Alex Trebek.Photo: Amanda Edwards/Getty
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau kicked off the tribute, withGood Morning Americahost Robin Roberts, comedian Ken Jeong, and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden all participating.
“When I got to talk with him a few years ago, he expressed to me how proud he was to be a Canadian,” Trudeau remembered. “I had to tell him that all Canadians are incredibly proud he’s one of us as well.”
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Roberts, who had her own battle with cancer, remembered the strength Trebek showed when they spoke.
“It was wonderful getting to know Alex over the years,” she said. “I remember the last time I interviewed him, he was in the midst of treatment and I know first hand the told that takes. But you know what? Alex walked in with such grace, putting everyone around him at easy. He was so open talking about what he was going through at the time and he did it in hopes of helping others. That was Alex.”
“He actually told me despite his dire diagnosis that he was ‘an extremely fortunate individual’ — those were his words — for being able to experience so much love and support from so many people,” Roberts recalled. “Once again, that was Alex. Finding and sharing the good in every situation.”
Jeong thought back to guest starring with Trebek onHot in Cleveland.“He stole the whole show and we hit it off from that moment on,” Jeong said. “I was struck how comedically skilled he was. Every time I’d run into him, we’d always joke around. I don’t know that people know how incredibly funny he is. Rest In Peace, Alex. I miss you and I love you.”
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As for Dr. Biden, she recalled meeting Trebek during aJeopardy!episode honoring educators.
“He was warm and funny and so, so kind,” the first lady said. “But what stood out most was that, even though he never worked in a classroom, he too was an educator. Alex made us feel like learning was for everyone. He made it fun, exciting, and competitive. Who could have guessed that the simple melody of ‘Final Jeopardy’ would come to make our heart’s race?”
She continued: “He inspired us to be more curious about the world around us, and he brought families together every evening, laughing and guessing and racking our brains to keep up with the smartest contestants. Thank you for teaching us, inspiring us, and bringing us together, Alex. We miss you.”
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In addition to Trebek, the Daytime Emmys included a special tribute toRegis PhilbinandLarry King, both of whom also died over the past year.
Philbindiedin July at the age of 88 of natural causes, his family said in a statement at the time, while Kingdiedin January at 87.
Kathie Lee Gifford, Philbin’s longtimeLiveco-host, read his tribute.
“For 15 years it was my absolute joy and delight and honor and privilege to sit next to somebody that you might remember: His name was Regis Philbin,” she began, in her speech. “There was nobody like him. He was one of a kind, he was unique, he was original, he was the most fun you could ever have with human being, and I got to sit next to him and play verbal ping pong with him. For all those years, I got to learn from the master, and he was a great personal friend to me until the day he died.”
“We all miss Regis, don’t we?” Gifford said. “All he wanted to do was make people laugh; make them happy, make them believe in themselves, make them believe big dreams like he had; make them come true. I know we all miss him. I do. I’ll never be the same.”
Meanwhile,Martha Stewarthonored King — whom she said she met when he was a young radio host in Washington, D.C.
“Thank you Larry, for a life of interest, of depth, of personality, of real caring,” she concluded. “Thank you.”
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In addition to winning for outstanding game show host for his work onJeopardy!, the show itself won in the outstanding game show and outstanding daytime special event categories.
“This means so much to us, especially given the year we all had. I want to dedicate this award to Alex Trebek. We’ve heard from so many of you since he passed, and we know how much he meant to you. He meant the world to us as well,” executive producer Mike Richards said in his pre-recorded acceptance speech.
Richards concluded his speech, saying: “This is for Alex.”
The 48th DaytimeEmmy Awardsaired Friday at 8 p.m. ET on CBS and Paramount+.
source: people.com
