Soap Stars Pay Tribute To the Late Alex Trebek

By Chris Eades Updated: November 9, 2020

Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images

Alex Trebek, the long-running host of the popular game show JEOPARDY, died on Nov. 8 at the age of 80. The celebrity had been battling stage four pancreatic cancer and went public with his diagnosis back in March 2019.

Born in Ontario, Trebek began his career working as a journalist for the Canadian Broadcasting Corp. and in 1966 switched to hosting game shows. In 1984, producer Merv Griffin tapped Trebek to host a revival of JEOPARDY and the rest is history. Over the course of his career, Trebek earned numerous awards, including taking home the Outstanding Game Show Host Daytime Emmy Award seven times. And at the 2011 Daytime Emmy Awards, he received a lifetime achievement award.

Soap stars were always excited to meet and greet Trebek at the Daytime Emmys, and some even appeared on CELEBRITY JEOPARDY over the years as contestants. Heck, Haley Erin was almost speechless when Trebek presented the Outstanding Younger Actress category in 2019 and actually handed her the trophy when she won for playing Kiki on GENERAL HOSPITAL!

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“OH MY GOD IT’S ALEX TREBEK” By far the most incredible moment of my life, I’ll never get over the fact I got to share this moment with my hero. Thank you for sharing your joy of knowledge with the world, and never holding back a good quip. Anyone who knows me knows how much I love Alex Trebek ♥️

A post shared by Hayley Erin (@hayleyerin13) on Nov 8, 2020 at 11:13am PST

Scroll through the gallery below to see some of the lovely memories the stars of GH, ALL MY CHILDREN, THE BOLD & THE BEAUTIFUL, and THE YOUNG & THE RESTLESS shared about the late Trebek.

Don Diamont (Bill, B&B)

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"A courageous champion! Alex Trebek said he wanted to be remembered, 'Just as a good guy, [and] a nice man, Somebody that you looked at on television on a daily basis and said, "Hey, you know what, I like him."' Alex Trebek wasn’t just liked. He was loved. It was my great good fortune every time I had an opportunity to spend a few minutes with Alex. He was the finest example of civility and dignity. We could use a lot more Alex Trebek‘s. RIP🙏🏻👼❤️"
Emma Samms (ex-Holly, GH)

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"So sad to hear the news about Alex Trebek. When I did CELEBRITY JEOPARDY many moons ago, I remember him being an absolute delight."
Susan Lucci (Erica, AMC)

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"Who is one of the most beloved hosts ever? Of course, the answer is:
Who is Alex Trebek?
What an outstanding man — kind and smart and elegant and inspiring. My heartfelt sympathy to his beautiful wife and family—what a great and dignified battle he fought!"
Michael Muhney (ex-Adam, Y&R)

Twitter
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"In my fantasy here I am Alex Trebek’s bodyguard. He doesn’t even know I woulda done it for free. GOAT."
Ashley Jones (Bridget, B&B; ex-Parker, GH)

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"So sad. A humble legend.
What is...greatness?
Alex Trebek.
From a big fan, rest easy, sir.
Kate Linder (Esther, Y&R)

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"What a #kind #talented #generousman❤️️ #honoredtohaveknownhim #jeopardy #sendingthoughtsandprayers to his family"
Rachel Kimsey (ex-Mac, Y&R)

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"In this moment I learned that JUSTICE LEAGUE ACTION [where I voiced Wonder Woman] caught the attention of Jeopardy and I am stunned. I loved Jeopardy and Alex Trebek for making knowledge cool and the fun of testing that knowledge a joy. He is already so missed."