Following the news that Alex Trebek has been diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer, the longtime “Jeopardy” host has received an outpouring of support from friends and fans throughout Hollywood on social media.
Trebek, 78, said in a YouTube video that he learned of his condition this week.
“Now normally, the prognosis for this is not very encouraging, but I’m going to fight this, and I’m going to keep working,” he said. “And with the love and support of my family and friends and with the help of your prayers also, I plan to beat the low survival rate statistics for this disease.”
A Message from Alex Trebek: pic.twitter.com/LbxcIyeTCF
— Jeopardy! (@Jeopardy) March 6, 2019
“I have some news to share with all of you, and it’s in keeping with my longtime policy of being open and transparent with our Jeopardy fan base,” Trebek added. “I also wanted to prevent you from reading or hearing some overblown or inaccurate reports regarding my health. So therefore, I wanted to be the one to pass along this information. Now, just like 50,000 other people in the United States each year, this week I was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer.”
“Wheel of Fortune” host Pat Sajak was among the first to send Trebek well-wishes, writing on Twitter, “The Sajak family is deeply saddened to hear of Alex Trebek’s struggle with cancer. Our hearts go out to him and his family. But there is no one I know who is stronger and more determined, and I would never bet against him. We, and the entire country, are pulling for you, Alex.”
The Sajak family is deeply saddened to hear of Alex Trebek’s struggle with cancer. Our hearts go out to him and his family. But there is no one I know who is stronger and more determined, and I would never bet against him. We, and the entire country, are pulling for you, Alex.
— Pat Sajak (@patsajak) March 6, 2019
Vanna White, hostess of “Wheel of Fortune” also expressed her well-wishes for Trebek.
She posted on Twitter, “The clue: ‘He has the strength and determination to beat his cancer diagnosis.’ The response: ‘Who is Alex Trebek?’ My family and I are sending love and tons of healing prayers to you Alex.”
The clue: “He has the strength and determination to beat his cancer diagnosis.” The response: “Who is Alex Trebek?” My family and I are sending love and tons of healing prayers to you Alex. pic.twitter.com/VTA435hHel
— Vanna White (@TheVannaWhite) March 7, 2019
Buzzy Cohen, the 2017 “Jeopardy” Tournament of Champions winner, explained how much of an impact Trebek had on him.
“My heart sinks. Few things have changed the course of my life the way this man and this show has. As I’ve come to know him there is nothing but love, respect, and admiration. Alex your whole jeopardy family is behind you. #TheRealJeopardyAllStar”
My heart sinks. Few things have changed the course of my life the way this man and this show has. As I’ve come to know him there is nothing but love, respect, and admiration. Alex your whole jeopardy family is behind you. #TheRealJeopardyAllStar https://t.co/5sYsJnqo9l
— Buzzy Cohen (@buzztronics) March 6, 2019
Former “Jeopardy” champion Ken Jennings posted a series of tweets reacting to the news of Trebek’s diagnosis.
He wrote, “I’ve said this before but Alex Trebek is in a way the last Cronkite: authoritative, reassuring TV voice you hear every night, almost to the point of ritual.
“One thing I know for a fact: Alex is very aware of how much he means to millions of people, and how we will be pulling for him…I hope that’s a comfort,” he added.
And I hope some very good L.A. oncologists are getting ready to have their mispronunciations corrected.
— Ken Jennings (@KenJennings) March 6, 2019
He finished with, “And I hope some very good L.A. oncologists are getting ready to have their mispronunciations corrected.”
Comedian and actor Ken Jeong proudly called Trebek his hero.
“Sending all my love, thoughts and prayers to Alex Trebek. You are my hero.”
Sending all my love, thoughts and prayers to Alex Trebek.
You are my hero. ❤️❤️????????pic.twitter.com/CcXhVtqUT8
— Ken Jeong (@kenjeong) March 6, 2019
Walt Disney Company CEO Robert Iger had words of encouragement.
“Our hearts go out to you, #Alextrebek, a member of our Disney-ABC family for so long. We admire your courage and determination, and in the words of Winston Churchill: “never, never, never, never give up!”
Our hearts go out to you, #Alextrebek, a member of our Disney-ABC family for so long. We admire your courage and determination, and in the words of Winston Churchill: “never, never, never, never give up!”
— Robert Iger (@RobertIger) March 6, 2019
Joining the long list of well-wishers was Stephen King, Dr. Mehmet Oz, Dr. Phil, and even support from outside the United States.
“Keep fighting, Alex—Canadians are rooting for you!” Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau wrote on Twitter.
Keep fighting, Alex – Canadians are rooting for you! https://t.co/EY3Tm1uKVx
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) March 7, 2019
Trebek shares two children, Matthew, 29, and Emily, 27, with his wife of 29 years, Jean Currivan.
At the end of his announcement about the diagnosis, he said he must continue working as his contract goes through the 2021-2022 season.
“Truth be told, I have to because under the terms of my contract, I have to host Jeopardy for three more years! So help me!”
He ended with, “Keep the faith and we’ll win. We’ll get it done. Thank you.”
