Hollywood
Alex Trebek’s final ‘Jeopardy!’ episode is a poignant tribute
“Merely the perfect.”
“Jeopardy!” honored late host Alex Trebek on his ultimate episode internet hosting the present with a 90-second video montage of his greatest moments to Peter Allen’s “As soon as Earlier than I Go.”
The present launched the tribute, which is about to air on TV proper after the episode, early on Twitter and YouTube for followers to savor the second.
Friday marked the day followers have been dreading: the end result of the final week of episodes Trebek filmed earlier than he died on Nov. Eight at age 80 after a battle with pancreatic most cancers. On Twitter main as much as the ultimate episode, “Jeopardy!” loyalists have tweeted a flurry of crying emojis, noting they weren’t ready for his or her ultimate time with the beloved, witty and snarky however polished host who has been the sport present’s shining mild since 1984. The ultimate week of episodes was scheduled to air through the week of Christmas, however Sony pushed them again so followers may have extra time to take pleasure in their ultimate moments with Trebek.
However for the beloved host of “America’s Favourite Quiz Present” gone too quickly, there actually is rarely a very good time to say goodbye — though his reminiscence lives on endlessly in his many epic moments.
“Jeopardy!” producer Sony Footage Tv additionally deliberate “a particular tribute to the life and work of the person who captained [‘Jeopardy!’] with ability, model, and class for 36+ years,” in accordance with a press release launched by the corporate.
The tribute, which was slated to air on the finish of the present earlier than the credit — however was launched early, included humorous moments from the present, together with Kiss’ Gene Simmons and the Statue of Liberty, and even classic footage from his earliest days on “Jeopardy!” stage 37 years in the past. The tribute concluded with Trebek saying, “So lengthy,” many instances over time — as he all the time did and a dedication to Trebek: “Without end in our Hearts, All the time our Inspiration.”
Paying their respects
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Well-known contestants additionally paid their respects to Trebek forward of his ultimate episode.
“I’m nonetheless not able to say goodbye to Alex Trebek, however I’ll strive,” James Holzhauer, the third-highest-earning contestant, wrote on Twitter. “It’s straightforward to neglect that ‘Jeopardy!’ is mainly ‘Let’s watch these three strangers take a GED check, besides they need to fake THEY’RE asking US the questions as a result of causes’. Alex made that idea into the most important factor on TV, right into a lifelong dream for potential contestants. Just one individual may have pulled that off, and he did it by way of illness and well being each weekday for my complete life. I really feel very grateful for the time we had collectively — not simply within the studio but additionally in my front room, the place he’s felt like a member of the household for 30+ years.”
He concluded: “So lengthy, outdated good friend. The ‘Jeopardy!’ music will all the time deliver a tear to my eye.”
In a prolonged op-ed on CNN.com, contestant Albert Thakur — who advised Trebek he “discovered English due to” him in a viral present second filled with tears — referred to as the host a “miracle.”
“I bought to inform a person I’d by no means met how a lot of an influence he had on my life, and bought to thank him,” Thakur wrote.
His ultimate goodbye
Trebek has mentioned he would want however a mere 30 seconds to provide his ultimate sign-off message to followers, who’ve watched him grace the display as a chilled however witty pressure on the fast-paced recreation present in over 8,200 episodes.
“I’ll say my goodbyes and I’ll inform individuals, ‘Don’t ask me who’s going to interchange me as a result of I’ve no say by any means. However I’m positive that for those who give them the identical love and a spotlight and respect that you’ve proven me … then they are going to be a hit and the present will proceed being a hit,’ ” he mentioned in January 2020. “And till we meet once more, God bless you and goodbye.”
Nevertheless, Trebek by no means bought to document his goodbye, in accordance with The Wrap, since his “passing was so sudden that he by no means had an opportunity to say what he had ready.”
Monday’s message served as his ultimate goodbye.
In that episode — the primary to air from his ultimate week of filming in late October — Trebek delivered his personal highly effective message about togetherness.
“You’ll recall that a couple of month in the past, I requested all of you to take a second to provide thanks for the entire blessings that you just take pleasure in in your lives,” the host — who’s survived by his spouse, Jean Currivan Trebek, and two youngsters — mentioned. “Now, as we speak, a distinct type of message. That is the season of giving. I do know you wish to be beneficiant with your loved ones, your pals, your family members.”
He continued: “However as we speak, I’d such as you to go one step additional. I’d such as you to open up your palms and open up your hearts to those that are nonetheless struggling due to COVID-19. People who find themselves struggling by way of no fault of their very own. We’re attempting to construct a gentler, kinder society, and if all of us pitch in — just a bit bit — we’re gonna get there.”
Mike Richards, the sport present’s government producer, advised NBC’s “In the present day” present that the impromptu monologue viewers watched Monday evening gave the crew chills — they usually instantly erupted into applause behind-the-scenes on the set.
