Alex Trebek

Host

Hosting Career

Alex Trebek has hosted over 7,000 episodes of Jeopardy! since its syndicated debut in 1984. Over the past 31 years, he has become one of television's most enduring and iconic figures, engaging millions of viewers worldwide with his impeccable delivery of "answers and questions."

In 2013, Trebek was inducted into the Broadcasting and Cable Hall of Fame, and he was also honored as one of the "Giants of Broadcasting," a designation awarded by the Library of American Broadcasting.

Trebek and Jeopardy! received the Peabody Award in 2011 for "encouraging, celebrating and rewarding knowledge"; that same year, Trebek received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. Additionally, Trebek has won five Daytime Emmy® awards for Outstanding Game Show Host.

Early Life

Born and raised in Sudbury, Ontario, Trebek earned two degrees in philosophy from the University of Ottawa. Interested in a broadcasting news career, he joined the Canadian Broadcasting Company (CBC), covering national news and special events for radio and television. With the growing popularity of game shows, he eventually segued into the role of host.

Trebek made his American television debut in 1973 as the host of the NBC game show Wizard of Odds. After several other hosting roles, Trebek was chosen to host Jeopardy!. He was a hit with viewers and quickly became a pop culture icon. He has been honored with a coveted star on both the Hollywood Walk of Fame and the Canadian Walk of Fame in Toronto, making him one of only a handful of entertainers honored by both the United States and Canada. In 2013, Trebek was ranked #8 in a Reader's Digest poll of the 100 Most Trusted People in America.

“He was a hit with viewers and quickly became a pop culture icon.”

Commitment to Charity

In addition to his hosting duties, Trebek has a long-standing commitment with numerous charities and educational organizations. In 2013, he was awarded the Alexander Graham Bell medal from the National Geographic Society for his 25 years as host of the National Geographic Bee.

Trebek has participated in 13 USO tours and was a recipient of the USO Bob Hope Award for his achievements in entertainment and commitment to America's troops. With World Vision, Trebek has traveled to many developing nations reporting on the group's efforts on behalf of children around the world. He has traveled with his family to Zambia, where he adopted a village and helped build a school, homes for teachers, and a medical facility.

Trebek and his wife, Jean, live in Studio City, Calif. They have two adult children, Emily and Matthew.