What is ‘perseverance’? A word that the beloved “Jeopardy!” Can describe. hosts Alex Trebek and James Gilligan, a contestant on Trebek’s last episode.
Gilligan is an assistant professor of English language and literature at San Francisco State University who has been trying to participate in the iconic show for 30 years.
“I’ve been trying since I was a sophomore in college,” Gilligan said in a Friday night interview with The News with Shepard Smith.
Trebek’s last episode airs Friday night. He presented the program for 37 seasons in 1984. He was nearing the end of his nearly two-year battle with cancer on the abdomen, when Gilligan recorded the recording. Gilligan praised Trebek’s stubbornness.
“It was very clear he was losing a step, but, you know, when the cameras first started turning, he was the perfect profession,” Gilligan said. “This man was a titan in the industry and he never gave anything less than 100%. It was just remarkable to see what achievement he could achieve despite the struggle he waged.”
Trebek passed away on November 8, 2020 at the age of 80. A new, permanent host for “Jeopardy!” has not been nominated yet.
“Alex always insisted that he was not the star of the show, that it was the game itself and the contestants who were the real attraction and draw,” Gilligan said. “I think everyone who goes to stay with him should have the same attitude.”