“On this very particular, unbelievable ultimate week, he comes out and offers a chat concerning the significance of togetherness and sticking collectively and that the world is struggling however that we’ve to get by way of it collectively,” mentioned Richards. “We had chills. There are particular moments in ‘Jeopardy!’ while you clap, after which there are moments if you end up quiet. There’s not that many individuals within the studio due to COVID, and all of us burst into applause. We had been so moved that we needed to applaud.”
‘He was in monumental ache’
In the identical “In the present day” interview, Richards additionally revealed that Trebek, who first introduced his most cancers prognosis in March 2019, was hospitalized the week earlier than the final batch of episodes had been filmed. His final day of filming was Oct. 29, 2020 — simply 10 days earlier than he handed.
“He was an absolute warrior,” Richards advised “In the present day.” “And what he was capable of do by getting himself again to the set to tape these ultimate episodes … it was Herculean. He was in monumental ache, he was 10 days away from passing away, and you’ll not sense any of that in these episodes.”
Trebek additionally insisted that the ultimate week of tapings not be canceled, Richards mentioned, regardless of his hospitalization.
OSTRAVA, Czech Republic — All three cremation chambers are working…
“He calls me and he says, ‘Mike, I’m going to be effective. I’ll be in to tape. I used to be capable of eat Jell-O as we speak,’ ” Richards recalled. “And I went, ‘Alex, that’s nice, however that doesn’t imply you’re going to be able to host 5 episodes of a recreation present, which is a gigantic quantity of effort.’ And he mentioned, ‘Don’t cancel. I can be there.’ ”
And there he was. Trebek, who mentioned he would perform his internet hosting duties “so long as my expertise don’t diminish,” didn’t falter Friday, with the present working like enterprise as typical.
His legacy
A everlasting alternative has not been put forth by distributor CBS Tv and producer Sony Tv, however there was loads of hypothesis as to who will take over the job. For now, there can be interim hosts on a rotating foundation, together with the likes of champ Ken Jennings and even Katie Couric. Followers have lengthy anticipated Jennings, 46, to be the pure successor, even going as far as to say he’s been groomed for the job over time. He even just lately pre-apologized for “insensitive” tweets in his previous, fueling rumors even additional.
Trebek, although, has solely given producers some mild options as to who he thinks can host the present after him — a troublesome act to comply with. Whereas he’s been mum about his mild suggestions, his cheekiness — no, not the time he confirmed up on set with out pants — that followers have lengthy adored was on full show when he put forth one identify particularly.
“When individuals ask me who I’d prefer to see substitute me, I say, ‘Properly, it’s most likely going to be a lady, and she or he’ll need to be vivid, she’ll need to have a very good humorousness…’,” he as soon as advised TVLine. “Uhhhh, let’s see…. Betty White! Betty White is my selection.”
“I joke with the viewers on a regular basis,” he as soon as mentioned, “and I say, ‘Betty White,’ as a result of they need someone youthful, someone funnier.”
Madison LeCroy isn’t backing down.
On Sunday, the “Southern Allure” star spoke out on her Instagram story, two days after exes Kristin Cavallari and Jay Cutler known as out “customers” in a now-viral social media submit. Followers on-line speculated the previous couple’s message was aimed toward LeCroy.
“Morning. Sure, so, it appears to be like to me like I’m going to should drop some receipts. Hate to try this,” LeCroy mentioned in a single story.
In two separate posts, LeCroy shared screenshots of a textual content dialog that gave the impression to be with Cutler, though it’s unclear when the exchanges came about. She additionally posted a photograph of herself with the previous NFL quarterback, 37.
In a single message, LeCroy texted, “What had been you coming right here for? Trigger you didn’t inform me something.” She acquired, “To hang around with u,” as a response.
In one other textual content, LeCroy acknowledged: “Jay ive completed nothing however respect you and your privateness,” and, “I respect you and I respect your loved ones and I might by no means say something to jeopardize you and your loved ones.”
LeCroy additionally wrote, “I’m disgusted by this complete scenario. You reached out to me… Your intentions might not have been pure however that could be you projecting. I’ve by no means mentioned something about Kristin nor would I. I got here into this actually with good intentions. I would like no a part of being concerned in a payback or drama. However you initiated and pursued.”
She additionally captioned her Instagram story, “I stored my mouth shut till I get known as a liar…”
Over the weekend, Cavallari, 34, and Cutler despatched the web right into a tailspin after they posted similar pictures and messages to Instagram. The 2, who introduced their divorce in April 2020, wrote: “The world is filled with customers. 10 years. Can’t break that.”
Whereas some followers cheered for a reunion within the feedback’ part, others contemplated if the caption was focused at LeCroy, whose Instagram Dwell from a earlier evening raised eyebrows.
LeCroy, who beforehand dated her “Southern Allure” co-star Austen Kroll, is alleged to have poked enjoyable at a dance video Cavallari made with Kroll, 33, in December. That month, the “Very Cavallari” alum additionally shot down rumors that she and Kroll had been an merchandise.
