Alex Trebek, longtime host of the game show Jeopardy! passed away in November 2020 after falling ill with pancreatic cancer. Trebek continued filming episodes of the show only days before he died, with the last tapings taking place on October 29th.
Alex reportedly never knew these tapings would be his last as he continued to seek treatment for his cancer. As so, he never filmed a formal 'farewell' message even though the illness had clearly taken a toll on him.
However, Trebek did deliver a message during the final week he appeared on the show. The speech, which one Jeopardy! producer says was completely off the cuff, shows the 80-year-old host encouraging the audience to talk about charity and compassion.
Here's what he says:
Hello, ladies and gentlemen. You'll recall that about a month ago, I asked all of you to take a moment to give thanks for all of the blessings that you enjoy in your lives. Now today, a different kind of message. This is the "season of giving." I know you want to be generous with your family, your friends, your loved ones, but today I'd like you to go one step further. I'd like you to open up your hands and open up your heart to those who are still suffering because of COVID-19. People who are suffering through no fault of their own. We're trying to build a gentler, kinder society. And if we all pitch in just a little bit, we're going to get there.
The final episodes of Jeopardy! hosted by Trebek are airing this week (January 4-8).