Ken Jennings started his first episode as a guest presenter on “Jeopardy!” on Monday night, in honor of former game show host Alex Trebek.
Jennings made a short but passionate speech about Trebek’s meaning to him and “Jeopardy!” fans, and even got teary-eyed.
“You know, sharing this stage with Alex Trebek was one of the biggest honors of my life. Few things in life are perfect, but Alex did this job perfectly for over 36 years, and it was even better up close, ”said Jennings. “We were dazzled by his intelligence, his charm, his grace – really, there is no other word for it.”
As the first guest host since Trebek’s death, Jennings acknowledged that no one can do the job better than Trebek, but suggested that continuing to play is a way to honor him.
“Like all ‘Jeopardy!’ fans, I miss Alex very much and I thank him for everything he has done for all of us, ”said Jennings. “Let’s be absolutely clear: no one will ever replace the great Alex Trebek. But we can honor him by playing the game he loved. “
Trebek’s final episode as a presenter aired on January 8. The legendary host died on November 8 at the age of 80.
In a recent interview with VarietyJennings discussed entering Trebek’s place as the first “Jeopardy!” guest host.
“I join the audience in not wanting to see me or any other guest hosts out there, because in a perfect world, it would be Alex every night, which is who I want to see,” said Jennings. “But it’s a show with a huge fan base that relies on it every night as a ritual, it’s a show that Alex wanted to make sure would survive it. So I’m not thrilled about it, but I’m happy to do my part for my country and my game show and fill it out as long as they need someone in the chair, but it’s a difficult transition. “
Watch the full clip below.
Ken Jennings comes to the pulpit today as our first guest host – but not before honoring Alex. pic.twitter.com/uOzQ3UfqmN
– Jeopardy! (@Danger) January 12, 2021