Alex Trebek was born on July 22, 1940, in Sudbury, Ontario, Canada, to George Edward Trebek, a Ukrainian immigrant, and Lucille Lagacé, a Franco-Ontarian. Growing up in a bilingual household, he developed a strong foundation in both English and French. Trebek attended the University of Ottawa, earning a degree in philosophy in 1961, before beginning his career in television with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC), where he honed his skills as a presenter and newsreader.
Trebek rose to international fame as the host of the iconic game show Jeopardy!, which he led from 1984 until his death in 2020. Over his decades-long career, he became a beloved television personality known for his intellect, charm, and professionalism. At the time of his passing, Alex Trebek net worth was estimated at $75 million, reflecting not only his earnings from Jeopardy! but also his extensive work across television projects, endorsements, and investments.
Alex Trebek Bio:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | George Alexander Trebek |
| Born | July 22, 1940, Sudbury, Ontario, Canada |
| Education | University of Ottawa, Philosophy (1961) |
| Career | Game show host (Jeopardy! 1984–2020) and TV presenter |
| Net Worth | $75 million |
| Personal Life | Married Jean Currivan (2 children); Naturalized US citizen (1998) |
| Death | November 8, 2020 (age 80), pancreatic cancer |
Net Worth and Salary
Alex Trebek, a Canadian-born American television host, Alex Trebek net worth of $75 million at the time of his passing. He was best known as the long-time host of the iconic game show Jeopardy!, a role he held from 1984 until his death on November 8, 2020, at the age of 80, following a year-long battle with pancreatic cancer.
Trebek began his career in the 1960s with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC), where his smooth delivery and professionalism quickly made him a sought-after presenter for various television formats, from news programs to game shows. In 1973, he moved to the United States to host game shows for NBC, gaining wider recognition.
His career reached legendary status in 1984 when he became the host of the Jeopardy! revival. With his sharp intellect, quick wit, and composed demeanor, Trebek turned the trivia game show into a cultural phenomenon, earning the admiration of audiences nationwide.
During his 36-year tenure on Jeopardy!, Trebek won numerous Daytime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Game Show Host and became one of television’s most beloved figures. Beyond the game show, he made numerous cameo appearances, often playing himself, and engaged in charitable and educational initiatives, leaving a lasting impact on both entertainment and society.
Early Life
Born George Alexander Trebek on July 22, 1940, in Sudbury, Ontario, Canada, he grew up in a bilingual household. His father, George Edward Trebek, immigrated from Ukraine, and his mother, Lucille Lagacé, was Franco-Ontarian. Alex attended Sudbury High School (now Sudbury Secondary School) and later graduated from the University of Ottawa in 1961 with a philosophy degree.
Career Beginnings
Trebek started his broadcasting career in 1961 at the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC), initially filling in for announcers and eventually covering news and special events on radio and television. His first hosting role came in 1963 with the Canadian music program Music Hop. He went on to host several other Canadian shows, including Reach for the Top (1966), Strategy (1969), and classical music programs from 1967 to 1970.
Hosting Career
Alex Trebek began his hosting journey in 1963 with the Canadian music program Music Hop. He went on to host several other Canadian shows, including the high school quiz competition Reach for the Top (1966) and the afternoon game show Strategy (1969), while also presenting classical music programs for CBC from 1967 to 1970. In 1974, he moved to the United States to host NBC’s The Wizard of Odds. Throughout the 1970s and early 1980s, Trebek hosted numerous game shows such as High Rollers (NBC), the second season of The $128,000 Question, and CBS’s Double Dare. He also led NBC’s Battlestars for six months from 1981 to 1982. His role on Pitfall ended abruptly without pay after the production company went bankrupt.
Jeopardy!
Trebek’s most iconic role came in 1984 when he teamed up with media mogul Merv Griffin to host the revival of Jeopardy!, a position he assumed after original host Art Fleming declined the opportunity. Under Trebek’s guidance, Jeopardy! achieved massive success, winning 33 Daytime Emmy Awards. In 2014, he set a Guinness World Record for hosting the most game show episodes, reaching 6,829 episodes and surpassing Bob Barker’s record from The Price is Right. In 1991, Trebek also made history by hosting three American game shows simultaneously: To Tell the Truth, Classic Concentration, and Jeopardy!.
