Hollywood Mourns "Jeopardy!" Host Alex Trebek

HOLLYWOOD, CA — Following the news that "Jeopardy!" host Alex Trebek, 80, had died Sunday, people were drawn to visit and leave flowers on his star along The Hollywood Walk of Fame. Trebek had battled pancreatic cancer.

His death quickly incited reactions from Hollywood celebrities, fellow show hosts and past contestants who spoke on the passing of the longtime trivia show icon. Trebek was remembered as the sharp and witty game show host who both charmed and educated audiences since the "Jeopardy!" was revived in 1984.

"Jeopardy! is saddened to share that Alex Trebek passed away peacefully at home early this morning, surrounded by family and friends. Thank you, Alex," the game show's official Twitter account announced.

"Alex Trebek was a gentleman," Stephen Colbert tweeted Sunday. "...and it was a privilege to share the stage, even briefly, with such a kind, thoughtful guy. Rest in Peace.

Trebek's "Jeopardy!" broadcasts became a source of comfort and nightly ritual for millions of households across North America. With his school teacher wit, he became a particular favorite among educators. The show also conducted annual college tournaments, and its occasional "Celebrity Jeopardy!" segments, where celebrities played for charity, were also popular.

He announced in March 2019 that he had Stage 4 pancreatic cancer, and was very public in discussing his illness and chemotherapy.

Flowers are laid on Alex Trebek's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame after the 'Jeopardy!' host died following a lengthy battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 80. https://t.co/c0rQMwjmxg pic.twitter.com/QOJmsdIdJv
— ABC News (@ABC) November 9, 2020

"Alex wasn't just the best ever at what he did. He was also a lovely and deeply decent man, and I'm grateful for every minute I got to spend with him," tweeted Ken Jennings Sunday, who holds the record for most games won on the show, winning 74 in a row in 2004.

Ryan Reynolds, Viola Davis, Ken Jeong, Josh Gad, Ryan Seacrest, Ellen DeGeneres, Charlie Puth, Michael Strahan and Justin Trudeau were among those remembering Trebek on Twitter Sunday.

"Alex Trebek was kind enough to film a cameo for our film Free Guy last year despite his battle," Reynolds Tweeted Sunday. "He was gracious and funny. In addition to being curious, stalwart, generous, reassuring and of course, Canadian. We love you, Alex. And always will."

Fellow gameshow hosts and peers, Pat Sajak and Vanna White of "Wheel of Fortune" also mourned Trebek Sunday.

“I will cherish the many memories I have shared with Alex Trebek that date back well before either of our careers took off," White wrote in a statement. "I will always be in awe of the way he faced the battle he fought so valiantly and I’m devastated to lose my longtime friend. My heart is with his family, friends, co-workers and fans. There will never be another Alex Trebek and he will truly be missed."

Sajak also released a statement, remembering the 40 years he worked with Trebek.

“The death of Alex Trebek is a tremendous loss for his family, his friends, his co-workers and the millions of viewers who followed his long and illustrious career. It was an honor for me to be a part of his professional family for nearly 40 years. His strength and courage and grace during his recent health struggles inspired countless others. Alex was truly one of a kind,” he wrote.

Trebek was a seven-time winner of the Daytime Emmy Award for outstanding game show host, including each of the past two years.

"Alex Trebek was like a family member who I watched every night," Seacrest tweeted. "I remember going to the set to watch him tape a show before I started my TV career. He was a big influence and one of a kind. Rest In Peace, Alex."

He has been nominated four consecutive years and 28 times overall as host of "Jeopardy!" and three times as host of "Classic Concentration."

In 2011, Trebek also received a lifetime achievement Daytime Emmy.

Before "Jeopardy!" Trebek hosted versions of "The Wizard of Odds," "Double Dare," "High Rollers," "Battlestars" and "To Tell the Truth."

Trebek is survived by his wife and three children, including his first wife's daughter, whom he adopted.

Just gutted. There will never be another. RIP, Alex, and thank you so much for everything. https://t.co/4FMlgaFYvI
— Brad Rutter (@bradrutter) November 8, 2020

The City News Service contributed to this report.