Alex Trebek and Pat Sajak's health issues make us nostalgic about simpler times and good old-fashioned wholesome entertainment
In this TV era of 'Bad Girls', 'Love and Hip Hop', 'Real Housewives' where people are throwing drinks at each other and pulling each other's weaves out, most of us yearn for the good old times when you could expect wholesome, family entertainment from television. Back in 1964, when 'Jeopardy!' premiered, families took it as an opportunity to get together and guess the questions that were the answers to the show.
Even 'Wheel of Fortune', which premiered in 1975 evoked similar sentiments across America, and more than these shows itself, it is the hosts that we fell in love with. Alex Trebek, who took over as 'Jeopardy!' host in 1975 and Pat Sajak, who has been the host of the syndicated version of 'Wheel' have both been symbols of American values, and over the years they have become a staple in most American families.
Unfortunately, these hosts, the granddaddies of game shows, if you will, have both been recently confronted with their mortality, and we cannot help but mourn a little for the innocence of yesteryear. After fighting various health battles from heart attacks to cancer, over the years, Trebek revealed on November 11, 2019, that he is reentering treatment for stage IV pancreatic cancer. And, if you want to know how much love he has inspired in people, look no further than the shows he hosts.
On Monday's episode of 'Jeopardy!', we saw player Dhruv Gaur writing "What is We love you Alex" in response to a question on 'Final Jeopardy!' round, to which Trebek choked up and responded, "That's very kind." Gaur further tweeted clarifying why he did what he did, by saying how the 79-year-old Trebek "shared with us that he was reentering treatment" and "we were all hurting for him so badly." Soon after, #WeLoveYouAlex started trending all over social media.
Meanwhile, Sajak, the 73-year-old legendary host of 'Wheel of Fortune', had to undergo a surgery to correct a blocked intestine Thursday, and fans took to Twitter to express their love and prayers for a successful surgery and his speedy recovery. "GOD Bless you Mr. Sajak. You are almost like a member of the family and it is a pleasure having you in OUR homes every week. We pray for a speedy recovery and you return to work soon. I'm sure Ms. White can hold down the fort in your absence but know that NO ONE can replace you," read one of the tweets from a fan.
Coincidentally, Sajak told fans on November 11, that he is out of woods, and that the surgery went well. He tweeted, "I’m so grateful for all the good wishes during my recent illness. Happy to say that the worst has passed, and I’ll be out of the hospital in a day of two, then back to work (unless @TheVannaWhite has completely taken over!)"
We hope both Sajak and Trebek stay healthy and happy to remind us of what American entertainment used to be because really they are the only two remaining reminders of a golden era of television.