Earlier this month, LeCroy was requested by Andy Cohen throughout an look on Bravo’s “Watch What Occurs Dwell” if she tuned in to Kroll and Cavallari’s hangout.
“I used to be busy having my very own journey, however no, I didn’t,” she replied.
When Cohen responded, “an journey of the Jay Cutler form,” LeCroy acknowledged: “I’m not kissing and telling, so.”
A rep for Cutler didn’t instantly return our request for remark.
Mike “The State of affairs” Sorrentino revealed Friday that he just lately celebrated 5 years of sobriety.
Taking to Instagram, the “Jersey Shore” star stated he reached the five-year milestone in December, calling it “one in every of [his] proudest moments.”
“BDS has been via some conditions in life, dependancy being one in every of them. I’ve grown lots as a person, overcome a variety of obstacles, and one in every of my proudest moments to this point has been celebrating 5 years of steady sobriety this previous December,” Sorrentino wrote.
Sorrentino, 38, who has been candid about his previous prescription drug abuse, stated Friday he hopes that by talking out about his journey he will help others.
“I share my journey of dependancy, as a result of it’s so vital to interrupt the stigma of dependancy. Individuals are struggling on the market as a result of they’re afraid to talk out about needing assist. If I will help only one individual discover their voice, I do know it was all value it!” the MTV character shared.
Sorrentino additionally supplied the contact data of his remedy specialists.
“In the event you or somebody you already know are combating dependancy or psychological well being points, don’t be afraid to ask for assist. If I can do that I do know you’ll be able to too!” he concluded.
Sorrentino is looking forward to his subsequent chapter as a first-time father. In December, he and spouse Lauren introduced they’re anticipating a child boy within the spring.
The couple has been married since 2018.
Larry King, who died Saturday on the age of 87, was recognized virtually as a lot for his a number of marriages and divorces as he was for being an icon of broadcasting. He was married eight instances to seven completely different girls. He was solely 18 the primary time. One was a math instructor, one other a Playboy bunny. He as soon as mentioned he by no means cheated on any of them, although a few of his exes disagreed — and not less than one stepped out on him a number of instances herself.
“I received married loads,” he as soon as mentioned. “However in my head, I’m not a marrying man. After I grew up, no person lived collectively. If you happen to fell in love, you bought married. And so I married those that I cherished. However what I cherished at 20 shouldn’t be what I cherished at 30, and what I cherished at 30 shouldn’t be what I cherished at 40.”
Shawn Southwick
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(married 1997; separated 2019)
King’s longest marriage was additionally his final — and the one one which lasted. Although King filed for divorce from Southwick, 61, in 2019, they had been reportedly nonetheless married on the time of King’s demise. They’ve two sons, Probability, 21, and Cannon, 20.
The 2 married in a hospital room in 1997 simply earlier than he underwent surgical procedure to clear a blocked blood vessel. Southwick, a present biz vet with a background in appearing and singing on TV exhibits within the 1970s and ’80s, was the daughter of a longtime music supervisor.
Although the wedding was rocky, due partially to their 26-year age distinction and Southwick’s rumored infidelity (together with a reported dalliance along with her son’s baseball coach), Southwick appeared devastated when she realized King had filed for divorce. “I used to be crushed, I had no concept that this was coming, it damage yeah. I used to be completely blindsided.”
Julie Alexander
(married 1989; divorced 1992)
King met businesswoman Julie Alexander and fell head over heels. He married her later that 12 months in Washington, D.C. Nevertheless it was over virtually as quick because it started. They separated in 1990 and divorced two years later. Alexander informed “Inside Version” in 2010 that she suspected King had cheated on her.
Sharon Lepore
(married 1976; divorced 1983)
Lepore, a former math instructor and TV manufacturing assistant, was amongst King’s lowest-profile wives. It was King’s second-longest marriage but in addition essentially the most non-public. They had been each mum on why they divorced.
Mickey Sutphin
(married 1963; divorced 1967)
The 2 reportedly met whereas working at a radio station in Miami and had a daughter, Kelly, who apparently was adopted by Sutphin’s second husband.
Alene Akins
(married 1961; divorced 1963. Remarried 1967; divorced 1972)
A former Playboy Bunny, Akins married King twice — together with his marriage to Mickey Sutphin in between. That they had a daughter, Chaia, and King adopted her son, Andy. Akins died in 2017, and King known as her a “grand woman” in a tweet. Each Chaia, then 51, and Andy, then 65, died in 2020. Chaia died from lung most cancers and Andy from a coronary heart assault.
Annette Kaye
(married 1961; divorced 1961)
Their marriage lasted only one 12 months however produced a son, Larry Jr., now 59. Larry King Jr. was in his 30s when he met his father. Kaye informed King about their shared baby in 1994 when she was dying of lung most cancers.
Freda Miller
(married 1952; annulled 1953)
King married his highschool sweetheart Freda Miller when he was solely 18. The wedding was annulled, apparently at her mother and father’ request as a result of they didn’t approve of the union.