
On November 8, 2020, the nation mourned the loss of Alex Trebek, a cherished icon of television and pop culture, who passed away at 80. Known for his role as the host of Jeopardy!, Trebek's real-life achievements were as extraordinary as his on-screen presence. From apprehending a thief to proudly carrying the Olympic flame, these are just a few reasons why he was so adored.
1. Alex Trebek’s knack for improvisation played a key role in his career breakthrough.
In his 2020 memoir, The Answer Is…, Trebek credited Alan Thicke, star of Growing Pains, for giving him his first big break in television. During the 1970s, Thicke created a game show titled The Wizard of Odds for NBC and insisted Trebek was the ideal host. Thicke believed Trebek’s improvisational talent would shine, especially since the studio lacked space for cue cards, requiring the host to think on his feet.
2. Alex Trebek guest-starred in a 1996 episode of The X-Files.
On April 12, 1996, Alex Trebek played a pivotal role as one of the original Men In Black in a third-season episode of The X-Files, alongside Jesse Ventura. While Ventura was the initial pick of writer Darin Morgan, securing Trebek took some time. Morgan had initially considered Salman Rushdie for the role, but his controversial reputation made him unsuitable. When Trebek was proposed, it was an ideal match.
“I thought, ‘That’s it! That works,’” Morgan said. “Duchovny had appeared on Celebrity Jeopardy!, so we knew we could get him on board.”
3. Alex Trebek cherished his cameo on Cheers.
Among his numerous TV appearances, Trebek held his Cheers cameo in high regard. "It was one of my earliest opportunities to appear on a beloved sitcom," Trebek once recalled. "After reading the script, I went home, and a few hours later, a revised version arrived with additional lines for me. They realized I could handle more dialogue, so they kept adding lines each day. The cast, including Ted Danson, was incredibly welcoming and kind."
4. Alex Trebek participated in the 1996 Olympic Torch Relay.
During the 1996 Summer Olympics, Trebek played a role in the torch relay by carrying it through Jacksonville, Florida, a city located less than 350 miles from Atlanta. That year, Jeopardy! also served as an official sponsor of the Olympic Games.
5. Alex Trebek once pursued a thief who was stealing from his hotel room.
In 2011, Trebek woke up in his San Francisco hotel room to find a burglar going through his belongings. Without hesitation, he chased the thief and trapped her near the ice machine. Although he recovered most of his possessions, some cash and a bracelet gifted by his mother were never found.
The event also unveiled a personal detail Trebek might have preferred to keep private: he slept without clothes. In an interview with The Today Show following the incident, Trebek revealed that he quickly put on underwear before rushing out to catch the thief.
6. Alex Trebek was once ready to film Jeopardy! without wearing pants.
During a Tournament of Champions, Trebek was almost part of an unusual filming setup. Contestants, including Ken Jennings, joked that standing in their underwear behind the podiums would ease their nerves. Trebek agreed to join in, unaware it was all a playful joke.
7. Alex Trebek had a remarkable sense of humor.
Trebek’s sharp wit on Jeopardy! showcased his excellent sense of humor, and he often enjoyed laughing at himself. (The video above is just one example of his comedic side.)
8. Alex Trebek considered impressions of him, such as Will Ferrell’s on SNL, a sign of his success.
In an interview with the Archive of American Television, Trebek shared his thoughts on Will Ferrell’s iconic Saturday Night Live impression of him: "I loved them. It means you've made it. When someone parodies you, it shows the audience instantly knows who you are. That recognition means your show has been watched by many over the years or is still popular. It’s a sign of success, not just from your own show but also from being referenced and parodied elsewhere."
9. Alex Trebek admired Will Ferrell’s impression but believed another actor outperformed him.
While Trebek enjoyed Ferrell’s portrayal, he felt Eugene Levy’s version on SCTV was superior. "Initially, he was introduced as Alex Trebel, but they eventually dropped the act and called him Alex Trebek," Trebek once remarked. "To this day, I think Eugene Levy did the best Alex Trebek impression, even better than Will Ferrell. He looked the part too, with his dark hair and black mustache."
10. Alex Trebek used a crayon on Jeopardy! to help the contestants.
If you’ve ever noticed Trebek writing with a crayon on Jeopardy!, there’s a considerate reason behind it. As he explained in his memoir, "It’s the quietest writing tool, so it doesn’t get picked up by my microphone."
11. Alex Trebek had a unique fondness for the musk ox.

Trebek, a dedicated philanthropist, held a special admiration for the musk ox. When asked why it was his favorite animal, he explained: "Musk oxen are deeply family-oriented, which I admire. When threatened, they create a defensive circle, with males guarding the perimeter and females and calves protected inside. Few predators dare challenge this formation. Plus, I love how their shaggy coats flow in the wind as they run."
For years, Trebek and his family have been significant contributors to the Musk Ox Farm in Palmer, Alaska. In gratitude, the farm honored him as their Herd Godfather.