The U.S. Postal Service has issued a Forever stamp to honor the life and legacy of Alex Trebek, the long-time host of the television quiz show “Jeopardy!” The dedication ceremony for the stamp was held at Sony Pictures Studios in Culver City. Michael Elston, Secretary of the USPS Board of Governors, emphasized Trebek’s impact on American television and his role as a trusted figure in many households. Trebek, known for his intelligence and wit, began hosting “Jeopardy!” in 1984, contributing to the show’s significant success over his 37-season tenure.
Alex Trebek was born in Sudbury, Ontario, Canada, and became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 1998. His clear and concise style, along with his respect for contestants, helped elevate “Jeopardy!” to a beloved and enduring program. The current “Jeopardy!” host, Ken Jennings, praised the design of the stamp, which features a “Jeopardy!” clue in honor of Trebek’s dedication to the show.
In addition to his television career, Trebek was committed to charitable activities, including work with World Vision, an organization focused on child welfare and poverty alleviation. He made numerous trips to Africa, Asia, and South America to support these causes. Trebek also donated land in the Hollywood Hills to create the Trebek Open Space, providing trails for public use. His family contributed to the creation of the Trebek Center in North Hollywood, a facility aimed at assisting individuals experiencing homelessness.
Throughout his career, Trebek received multiple awards, including a lifetime achievement Emmy and eight Daytime Emmy Awards for outstanding game show host. He passed away on November 8, 2020, after a public battle with pancreatic cancer. The stage where “Jeopardy!” is filmed has been renamed the Alex Trebek Stage in his memory.
Jean Trebek, Alex’s wife, expressed her family’s surprise and gratitude for the USPS honor. She highlighted that Alex would have been deeply humbled by the recognition. The stamp features a grid design reminiscent of the “Jeopardy!” game board, with each stamp reading, “This naturalized U.S. citizen hosted the quiz show ‘Jeopardy!’ for 37 seasons.” The correct response, “Who is Alex Trebek?” is printed underneath. Antonio Alcalá directed and designed the stamp project, utilizing photography from Sony Pictures Entertainment and hand lettering by Marti Davila.