Alex Trebek, the longtime host of Jeopardy!, was funny, quick-witted, and a delight to be around, according to WTMJ’s Jim Peck, a former TV game show host.
Trebek died from Pancreatic Cancer on Sunday. He was 80 years old.
“I had no idea he was that close to death,” Peck told WTMJ’s Steve Scaffidi on Monday. “We exchanged emails not too long ago. Everything seemed to be going well. He looked strong, he sounded good.”
Trebek continued to work following his diagnoses in March 2019.
“He was terrific,” Peck recalled. “Alex did a number of game shows (throughout his career). He had such a quick mind.”
Peck, who spent years in Beverly Hills as a game show host, said he and Trebek would occasionally cross paths.
“He was quite a wine aficionado,” Peck said. “You always hoped Alex would invite you over for dinner because he had quite a wine cellar and you would drink a lot.”
As for Jeopardy!, Peck suggested a former TV news anchor or White House correspondent could be a possible replacement host. Whoever it is, it won’t be easy, he said.
“I wouldn’t want to be the guy who replaces Alex.”
