What Is "We Love You, Alex?"

Beloved “Jeopardy!” host Alex Trebek passed away recently after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. Here’s to you, Alex.

Trebek’s legacy is hard to quantify. He truly impacted many lives during his time on screen, even more behind the scenes. With a nod to Johnny Gilbert and a patient ear for each contestant, Trebek was more than just a host to those he met — he was an idol.

Although his fame was most widely attributed to the game show “Jeopardy!,” Trebek was active beyond the scope of 7:30 p.m on NBC. He was a philanthropist who championed many educational causes in his home country, Canada, especially supporting his alma mater the University of Ottawa. Trebek traveled far and wide for his charitable work with World Vision, an organization that he and his wife Jean supported. He also received the honorary Order of Canada appointment for his lifetime achievements. Trebek reflected on his heralded love for giving back in his book “The Answer Is…: Reflections on My Life,” which was published earlier this year. True to his own spirit, Trebek donated all of the book’s proceeds to charity.

It’s clear that Trebek himself lived beyond the shadow of “Jeopardy!”’s legacy. He was, however, principally responsible for cultivating that legacy in the first place.

Since the debut of the show’s modern iteration in 1984, “Jeopardy!” has consistently proven itself to be America’s favorite quiz show. Its broad-ranging trivia style had people of all ages and backgrounds tuning in to try their hand at a category or two. People soon began rooting for their favorites to win week after week, sparking a dramatic intrigue that is rare for game shows. That popular demand paved the road for the game’s long term success, eventually earning it a spot in the Broadcasting Hall of Fame.

Although a riveting question-and-answer contest may be what initially captivated viewers, there is no doubt that Trebek was what kept them coming back.

From a young age, Trebek had a true knack for hosting, booking broadcasting roles and radio gigs alike. After landing “Jeopardy!,” young Trebek — still bright-eyed and bushy-tailed — put those skills to good use. His charisma and energetic personality kept the pace lively and the nerves wracking, meshing well with the action-hungry audience tuning in during the ‘80s. As time went on and “Jeopardy!” cemented itself in the spotlight, Trebek developed a more collected and informed presentation style that provided a perfect balance to the competitive and variable edge of the game. Always known to have a positive attitude and an engaging presence, it is no surprise that Trebek claimed the title of Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Game Show Host seven times.

Perhaps Trebek’s character is most accurately summed up in the words of some who knew him best.

“Alex wasn’t just the best ever at what he did,” “Jeopardy!” GOAT Tournament champion Ken Jennings reflected on Twitter, “he was also a lovely and deeply decent man.”

“Alex Trebek entertained and educated millions around the world,” Canadian Prime Minister and Trebek’s countryman Justin Trudeau wrote.

“Alex Trebek was a legend of American television who will never be forgotten or truly replaced,” legendary “Jeopardy!” contestant James Holzhauer concluded.

Not only was Trebek celebrated for his kind personality, he was also revered for the lasting impact he left on so many lives. “I grew up, I learned English because of you," Albert Thakur, a contestant from November’s tournament, tearfully admitted during his time on the show. Led by a man whom the entire country has grown to love and cherish, an appearance on “Jeopardy!” truly became an American Dream for so many.

So when a future answer reads “The greatest game show host of all time,” the world can confidently respond, “Who was Alex Trebek?”