Who is Alex Trebek's ex-wife? 'Jeopardy!' legend's former partner works as an investment art collector

Alex Trebek was married to Elaine Trebek-Kares for seven years before he married Jean Carrivan-Trebek
PUBLISHED JUL 30, 2023
'Jeopardy!' legend Alex Trebek was formerly married to Elaine Trebek Kares (LinkedIn, Kris Connor/Getty Images)
'Jeopardy!' legend Alex Trebek was formerly married to Elaine Trebek Kares (LinkedIn, Kris Connor/Getty Images)

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: The former legendary host of 'Jeopardy!' Alex Trebek was part of the TV industry for as long as anyone can remember. He hosted the trivia game show for over three decades, and has several records and accolades to his name for all he did for it too. 

While much is known about Trebek's life as the host of the game show, he kept his personal life under wraps. People knew of his partner at the time of his death, Jean Currivan-Trebek. whom he married in 1990. However, he was married to someone else before that. 

Who was Alex Trebek's ex-wife?

Elaine Trebek-Kares Trebek's first wife, years before he got together with Currivan. Her association with Trebek after marrying him in 1974 was not the only time she got attention from the general public. She was a Playboy Bunny in the '60s, where she was known as Teddy Howard, her last name taken from her maiden name. She eventually got involved in TV gigs, doing her own show called 'Call Callei', the surname Callei taken from her first marriage with Louis Callei. The show was infamous for its unusual sexual topics and discussions for the time. 

Elaine was originally from Ohio but moved to Canada to be with Callei, eventually moving back to the US for Trebek. She switched careers and became a businesswomen while getting involved in the art scene. She owns an art gallery in Los Angeles, called Gallery GO, where she works as an investment art locator for private collectors. 

Elaine and Alex Trebek

Elaine and Trebek were married for seven years. They divorced years before he decided to join 'Jeopardy!' which would change his career and life forever. The two did not share any children between them but Elaine did have a daughter, Nicky, from her previous marriage. She was later adopted by Trebek, who gave her his last name as well. 

Alex Trebek with adopted daughter Nicky Trebek (@TrebekLife/Twitter)
Alex Trebek with adopted daughter Nicky Trebek (@TrebekLife/Twitter)

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