Just one day after the legendary “Jeopardy!” host Alex Trebek passed away at the age of 80, there is already talk about who will replace him on the iconic game show that he’d hosted since 1984.
The Wrap reported that reps for ABC News chief anchor and political correspondent George Stephanopoulos have been lobbying for him to replace Trebek as host. An ABC source denied this to the New York Post, claiming, “of course he’s not lobbying … how disrespectful would that be to Alex’s family.”
However, other sources say that the “Good Morning America” and “This Week” host has been “actively” chasing the job. Earlier this year, he admitted to Howard Stern that he was interested in the job, although he admitted that whoever took over the gig from Trebek would have “big shoes to fill.”
MORE NEWS: Good riddance: Anti-Israel U.S. Army Major Resigns Because Biden Isn’t Antisemitic Enough.
“I think it would be a lot of fun,” Stephanopoulos, 59, told Stern. “But I like what I’m doing, too.”
Trebek continued working right up until his death, filming his final episode of “Jeopardy!” on October 29.
Trebek had previously been asked who he wanted to replace him.
“It’s probably going to be a woman, somebody younger, somebody bright, somebody personable, somebody with a great sense of humor,” he said, adding jokingly, “So I nominated Betty White.”
Getting serious, Trebek suggested CNN’s Laura Coates, L.A. Kings announcer Alex Faust and TCM’s Ben Mankiewicz as potential replacements for him.
“Jeopardy!” show runners have said that they have not even considered a replacement for Trebek, and will not be announcing one at this time.
“This is an enormous loss for the JEOPARDY! staff, crew and all of Alex’s millions of fans,” said “Jeopardy!” executive producer Mike Richards after his death. “He was a legend of the industry that we were all lucky to watch night after night for 37 years. Working beside him for the past year and a half as he heroically continued to host JEOPARDY! was an incredible honor.”
“His belief in the importance of the show and his willingness to push himself to perform at the highest level was the most inspiring demonstration of courage I have ever seen,” he added. “His constant desire to learn, his kindness, and his professionalism will be with all of us forever.”
This piece originally appeared in UpliftingToday.com and is used by permission.
Read more at UpliftingToday.com:
‘American Pie’ Singer Don McLean Brands His Ex-Wife Of Nearly 30 Years ‘The Worst Person I Ever Knew’
Patrick Duffy Of ‘Dallas’ Fame Announces He’s Dating ‘Happy Days’ Star Linda Purl
Playboy Model Says She Was ‘Humiliated’ For Wearing Revealing Top On Southwest Flight
The opinions expressed by contributors and/or content partners are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Steve Gruber.
Join the Discussion
COMMENTS POLICY: We have no tolerance for messages of violence, racism, vulgarity, obscenity or other such discourteous behavior. Thank you for contributing to a respectful and useful online dialogue.