On last night’s episode of Jeopardy, guest host Robin Roberts had some touching words to share about Alex Trebek in honor of what would’ve been the late host’s 81st birthday. At the top of the ABC game show, the Good Morning America anchor began by noting why the day was so important.
“Today is a special day,” Roberts said. “It’s July 22, and would have been Alex Trebek’s 81st birthday.”
Roberts, who will have her final day of guest hosting the show today, went on to praise the late host’s charitable actions with Jeopardy.
“He was a kind, intelligent and philanthropic man, which is why I am incredibly proud to say we’ve raised nearly $100,000 for Be the Match! a wonderful charity that is dedicated to helping every patient get the life-saving transplant they need,” Roberts said. “Alex loved this game, so let’s celebrate him and his legacy by playing the game he loved.”
Roberts also shared a tweet about Trebek, saying it was “such an incredible honor” to have been the Jeopardy host on Trebek’s special day.
A couple of other Jeopardy guest hosts chimed in for Trebek’s birthday, as well. Mayim Bialik, who guest hosted around a month ago, shared a throwback image of the iconic game show host. Buzzy Cohen, former Jeopardy champ and buddy of Trebek, took to Twitter to express his sentiments with a sweet photo of the pair.
“As someone who made it up to the stage, I will say there is still no one who can truly hold a candle to the late great Alex Trebek,” Cohen wrote. “He is and will continue to be dearly missed in all our homes. Sending love to his family and loyal Jeopardy Crew.”
A handful of other big names like Cyndi Lauper, Smokey Bear, and more also shared their favorite memories with Trebek on social media. “Remembering #AlexTrebek on his 81st Birthday,” Lauper shared with a link to Trebek’s hilarious reaction to a wild answer on the show. “This was a funny moment.”
Jeopardy airs weeknights at 7/6c on ABC.
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