It’s hiatus time for the crew at “Jeopardy” but beloved host Alex Trebek, who is fighting a battle with cancer, says he intends to be back.
In a video filmed on the show’s set on the last day of taping for its current season, Trebek says “despite what you may have heard, I’m feeling good, I’m continuing with my therapy and we…[are] already working on our next season, the 36th year of ‘Jeopardy.'”
“I look forward to seeing you once again in September with all kinds of good stuff,” he adds.
Earlier last month, the longtime game show host announced he was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer.
“Now, normally, the prognosis for this is not very encouraging, but I’m going to fight this. And I’m going to keep working 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,” he said at the time, in a video posted on the show’s YouTube channel.
The American Cancer Society says people with that kind of cancer, on average and across all stages, have a 5-year survival rate of 9 percent.
In his latest video statement, Trebek said the “messages of encouragement and support” have left him “touched beyond words.”
Trebek, 78, has hosted “Jeopardy” since 1984, when the show began airing daily in syndication.
Gratitude for Fan Support
The show’s official Twitter account shared a video of Trebek offering his gratitude for how people have rallied around him.
Thank you. pic.twitter.com/XSk1c4FHbu
— Jeopardy! (@Jeopardy) March 14, 2019
“Hi everyone,” Trebek said in the short video, which was tweeted along with the caption “Thank you. I just want to take a few moments to say thanks to the, believe it or not, hundreds of thousands of people who have sent in tweets, texts, emails, cards and letters wishing me well following my recent health announcement.”
The host said he’s heard from former contestants and “even Watson, the IBM computer, sent me a get well card.”
“Now, obviously I won’t be able to respond to all of you individually, but I did want you to know that I do read everything I receive,” Trebek said. “And I am thankful for the kind words, the prayers and the advice you have offered and I am extremely touched by the warmth you have expressed in your comments to me.”
He ended the video by saying “I’m a lucky guy.”
