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’Jeopardy!’: During Alex Trebek’s Life, There Was Only One Other Guest Host on the Show

It’s been a difficult task to replace Alex Trebek on the “Jeopardy!” stage. However, Trebek let one other host take over during his run on the game show.

Trebek has become synonymous with “Jeopardy!” and when people think of the show they picture the late host reading questions. In fact, when you search the phrase “Alex Trebek” on Google it will say underneath, “Did you mean: Who is Alex Trebek?” It’s a fun hint at Trebek’s legacy and the structure of the game show.

Unfortunately, Trebek passed away in October 2020 from his long battle with pancreatic cancer. Even after undergoing surgery in October, he was still insistent on filming the show. He had to split his normal workload up because he couldn’t handle full-time work due to the pain.

Even in his final month, no one could take “Jeopardy!” from Trebek. There was only one time he let his prized show leave his control during his life.

Other Guest Host on ‘Jeopardy!’

According to IMDb, Trebek hosted every single episode of the game show from 1984 until he passed away in 2020. That is except for one episode.

On April 1, 1997, he and Pat Sajak, the host of “Wheel of Fortune,” swapped places for the day. The two coordinated for a little April Fool’s Day prank since they are on the same network.

Sajak has been hosting “Wheel of Fortune” for about 35 years. He and Trebek are two of the most well-known hosts on television.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LwVNmYjClXE

In the past, co-host Vanna White has hosted in Sajak’s place. Namely, in November 2019 when he had an emergency intestinal surgery.

Sajak has received 19 nominations for the Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Game Show Host and has won three times.

As for “Jeopardy!” now, popular champion Ken Jennings hosted the show directly after Alex Trebek’s death. Now the executive producer of the show Mike Richards is currently working as the guest host.

Although Trebek miraculously never needed a co-host during his time on the show, not even for an emergency, the show is now being swapped between a series of guest hosts. Others like Aaron Rodgers, Katie Couric, Mayim Bialik, and Anderson Cooper are just a few of the future guest hosts.

Pat Sajak ‘Wheel of Fortune’ Controversy

Sajak has a long history with “Wheel of Fortune” just like Alex Trebek had with “Jeopardy!”

However, Sajak has had some controversial moments during his run on the show. Fans are talking about a recent moment from the last episiode of the show.

Before the show starts, Sajak always makes small talk with each of the contestants. According to Good Housekeeping, Sajak was speaking with contestant Chris Brimble who speaks with a lisp.

After talking with him Sajak said, “I thee” instead of “I see.” Many fans criticized Sajak for supposedly making fun of the contestant’s speech impediment.

Some people took offense to Sajak’s behavior, while others defended him online. “Wheel of Fortune” and Sajak have not responded to the situation at all yet.