Alex Trebek, the beloved “Jeopardy!” host, was hailed as a cultural icon at the Postal Service’s July 22 dedication ceremony for the new stamp in his honor.
“Millions of Americans invited Alex Trebek into their living rooms each weeknight,” said Michael Elston, secretary of the USPS Board of Governors, who spoke at the event in Culver City, CA.
“After thousands of shows over 37 seasons, he was someone we trusted and felt like we knew. And with his intelligence and wit, he made it cool to be smart.”
Born in Ontario, Canada, Trebek became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 1998. He began hosting “Jeopardy!” in 1984, which became a phenomenal success with Trebek at the helm.
Among numerous honors, Trebek won a lifetime achievement Emmy Award and eight Daytime Emmys for outstanding game show host.
The new stamp, available at Post Offices and usps.com, features a “Jeopardy!”-style prompt: “THIS NATURALIZED U.S. CITIZEN HOSTED THE QUIZ SHOW ‘JEOPARDY!’ FOR 37 SEASONS.”
Underneath, upside down, is the correct response: “Who is Alex Trebek?”
“It’s so appropriate that the stamp illustration commemorates Alex with a ‘Jeopardy!’ clue. He loved the game so much, and he always insisted the clues were the true star of the show,” said current “Jeopardy!” host Ken Jennings, who served as emcee.
Trebek was devoted to charity work, notably making many trips to Africa, Asia and South America with World Vision, a child welfare organization that aims to alleviate poverty and hunger.
He donated 62 acres in the Hollywood Hills to protect natural habitat and offer trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding. Trebek and his family also made significant donations to create the Trebek Center, a homeless shelter in North Hollywood.
After a public battle with pancreatic cancer, he died in 2020. Sony Pictures Stage 10, where “Jeopardy!” is still taped, was renamed the Alex Trebek Stage.
“My family and I were completely surprised about Alex being honored by the U.S. Postal Service,” said Jean Trebek, his widow. “It is a such an extraordinary honor and a wonderful way to recognize what Alex meant to so many people.”