,000 Question, and Classic Concentration. He also hosted the syndicated version of To Tell the Truth from 1990 to 1991.
However, his most famous and longest-running role was as the host of Jeopardy!, which he began in 1984. He was chosen by the show’s creator, Merv Griffin, to replace the original host, Art Fleming. He signed a contract with Sony Pictures, the producer of Jeopardy!, that lasted until 2022. He also had a say in the creative aspects of the show, such as the clues, the categories, and the format. He was widely praised for his hosting skills, and he won eight Daytime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Game Show Host, as well as a Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.
Education and Family
Alex Trebek was born on July 22, 1940, in Sudbury, Ontario, Canada. He was the son of George Edward Trebek, a chef who had emigrated from Ukraine, and Lucille Marie Lagacé, a Franco-Ontarian. He grew up in a bilingual French-English household. He attended a Jesuit school until the age of 12, and then went to boarding school in Ottawa. He graduated from the University of Ottawa with a degree in philosophy in 1961. He became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 1998.
Alex Trebek was married twice. His first wife was Elaine Howard, whom he married in 1974 and divorced in 1981. His second wife was Jean Currivan, whom he married in 1990. He had three children: Matthew, Emily, and Nicky. He also had two stepchildren from his first marriage: Nicky and Barbara.
Age and Bio
Alex Trebek was 80 years old when he died on November 8, 2020, at his home in Los Angeles, California. He had been diagnosed with stage IV pancreatic cancer in March 2019, and he announced his condition to the public in a video message. He continued to host Jeopardy! while undergoing treatment, and he remained optimistic and grateful for the support he received from his fans and his colleagues. He was honored with many tributes and accolades, such as the Order of Canada, the Peabody Award, and the Daytime Icon Award. He was also a philanthropist and a humanitarian, who donated to various causes and organizations, such as World Vision, the USO, and the National Geographic Society.
Alex Trebek was a legend in the television industry and a cultural icon. He inspired millions of people with his intelligence, his humor, and his courage. He will always be remembered as the host of Jeopardy!, and as a lovely and deeply decent man.
Conclusion
Alex Trebek was more than just a game show host. He was a teacher, a mentor, a friend, and a hero to many. He left behind a legacy of excellence, generosity, and joy. He was the epitome of what Jeopardy! stands for: a celebration of knowledge, curiosity, and fun. He was, in his own words, “just a quiz show host”. But he was also so much more.
Most Asked Questions and Answers
Q: When did Alex Trebek start hosting Jeopardy!?
A: Alex Trebek started hosting Jeopardy! in 1984, when the show was revived in syndication.
Q: How many episodes of Jeopardy! did Alex Trebek host?
A: Alex Trebek hosted more than 8,200 episodes of Jeopardy!, setting a Guinness World Record for the most game show episodes hosted by the same presenter.
Q: How much did Alex Trebek make per episode of Jeopardy!?
A: Alex Trebek made about $43,000 per episode of Jeopardy!, according to Celebrity Net Worth. His annual salary was $18 million.
Q: What was Alex Trebek’s net worth at the time of his death?
A: Alex Trebek’s net worth was estimated to be $75 million at the time of his death, according to Celebrity Net Worth.
Q: What was Alex Trebek’s cause of death?
A: Alex Trebek died of pancreatic cancer, which he had been battling since March 2019. He died peacefully at his home, surrounded by his family and friends.
Q: Who is Alex Trebek’s wife?
A: Alex Trebek’s wife is Jean Currivan, whom he married in 1990. She is a real estate project manager and a former sound engineer.
Q: How many children did Alex Trebek have?
A: Alex Trebek had three children: Matthew, Emily, and Nicky. He also had two stepchildren from his first marriage: Nicky and Barbara.
Q: Where was Alex Trebek born?
A: Alex Trebek was born in Sudbury, Ontario, Canada. He was the son of George Edward Trebek, a chef who had emigrated from Ukraine, and Lucille Marie Lagacé, a Franco-Ontarian.
Q: What was Alex Trebek’s degree in?
A: Alex Trebek had a degree in philosophy from the University of Ottawa, which he graduated from in 1961.
Q: What awards did Alex Trebek win?
A: Alex Trebek won many awards for his work on Jeopardy!, such as eight Daytime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Game Show Host, a Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, a Peabody Award, and a Daytime Icon Award. He also received the Order of Canada, the highest civilian honor in his native country.