Alex Trebek Reveals How He Feels about Death in His New Memoir
Game show host Alex Trebek is toeing a line that many famous people of his age have taken — writing a memoir. While he covered quite a lot, his opinions on death were particularly intriguing.
With a life as fun-filled as his, Alex Trebek has got quite a lot to say. The 79-year-old game show host decided to show fans his life through a new memoir, titled "The Answer Is... Reflections on My Life."
Trebek's book is a heartfelt and inspirational piece that delves into his personality and experiences. However, perhaps most notable was his perception of death.
"Jeopardy!" host Alex Trebek wins an award for Outstanding Game Show Host at the 46th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards | Photo: Getty Images
Fans of Trebek got a stunner last March when he announced that he had Stage 4 pancreatic cancer. He has been vocal to his fans about the treatment steps he has taken thus far and some of its side effects.
His struggle with the disease filled most of the memoir's latter parts. It also gave insights on his state of mind concerning death, especially now that it could be imminent. Trebek writes:
"When death happens, it happens. Why should I be afraid of it?"
Trebek explained that he believed death wouldn't be painful. For one, his doctors had said they would make it as painless as possible.
The TV show host has claimed that his latest round of chemotherapy would be his last. So, if it doesn't yield any positive results, he would stop the treatment.
Trebek added that it wouldn't be so bad to end his life quietly.
On what he believed would come after his life, Trebek expressed some uncertainty. However, he did confirm that he doesn't believe in a specific god or any of the views of life after death.
The game show host also spoke on some of his bucket list activities, which he has cut short due to the novel coronavirus pandemic. In part, he said:
"… I'm supposed to just stay at home and sit in a chair and stare into space? Actually, that doesn't sound too bad."
Alex Trebek on "Good Morning America," on May 1, 2019 | Photo: Getty Images
Trebek added that it wouldn't be so bad to end his life quietly. To him, dying in the hands of his wife and children would be pretty sweet.
As for his memory in peoples' minds, Trebek also showed some uncertainty. However, he hoped to be remembered as a good, loving husband and father who helped people.
It's unclear whether Trebek would be able to make it out of this ordeal. Pancreatic cancer is quite severe, and his treatment experience shows that.
However, he remains ever the optimist and hopes that things work out. For now, he appears to be making peace with the life he has.