Wheel of Fortune's Pat Sajak Among Stars Showing Support for Alex Trebek After Cancer Diagnosis
The Hollywood community is showing its support for Alex Trebek following the news that he has been diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer.
In a video message on Wednesday, the longtime Jeopardy! host, 78, told the show’s fanbase that he has “a longtime policy of being open and transparent” and that he wanted to prevent fans from “reading or hearing some overblown or inaccurate reports regarding my health.”
Trebek, who has now hosted Jeopardy! for 35 years, vowed to courageously “fight” the disease and also continue working on the game show, while asking his fans to lift up prayers on his behalf.
Immediately after the somber announcement, an outpouring of well wishes from a number of stars were sent Trebek’s way, including his longtime friend and Wheel of Fortune host Pat Sajak.
“The Sajak family is deeply saddened to hear of Alex Trebek’s struggle with cancer. Our hearts go out to him and his family,” Sajak, whose program currently follows Trebek’s on television, wrote on Twitter.
“But there is no one I know who is stronger and more determined, and I would never bet against him,” the game show host, 72, added. “We, and the entire country, are pulling for you, Alex.”
The Sajak family is deeply saddened to hear of Alex Trebek’s struggle with cancer. Our hearts go out to him and his family. But there is no one I know who is stronger and more determined, and I would never bet against him. We, and the entire country, are pulling for you, Alex.
— Pat Sajak (@patsajak) March 6, 2019
The View co-host Meghan McCain, ABC anchor David Muir, and Disney CEO Bob Iger also expressed their support for Trebek and reminded him of the number of people who are rallying behind him.
“Sending you so much love, prayers and support to you Alex, your family and the entire Jeopardy family. You have got this! We are all here fighting along side you. #F—Cancer” McCain tweeted.
RELATED: Jeopardy! Host Alex Trebek, 78, Has Stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer: ‘I’m Going to Fight This’
“We are all pulling for Alex Trebek who just revealed he has stage 4 pancreatic cancer. He vows to fight this and to keep working. We’re with you, Alex,” said Muir.
“Our hearts go out to you, #Alextrebek, a member of our Disney-ABC family for so long. We admire your courage and determination, and in the words of Winston Churchill: ‘never, never, never, never give up!'” Iger wrote.
We are all pulling for Alex Trebek who just revealed he has stage 4 pancreatic cancer. He vows to fight this and to keep working. We're with you, Alex.
— David Muir (@DavidMuir) March 6, 2019
Our hearts go out to you, #Alextrebek, a member of our Disney-ABC family for so long. We admire your courage and determination, and in the words of Winston Churchill: “never, never, never, never give up!”
— Robert Iger (@RobertIger) March 6, 2019
In addition to the famous faces from his ABC family, Trebek also received support from stars across Hollywood, including comedian-actor Ken Jeong, The Bachelor host Chris Harrison, comedian Dane Cook, actors LeVar Burton and Ike Barinholtz, and actress Katie Stevens.
“You are my hero,” Jeong proudly wrote in his tweet.
“You are the true daily double and the ultimate Jeopardy! champion in my eyes,” added Cook in his supportive message.
Sending all my love, thoughts and prayers to Alex Trebek.
You are my hero. ????????????pic.twitter.com/CcXhVtqUT8— Ken Jeong (@kenjeong) March 6, 2019
Thinking and praying for fellow game show host and absolute legend Alex Trebek as he starts his fight with pancreatic cancer. God’s speed my friend https://t.co/W0JJnlS6LY
— Chris Harrison (@chrisbharrison) March 6, 2019
Alex Trebek I love you so much! You got this! ???? https://t.co/jyS0PNM6EG
— Katie Stevens (@thekatiestevens) March 6, 2019
In the name of all that is good, please God, grant #AlexTrebek all of the health and vitality that you can!#teamtrebek
— LeVar Burton (@levarburton) March 6, 2019
RELATED: Alex Trebek Said He’d ‘Be Lost’ Without Jeopardy! 2 Months Before Cancer Diagnosis
Also joining the long list of supporters was Stephen King, Dr. Mehmet Oz, and even some former Jeopardy! contestants.
Buzzy Cohen, who is the 2017 Jeopardy! Tournament of Champions winner, explained how much of an impact Trebek has had on his life in just a few short years.
“My heart sinks. Few things have changed the course of my life the way this man and this show has. As I’ve come to know him there is nothing but love, respect, and admiration. Alex your whole jeopardy family is behind you. #TheRealJeopardyAllStar,” he wrote.
Jeopardy! record holder Ken Jennings echoed those sentiments: “One thing I know for a fact: Alex is very aware of how much he means to millions of people, and how we will be pulling for him…I hope that’s a comfort.”
My heart sinks. Few things have changed the course of my life the way this man and this show has. As I’ve come to know him there is nothing but love, respect, and admiration. Alex your whole jeopardy family is behind you. #TheRealJeopardyAllStar https://t.co/5sYsJnqo9l
— Buzzy Cohen (@buzztronics) March 6, 2019
One thing I know for a fact: Alex is very aware of how much he means to millions of people, and how we will be pulling for him...I hope that’s a comfort.
— Ken Jennings (@KenJennings) March 6, 2019
I'm actually not sure if it should be its or it's, and in such a case pronouns don't really matter, so let me put it this way: Alex, kick pancreatic cancer's ass!
— Stephen King (@StephenKing) March 6, 2019
Alex Trebek is one of my all-time favorite people. I've loved being around him. pic.twitter.com/9mCRMlucvU
— Dr. Mehmet Oz (@DrOz) March 6, 2019
Trebek even received some support beyond the United States.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau tweeted to Ontario-born Trebek, “Keep fighting, Alex – Canadians are rooting for you!”
Keep fighting, Alex – Canadians are rooting for you! https://t.co/EY3Tm1uKVx
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) March 7, 2019
Despite the grave diagnosis, Trebek quipped in his video announcement that he must continue working because of the terms of his contract through the 2021-22 season.
“Truth told, I have to because under the terms of my contract, I have to host Jeopardy! for three more years!” he joked. “So help me!”
“Keep the faith and we’ll win,” he concluded, “We’ll get it done. Thank you.”
Trebek shares two children — Matthew, 29, a restaurateur in Manhattan who owns Oso (a popular Mexican restaurant in North Harlem), and Emily, 27, who works in real estate in Los Angeles — with his wife of 29 years, Jean Currivan.
