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Alex Trebek
Alex Trebek
Alex Trebek
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Alex Trebek may be the king of trivia, but
he has a weighty pedigree. A working-class Sudbury boy, he
was packed off to the priests for a first-class education.
He graduated from the University of Ottawa with a degree in
philosophy, and began his long career as a broadcaster, starting
as an announcer at the CBC. It was there, in the heady sixties,
that Alex joined the ranks of developing television journalists
like Lloyd Robertson. In 1966, he became the host of a new
television quiz show - Reach for the Top. Soon Hollywood beckoned
and after stints hosting various American game shows, he was
chosen by Merv Griffin to host a new show - Jeopardy! He has
been at it ever since.
The biography follows Alex on set and shows how he prepares
for a taping. At the age of 63, he regularly puts in 12 hour
days - reviewing game questions, attending meetings and answering
fan mail. Even his most trivial actions cause a flurry of
press. When he shaved off his trademark moustache, viewers
went wild. The cameras also show him away from the spotlight
- at his palatial home and on his sprawling ranch, where he
breeds race horses. He may enjoy a luxurious lifestyle, but
he is also the consummate handyman - puttering in his garage
workshop in torn jeans. His wife insists his dream job would
be sprinkler repairman - if only it paid a little better.
Alex is also a social activist - touring overseas with the
USO, and serving as a spokesman for World Vision.
Somewhat late in life, he has become a family man. The father
of two, he now worries he doesn't have enough time to spend
at home. But the one word that isn't in his vocabulary is
"retirement". With 32 million Jeopardy! fans around
the world, it looks like Alex Trebek will remain the guy with
all the answers.
Original Air Date - January 13, 2004
Links
Jeopardy!
Web site
(Click on About the Show/Bios for info on Alex)
Alex
Trebek's Creston Farms
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