Alex Trebek.Photo: Amanda Edwards/Getty
Alex Trebekonce offered his picks for who could replace him as theJeopardy!host.
Last week, Sony Pictures Televisionannouncedthat executive producerMike Richardshad been selected as the host, whileMayim Bialikwas tapped to hostJeopardy!primetime and spinoff series.
Amid the controversy,Jeopardy!fans resurfaced an old clip of Trebek talking about two people he thought would make a good host, neither of whom were part of the previous run of guests hosts this year.
During a2018 interview, TMZ’s Harvey Levin asked Trebek, “Who would be a good solid host of the show if you retired?”
When Levin asked, “What about a woman?” Trebek replied, “There is an attorney, Laura Coates, she’s African American and she appears on some of the cable news shows from time to time.”
“Don’t tell me what you believe in. I’ll observe how you behave and I will make my own determination,” the quote read.
The Ringer’s report focused on a podcast Richards hosted from 2013 to 2014 calledThe Randumb Show, which at the time was touted as a behind-the-scenes look at his then-workplaceThe Price Is Right.
Mike Richards.Carol Kaelson/Jeopardy Productions
He also made a comment on the podcast tying Jewish people to big noses, prompting the Anti-Defamation League tocall for an investigationinto his behavior.
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In his memo to staffers, Richards said Sony will be resuming the search for a new permanent host for the syndicated show. “In the meantime, we will be bringing back guest hosts to continue production for the new season, details of which will be announced next week,” he wrote.
“I want to apologize to each of you for the unwanted negative attention that has come toJeopardy!over the last few weeks and for the confusion and delays this is now causing,” he concluded. “I know I have a lot of work to do to regain your trust and confidence.”
Although the television producer is no longer the host ofJeopardy!, the quiz show isset to airepisodes that Richards taped before his departure on Friday, PEOPLE confirmed. Five episodes were filmed on Thursday and will air as scheduled. Richards will also remain on asJeopardy!’s executive producer.
source: people.com
