Alex Trebek reassures 'Jeopardy!' fans about his health during cancer treatment: 'I'm feeling good'

Raechal Shewfelt
·Editor, Yahoo Entertainment
Updated

Jeopardy! fans were relieved Wednesday to hear a positive health update from the show’s longtime host, Alex Trebek.

The 78-year-old, who has been the face of the show since 1984, said in a video shared on social media that he’s “feeling good” as he undergoes treatment for stage IV pancreatic cancer. He noted that the trivia show has completed filming for the season and that he plans to continue hosting the show when it returns with new episodes in September.

Trebek, who maintains a decidedly neutral demeanor on the show, appeared emotional when he thanked his fans for their support during this time.

“Some of you may recall that at the beginning of this season, I promised you that we had some surprises in store for you,” Trebek said. “Well, of course, I had no idea at that time that there were some surprises in store for me as well. So here, on the last day of taping for our 35th anniversary season, I wanted once again to thank you for your continuing messages of encouragement and support, particularly the many cards I’ve received from young people. I’m touched beyond words. I’ve always tried to be straight with you, and I’m not going to stop now, so despite what you may have heard, I’m feeling good. I’m continuing with my therapy and we, by we the staff, is already working on our next season, the 36th year of Jeopardy! So, I look forward to seeing you once again with all kinds of good stuff.”

Jeopardy! viewers were thankful to hear from Trebek, although many of them said they were worried about him when they saw the caption of the update video: “That’s a wrap!”

They sent even more warm wishes Trebek’s way.

Trebek said when he announced his diagnosis that he planned to remain on the show.

“Now, normally the prognosis for this is not very encouraging, but I’m gonna fight this,” Trebek said at the time. “And I’m gonna 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, 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.”

His contract for the show is through the 2021-22 season.

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