Alex Trebek

As the charismatic host of Jeopardy!, Alex Trebek has challenged and entertained millions of viewers worldwide since Jeopardy!'s debut in 1984. Trebek now leads the blockbuster series into its 24th season—firmly establishing Jeopardy! as America's Favorite Quiz Show®. As a result of his work on Jeopardy! and the series' great success, Trebek has been honored with four Daytime Emmy Awards for "Outstanding Game Show Host."

Trebek has appeared in more than 70 movies and television shows, most often appearing as himself, and he has been honored with a coveted star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Additionally, he has been inducted into the California Broadcasting Association's Hall of Fame and recently the prestigious Canadian Walk of Fame making him one of only a handful of people honored by both the U.S. and Canada.

A native of Ontario, Canada, Trebek graduated from the University of Ottawa with a degree in philosophy. Interested in a broadcast news career, he joined the Canadian Broadcasting Company, Canada's premier network. While there, he specialized in national news and covered a wide range of special events for CBC's radio and television divisions, earning a reputation as a broadcaster who maintained his poise and composure in the most difficult settings.

Trebek was first noticed by American viewers when he hosted the game show, "Wizard of Odds." After several other hosting roles, Trebek was chosen as host of Jeopardy! Now, as he embarks upon his 24th season with the show, Trebek remains impressed with the series' fast-paced nature and the contestants' sophisticated level of knowledge. "It continues to be unlike any series on television," Trebek said. "The format is an exciting concept that challenges people to think quickly and make split-second decisions under pressure."

Trebek particularly enjoys the series' road trips. "It's always exciting for Jeopardy! to go into a new city in front of a cheering crowd," he said. "It gives people the opportunity to see how entertaining this game really is, and it's fun for us to be in front of enthusiastic fans."

Trebek is active with a number of educational organizations and charities. With the World Vision charitable organization, he has traveled to many Third World countries taping reports on the group's efforts on behalf of children around the world. He recently traveled with his family to Zambia where he adopted a village and helped build a school, medical facility and a home for the teachers.

In conjunction with the USO, Trebek visits military bases around the world to audition prospective contestants. Since 1987, Trebek has done 12 USO tours, most recently completing a Far East tour in the spring of 2007. His efforts have been recognized with the group's Bob Hope Entertainment Award in 1998.

Another favorite assignment of Trebek's is hosting the annual National Geographic Bee each spring in Washington D.C.

Trebek and his wife, Jean, and their two teen-aged children, Emily and Matthew, live in Studio City, Calif.

Photo Courtesy of Jeopardy Productions, Inc.