Alex Trebek has been hosting Jeopardy! since 1984. He made a shocking announcement that he has been diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer.
This makes many wonder if he’ll be stepping away from his hosting job. He recently revealed how long he plans to work on the show. Find out what he said and more about his health journey.
Alex Trebek announced he has pancreatic cancer
Many fans were shocked by Trebek’s announcement about his health. He made a video talking about it.
“Just like 50,000 other people in the United States each year, this week I was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer,” the host said. “Now, normally, the prognosis for this is not very encouraging, but I’m going to fight this.”
He continued, “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. Truth told, I have to [continue hosting] because under the terms of my contract, I have to host Jeopardy for three more years. So, help me. Keep the faith, and we’ll win. We’ll get it done.”
He also said he’s been dealing with depression
This wouldn’t be the last time the host opened up about his health. He later gave an update on Good Morning America and said he’s been going through chemotherapy. This has led to some depression.
“I have had kidney stones, I have had ruptured disks, so I am used to dealing with pain,” he told Robin Roberts. “But what I am not used to dealing with is these surges that come on suddenly of deep, deep sadness. And it brings tears to my eyes.”
Trebek went on to talk about depression and shame. “Chemo affects people in different ways, and people have to understand that,” he said. “There is nothing wrong with saying, ‘Hey, I am really depressed today and I have no idea why. Why am I crying today?’”
He’ll do it as long as his skills don’t diminish
The host has talked about dealing with fans knowing about his health. “I don’t know if I’m strong enough or intelligent enough to help alleviate some of that despair,” Trebek told Good Morning America.
He also talked about his family and wanting a grandchild. The host said his wife, Jean has been giving him strength during this time. But what has working been like for him?
“I can be sitting in my dressing room and I get up and I’m not able to move, but then all of a sudden when Johnny says, ‘Now here is the host of Jeopardy!, Alex Trebek,’ OK, lets go!” said Trebek.
He then said he’ll continue up to a point. “I will keep doing it as long as my skills do not diminish, and they have started to diminish,” he said.
It looks like Trebek is having an emotional time fighting cancer. It’s unknown how much longer he’ll continue to do the show considering he said his skills have started to diminish.
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