Alex Trebek: Jeopardy host opens up on 'deep sadness' of cancer diagnosis
Trebek says he feels 'so weak all the time' due to chemotherapy
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Alex Trebek has acknowledged the “deep sadness” that has come with his cancer diagnosis, in keeping with the open attitude he has displayed since publicly announcing his illness in March.
The 78-year-old Jeopardy! host discussed his diagnosis and treatment with Robin Roberts on Good Morning America on Wednesday morning.
He told the host his oncologist has told him he is “doing well”, although he doesn’t always feel this way.
“I’ve had kidney stones. I’ve had ruptured disks. So I’m used to dealing with pain,” Trebek said.
“But what I’m not used to dealing with is these surges that come on suddenly of deep, deep sadness. And it brings tears to my eyes.”
Still, Trebek said he is “fighting through” the disease and that his blood work has been encouraging.
He insisted there is “nothing wrong” with cancer patients acknowledging when they feel depressed. Trebek pointed out that chemotherapy affects every patient differently and that in his case, he feels “so weak all the time”.
The host also discussed current Jeopardy! champion James Holzhauer, who has now won 18 consecutive games.
“He has forced me to change a view that I have held for many years,” he said, “and that is that the Ken Jennings record would never be broken.”
Jennings won 74 consecutive games in 2004, taking home $2.5m.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments