Ken Jennings begins his first installment as host of ‘Jeopardy!’ Monday night by honoring the late host of the match, Alex Trebek.
Jennings gave a short but passionate speech on Trebek’s importance to him and ‘Jeopardy!’ fans, and even got a little tearful.
“You know, it was one of the greatest honors in my life to share this stage with Alex Trebek. Not many things in life are perfect, but Alex has done this job pretty perfectly for over 36 years, and it was even better up close, ‘Jennings said. “We were blinded by his intelligence, his charm, his grace – there is really no other word for it.”
As the first host since Trebek’s death, Jennings acknowledged that no one can do the job better than Trebek, but suggested it’s a way to keep playing the game.
‘Like all’ Jeopardy! “Supporters, I miss Alex very much, and I thank him for all he has done for us all,” Jennings said. “Let us be absolutely clear: no one will replace the great Alex Trebek. But we can honor him by playing the game he loved. ”
Trebek’s last episode as host was broadcast on January 8. The legendary host passed away on November 8 at the age of 80.
In a recent interview with Variety, Discuss Jennings stepping into Trebek’s shoes as the first ‘Jeopardy!’ host.
“I join the audience that I do not want to see me or any other host there because it will be Alex in a perfect world every night, that’s what I want to see,” Jennings said. ‘But it’s a show with a big fanbase that counts on it every night as a ritual. This is a show that Alex wanted to ensure he survived. So I’m not excited about it, but I’m happy to do my part for my country and my game and fill in as long as they need someone in the chair, but it’s a difficult transition. ”
Check out the full clip below.
Ken Jennings walks to the chair today as our first host – but not before honoring Alex. pic.twitter.com/uOzQ3UfqmN
– Danger! (@Danger) 12 January 2021