Salary
At the height of his career, Trebek earned $18 million annually from Jeopardy!, filming 46 days per year with five episodes taped per day averaging about $391,000 per taping day or $78,000 per episode. For comparison, contemporaries like Pat Sajak earned $15 million per year, while Vanna White made $3 million annually.
Other Appearances
Beyond hosting, Trebek participated in a wide variety of television events. In 1980, he won a week-long charity tournament on NBC’s Card Sharks, competing against fellow game show hosts. He also appeared on shows such as The Magnificent Marable Machine (1975), To Say the Least (1978), and Celebrity Bowling (1976), often winning his matches and demonstrating his versatility as a TV personality.
Move to the United States and Early Hosting Work
In 1974, Trebek moved to the U.S. to host NBC’s The Wizard of Odds. During the 1970s and early 1980s, he hosted multiple shows such as High Rollers, The $128,000 Question, Double Dare, Battlestars, and Pitfall. The Pitfall project ended abruptly without payment due to the bankruptcy of Catalena Productions.
Personal Life
Trebek married Elaine Callei in 1974; they divorced in 1981 without children. In 1990, he married Jean Currivan, a real estate project manager, and they had two children together. He became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 1998.
Health and Passing
In March 2019, Trebek was diagnosed with stage IV pancreatic cancer. Despite aggressive treatment and surviving for over a year, he passed away on November 8, 2020, at age 80.
Philanthropy
Trebek was a generous philanthropist, regularly donating substantial portions of his income. Highlights include donating 74 acres in the Hollywood Hills to the Santa Monica Conservancy in 1998 and giving $5 million to the University of Ottawa in 2016 to fund the Alex Trebek Forum for Dialogue, contributing a total of $7.5 million to his alma mater.
Real Estate
Trebek owned several notable properties. His main residence in Studio City, California, was a 10,000-square-foot mansion purchased in 1991 for $2.15 million, later listed for just under $7 million by his widow. He owned a 724-acre horse ranch in Creston, California, which he bought for $4.1 million in the mid-1990s and sold for $10 million in 2005. In 2019, he briefly listed a 30-acre lake property in Nacimiento, California, for $1.4 million, selling it within months for $1.3 million.
FAQ’s
What was Alex Trebek’s net worth?
Alex Trebek net worth was $75 million at the time of his death in 2020. His wealth came primarily from hosting Jeopardy! and other TV appearances. He also earned from real estate, investments, and various media projects.
When and where was Alex Trebek born?
He was born on July 22, 1940, in Sudbury, Ontario, Canada. His father was a Ukrainian immigrant, and his mother was Franco-Ontarian. He grew up bilingual, speaking both English and French.
What was Alex Trebek famous for?
Trebek was best known as the host of the game show Jeopardy! He hosted the show from 1984 until his death in 2020. He became an iconic figure in television trivia and game shows.
How much did Alex Trebek earn from Jeopardy!?
He earned $18 million annually from hosting Jeopardy!. The show taped 46 days a year, averaging $78,000 per episode. His salary was among the highest for TV game show host
What do we know about his family?
Trebek married Jean Currivan in 1990, and they had two children. He previously married Elaine Callei in 1974, divorcing in 1981. He became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 1998.
Conclusion
Alex Trebek’s career stands as a testament to longevity, talent, and dedication in the world of television. From his early beginnings at the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation to becoming the iconic host of Jeopardy! for over 36 years, Trebek captivated audiences with his intelligence, charm, and professionalism. His work earned him numerous accolades, including multiple Daytime Emmy Awards, and set records for the most game show episodes hosted by a single individual. Beyond his hosting duties, he made appearances on other shows, engaged in philanthropy, and built a personal brand synonymous with knowledge and poise.
At the time of his passing in 2020, Alex Trebek net worth was estimated at $75 million, reflecting his decades-long success in television and smart investments in real estate and other ventures. His earnings from Jeopardy! alone accounted for $18 million annually, highlighting the financial rewards of his iconic role. Trebek’s life demonstrates how talent, consistency, and strategic career choices can lead to both professional acclaim and substantial wealth, leaving a lasting legacy in both the entertainment industry and the hearts of fans worldwide.
David Ford is a content strategist and lead author at CaptionTap, where he leverages his writing expertise to craft engaging captions, social media bios, and inspirational text that helps users express personality and connect with their audience. With deep experience in digital content trends and audience engagement, David writes with clarity, creativity, and practical insight to make every caption meaningful, memorable, and share‑ready.